Bleaching or New Growth?

[playboateralex]

So I’m trying SPS for the first time since a failed attempt 4 years ago. Since I’ve upgraded my tank filtration. So I started with some green plating montipora. I’ve noticed the leading edge has whitened and I was curious if you thought it was bleaching or new growth. I’m hopeful because I see little polyps extended through it! I appreciate all your help!

 

[KrisReef]

Yes, appears to be new growth.

SPS need stable ALk and detectable N & P. It is helpful to test for these to ensure that the coral growth remains possitive. Nice work thus far!

 

[playboateralex]

Nitrate at 3PPM
Phosphate at 0.05 PPM
Calcium is 425
Alkalinity is at 9.
Magnesium is at 1350
I’ve been stable at these levels for quite awhile. I’ve never done an ICP test so there could be some variation to the true results.

 

[Euphyllia97]

looks like new growth to me :)

 

[exnisstech]

Agree with new growth.

Mine seem to do well in higher nutrients but I also have some growing in much lower but I seem to get better growth in the tank with elevated nutrients. NO3 38, PO4 0.6+