How does Big Bang Favia (Favia favus) actually expand, and how much space should I give it?

It grows as a thick encrusting dome with tight, polygonal corallites, then plates outward over rock. Expect slow but steady lateral creep that can overrun small frags nearby. At night it extends short but potent sweepers; allow 3–5 inches of clearance, more from fleshy LPS. Mount on a stable, slightly elevated surface so the rim doesn’t rub sand or trap detritus.

My Big Bang’s neon speckles faded—what’s the likely cause and fix?

Color muffling often comes from excess PAR or elevated nutrients. If it looks pale, reduce white intensity and PAR; if it’s browning, gradually lower nitrate/phosphate to moderate levels. A blue/UV-leaning spectrum brings out fluorescence. Keep alk stable (8–9 dKH) and avoid rapid shifts. Target-feed at night 1–2 times weekly. Only adjust trace elements with testing data.

I’m seeing localized tissue recession on one corallite—how should I respond?

First stabilize parameters (alk, temp, salinity) and increase gentle, laminar flow to keep the rim clean. Inspect for vermetids or stinging neighbors. Trim sharp dead skeleton edges that can cut tissue. Perform an iodine-based dip and place the coral on a clean, raised plug. Feed small meaty foods after lights out to support recovery. Avoid sand abrasion and strong, direct jetting.

Can I train Big Bang Favia to accept food with lights on?

Yes. Start feeding 30–60 minutes after lights out when feeders are extended, then progressively shift earlier by ramping blues while keeping whites low. Turn off pumps, waft scent with aminos or thawed food juice, then offer fine meaty foods. Keep portions small to avoid film algae. With consistency, it will show a reliable daytime feeding response.

TSA Big Bang Favia Coral

Favia LPS

Overview

Big Bang Favia Coral features large, round corallites with contrasting mouths and ridged walls. Favia favus is a stony, massive brain coral; it does well under moderate light and low to moderate, indirect flow. It is photosynthetic via symbiotic algae but benefits from occasional small meaty foods at night, which can improve growth and color. Place with space around it, as sweeper tentacles can sting nearby corals.

Quick Facts

Care Moderate

Lighting Low–Moderate

Flow Moderate indirect

Placement Low–Mid

Temperament Semi-aggressive (night sweeper tentacles; 4–6" 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 1250–1350 ppm

Feeding photosynthetic, mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood (krill, clam, shrimp), zooplankton, microplankton, coral-specific powdered foods (reef roids), target-fed small meaty foods

Care & Placement

Big Bang Favia Coral (Favia favus) is a hardy LPS that thrives with stable conditions and moderate care. Provide moderate lighting (PAR 80–150); start low and move up slowly to avoid bleaching. Use low to moderate, indirect flow to keep waste from settling around the polyps while preventing tissue from whipping. Feed 2–3 times weekly after lights dim with small meaty foods (mysis, brine, reef roids) via gentle target feeding; this supports growth and coloration. Keep temperature 24–26°C/75–79°F, salinity 1.025–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, alkalinity 8–9.5 dKH, calcium 400–450 ppm, magnesium 1250–1350 ppm, nitrate 2–10 ppm, phosphate 0.02–0.08 ppm. Test weekly with reliable kits, use a refractometer for salinity, and avoid swings. Sensitive to copper and rapid parameter shifts.Place low to mid in the tank on stable rock or sand; avoid shifting sand that can abrade tissue. Allow 3–6 inches of space from neighbors—this coral sends out long sweeper tentacles at night and is semi‑aggressive. Compatible with peaceful tankmates; keep away from fast stingers and fast‑spreading soft corals. Acclimate with a dip and slow light acclimation; use acclimation mode or raise photoperiod gradually. Watch for tissue recession (often from high flow, low nutrients, or pests) and bleaching (too much light or sudden change). Increase feeding, adjust flow, or lower light if issues arise. Maintain clean but not sterile water, run carbon if chemical warfare is suspected, and inspect at night for polyp extension and health.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the TSA Big Bang Favia Coral

How does Big Bang Favia (Favia favus) actually expand, and how much space should I give it?

It grows as a thick encrusting dome with tight, polygonal corallites, then plates outward over rock. Expect slow but steady lateral creep that can overrun small frags nearby. At night it extends short but potent sweepers; allow 3–5 inches of clearance, more from fleshy LPS. Mount on a stable, slightly elevated surface so the rim doesn’t rub sand or trap detritus.
My Big Bang’s neon speckles faded—what’s the likely cause and fix?

Color muffling often comes from excess PAR or elevated nutrients. If it looks pale, reduce white intensity and PAR; if it’s browning, gradually lower nitrate/phosphate to moderate levels. A blue/UV-leaning spectrum brings out fluorescence. Keep alk stable (8–9 dKH) and avoid rapid shifts. Target-feed at night 1–2 times weekly. Only adjust trace elements with testing data.
I’m seeing localized tissue recession on one corallite—how should I respond?

First stabilize parameters (alk, temp, salinity) and increase gentle, laminar flow to keep the rim clean. Inspect for vermetids or stinging neighbors. Trim sharp dead skeleton edges that can cut tissue. Perform an iodine-based dip and place the coral on a clean, raised plug. Feed small meaty foods after lights out to support recovery. Avoid sand abrasion and strong, direct jetting.
Can I train Big Bang Favia to accept food with lights on?

Yes. Start feeding 30–60 minutes after lights out when feeders are extended, then progressively shift earlier by ramping blues while keeping whites low. Turn off pumps, waft scent with aminos or thawed food juice, then offer fine meaty foods. Keep portions small to avoid film algae. With consistency, it will show a reliable daytime feeding response.