Why does my Skittles Favia extend very long sweepers some nights but not others?

Favia favus responds to chemical cues and feeding opportunities. After heavy feeding or when it “smells” nearby corals, it may deploy 2–4 inch sweepers to stake territory. Stable alkalinity and moderate flow reduce random aggression. If sweepers are frequent, increase spacing, redirect flow to disperse cues, and feed smaller portions earlier in the evening to satisfy feeding response without provoking nightly battles.

How can I preserve its multi-color “skittles” look without washing out hues?

Run moderate PAR (80–150) with strong blue/royal channels and restrained white/red. Ultra-low nutrients fade greens and yellows; maintain modest nitrate (5–15 ppm) and measurable phosphate (0.03–0.1). Trace balance matters—iron and manganese support greens; excess white can mute contrast. Acclimate slowly to light changes over 2–3 weeks and avoid large spectrum swings that can shock pigments and cause paling

My colony is receding from the base upward—what should I check first?

Check for detritus accumulation at the skeleton rim, vermetid mucous nets, and low-flow dead spots. Siphon debris, increase gentle cross-flow, and remove vermetids. Confirm stable alkalinity and avoid daily swings >0.3 dKH. If tissue looks gelatinous, treat for brown jelly in a separate container (iodine dip, improved aeration). Slightly higher nutrients often help Favia recover better than starved, ULNS conditions.

Why does it inflate at night and shade neighbors even without sweepers?

Favia favus has strong nocturnal polyp expansion for feeding and respiration. In low flow or when CO2 rises after lights out, the tissue can puff significantly. Give several inches of clearance, and consider a slight nighttime flow increase to keep tissues compact and oxygenated. If shading becomes chronic, raise the colony on a small stand or relocate it away from light-demanding neighbors.

Skittles Favia Coral

Beginner Corals LPS Favia

Overview

Skittles Favia Coral shows multicolored polygonal corallites with raised ridges. Favia favus is a stony, encrusting to dome-forming large-polyp coral that prefers moderate lighting and low to moderate, steady water flow. It is photosynthetic via symbiotic algae but benefits from occasional small meaty foods at night, which can improve growth and maintain coloration. Place with space around it, as sweeper tentacles can extend at night and sting nearby corals.

Quick Facts

Care Moderate

Lighting Low–Moderate

Flow Moderate indirect

Placement Low–Mid

Temperament Semi-aggressive (6+ inches spacing)

Recommended Parameters

Temp 76–80°F

pH 8.1–8.4

Salinity 1.025–1.026

Calcium 400–450 ppm

AlkAlkalinity 8–10 dKH

Magnesium 1280–1350 ppm

Feeding photosynthetic, mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, rotifers, zooplankton, microplankton, reef-specific powdered foods (e.g., Reef-Roids), finely chopped seafood

Care & Placement

Skittles Favia Coral (Favia favus) thrives with stable, moderate conditions. Provide moderate light (PAR ~80–150); start low and increase over 2 weeks using a dimmer or mesh to prevent bleaching. Use low to moderate, mixed flow that gently moves polyps and keeps debris off the skeleton; avoid direct jets. Target feed 2–3x weekly at dusk with small meaty foods (mysis, enriched brine, finely minced seafood) or coral powders; feeding supports growth and better color. Keep temperature 76–79°F, salinity 1.025–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, alkalinity 8.0–9.5 dKH, calcium 400–450 ppm, magnesium 1250–1350 ppm, nitrate 2–10 ppm, phosphate 0.03–0.08 ppm. Test weekly, use a refractometer, and maintain an auto top-off for stability; this species dislikes rapid swings, especially in alkalinity and light.Place low to mid in the tank with 3–6 inches of space from neighbors; at night it extends sweepers several inches and can sting. Compatible with peaceful LPS and soft corals at a distance; avoid aggressive LPS nearby. Acclimate via drip (20–30 minutes), inspect and dip for pests, and quarantine if possible. Common issues: tissue recession—check alkalinity, salinity, and pests; increase feeding and slightly reduce light. Bleaching—shade and lower PAR. Brown jelly—remove affected areas, improve flow, and consider an iodine dip. Stability, gentle flow, and regular feeding are the keys to long-term success.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Skittles Favia Coral

Why does my Skittles Favia extend very long sweepers some nights but not others?

Favia favus responds to chemical cues and feeding opportunities. After heavy feeding or when it “smells” nearby corals, it may deploy 2–4 inch sweepers to stake territory. Stable alkalinity and moderate flow reduce random aggression. If sweepers are frequent, increase spacing, redirect flow to disperse cues, and feed smaller portions earlier in the evening to satisfy feeding response without provoking nightly battles.
How can I preserve its multi-color “skittles” look without washing out hues?

Run moderate PAR (80–150) with strong blue/royal channels and restrained white/red. Ultra-low nutrients fade greens and yellows; maintain modest nitrate (5–15 ppm) and measurable phosphate (0.03–0.1). Trace balance matters—iron and manganese support greens; excess white can mute contrast. Acclimate slowly to light changes over 2–3 weeks and avoid large spectrum swings that can shock pigments and cause paling
My colony is receding from the base upward—what should I check first?

Check for detritus accumulation at the skeleton rim, vermetid mucous nets, and low-flow dead spots. Siphon debris, increase gentle cross-flow, and remove vermetids. Confirm stable alkalinity and avoid daily swings >0.3 dKH. If tissue looks gelatinous, treat for brown jelly in a separate container (iodine dip, improved aeration). Slightly higher nutrients often help Favia recover better than starved, ULNS conditions.
Why does it inflate at night and shade neighbors even without sweepers?

Favia favus has strong nocturnal polyp expansion for feeding and respiration. In low flow or when CO2 rises after lights out, the tissue can puff significantly. Give several inches of clearance, and consider a slight nighttime flow increase to keep tissues compact and oxygenated. If shading becomes chronic, raise the colony on a small stand or relocate it away from light-demanding neighbors.

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