Why does my Antivenom Favia send out very long sweepers some nights and barely any on others?

Favia favus responds to nearby chemical cues and feeding opportunities. After spot-feeding or when sensing neighbors, it can extend 2–6 inch sweepers to claim space. Variability also tracks flow and nocturnal pH/ORP shifts. Give at least 4–6 inches of clearance, run a stable flow pattern, and feed earlier in the photoperiod to reduce late-night aggression.

My colony’s rim grows fast but the center looks dull—what’s causing the “shadow fade”?

As the rim thickens, it can shade central corallites, reducing PAR and food capture. Rotate the colony 90° every 1–2 weeks, increase gentle cross-flow to deliver particulates to the center, and target-feed inner mouths. Slightly raise overall PAR gradually (10–15% over two weeks) to re-energize shaded tissue.

How can I keep the Antivenom colors from shifting toward brown or washed-out?

This morph stays vivid under stable nutrients (NO3 5–15 ppm, PO4 0.03–0.08), moderate PAR (100–180), and a blue-heavy spectrum (peaks 420–470 nm). Excess white or UV can bleach tips; ultra-low nutrients mute fluorescence. Feed small meaty foods 2–3x weekly, avoid abrupt light changes, and maintain consistent iron/iodine via regular water changes.

I’m seeing nocturnal tissue lifting—could this be polyp bailout, and how do I stop it?

Yes, bailout can follow acute stress: high velocity flow, sudden PAR spikes, or alkalinity swings. Immediately lower flow intensity, reduce light 20–30% for a week, and correct chemistry slowly (alk 8–9 dKH, Ca ~420, Mg ~1300). Perform an iodine dip if tissue is ragged. Resume gentle feeding once inflation returns at night.

TSA Antivenom Favia Coral

Favia LPS

Overview

Antivenom Favia Coral shows tight, hexagonal corallites with contrasting mouths and ridges. Favia favus is a stony, massive brain coral; it does well under moderate light and moderate, indirect flow. It is photosynthetic via symbiotic algae but accepts small meaty foods at night, which can boost growth and deepen color. Give several inches of space due to nighttime sweeper tentacles, and place on stable rock or sand with room to expand.

Quick Facts

Care Moderate

Lighting Low–Moderate

Flow Moderate, indirect

Placement Low–Mid

Temperament Semi-aggressive (3–6 inches spacing due to long night sweepers)

Recommended Parameters

Temp 76–80°F

pH 8.1–8.4

Salinity 1.025–1.026

Calcium 400–450 ppm

AlkAlkalinity 8–9.5 dKH

Magnesium 1250–1350 ppm

Feeding photosynthetic, mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped marine meats, zooplankton, microplankton, coral-specific powdered foods, marine snow

Care & Placement

Antivenom Favia Coral (Favia favus) thrives with stable, moderate conditions. Place low to mid in the tank on the sandbed or lower rock work; target 80–150 PAR with gradual light acclimation (start lower and raise over 2–3 weeks). Provide moderate, indirect, random flow to keep the surface free of detritus without lifting tissue. Feed 2–3 times weekly at night when feeder tentacles extend; offer small meaty foods (mysis, chopped krill) or fine coral foods. Maintain temperature 76–79°F (24–26°C), pH 8.0–8.3, salinity 1.025–1.026, alkalinity 8–9.5 dKH, calcium 400–450 ppm, magnesium 1280–1350 ppm, nitrate 5–15 ppm, phosphate 0.03–0.08 ppm. Favia is sensitive to swings—use reliable test kits, a refractometer, and consistent dosing; monitor alkalinity closely. Aim for 10–15% water changes every 1–2 weeks.Allow 3–6 inches of space from neighbors; at night it can extend 1–3 inch sweepers that sting other corals. Generally peaceful with fish and inverts that don’t pick at fleshy LPS. Dip and inspect on arrival, secure the frag to prevent tipping, and acclimate via drip for 30–45 minutes. Signs of excess light include paling/bleaching; move to lower light and shorten photoperiod. Tissue recession often points to unstable alkalinity/salinity or pests; correct stability first, then address pests. If detritus collects in valleys, increase gentle crossflow and turkey baste during maintenance. Consistent, stable care rewards with strong growth and color.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the TSA Antivenom Favia Coral

Why does my Antivenom Favia send out very long sweepers some nights and barely any on others?

Favia favus responds to nearby chemical cues and feeding opportunities. After spot-feeding or when sensing neighbors, it can extend 2–6 inch sweepers to claim space. Variability also tracks flow and nocturnal pH/ORP shifts. Give at least 4–6 inches of clearance, run a stable flow pattern, and feed earlier in the photoperiod to reduce late-night aggression.
My colony’s rim grows fast but the center looks dull—what’s causing the “shadow fade”?

As the rim thickens, it can shade central corallites, reducing PAR and food capture. Rotate the colony 90° every 1–2 weeks, increase gentle cross-flow to deliver particulates to the center, and target-feed inner mouths. Slightly raise overall PAR gradually (10–15% over two weeks) to re-energize shaded tissue.
How can I keep the Antivenom colors from shifting toward brown or washed-out?

This morph stays vivid under stable nutrients (NO3 5–15 ppm, PO4 0.03–0.08), moderate PAR (100–180), and a blue-heavy spectrum (peaks 420–470 nm). Excess white or UV can bleach tips; ultra-low nutrients mute fluorescence. Feed small meaty foods 2–3x weekly, avoid abrupt light changes, and maintain consistent iron/iodine via regular water changes.
I’m seeing nocturnal tissue lifting—could this be polyp bailout, and how do I stop it?

Yes, bailout can follow acute stress: high velocity flow, sudden PAR spikes, or alkalinity swings. Immediately lower flow intensity, reduce light 20–30% for a week, and correct chemistry slowly (alk 8–9 dKH, Ca ~420, Mg ~1300). Perform an iodine dip if tissue is ragged. Resume gentle feeding once inflation returns at night.

Shop

Shop Related

Hand-picked Favia Corals for your TSA Antivenom Favia Coral.