Micromussa Amakusensis Color & Lighting

[JohnNYC8]

Hi! Question: will Micromussa Amakusensis generally exhibit darker coloration in higher light? I have one that was light orange when I added it but now it has developed more maroon colors in addition to the light orange. I’d like to get that light orange back as the dominant color. It’s at about 150par, do you think a move to lower light will bring back more light orange or could that cause it to go more maroon?

Here’s the color progression it has gone through:

 

[bubbgee]

Short answer, no as it can bleach (I've done so, my micromussa turned lighter and have recovered under lower light). Plus you have to consider nutrient levels and flow as well.

 

[JohnNYC8]

Short answer, no as it can bleach (I've done so, my micromussa turned lighter and have recovered under lower light). Plus you have to consider nutrient levels and flow as well.

Ok I definitely don’t have bleaching yet at this light level. I run heavy in heavy out so my nutrients are never super low so that could be the answer.

I’m going to experiment with lower par but based on what you brought up I may end up with more maroon rather than less maroon. All new growth appears to be the same bright green which is the only color that isn’t shifting.

 

[bubbgee]

Ok I definitely don’t have bleaching yet at this light level. I run heavy in heavy out so my nutrients are never super low so that could be the answer.

I’m going to experiment with lower par but based on what you brought up I may end up with more maroon rather than less maroon. All new growth appears to be the same bright green which is the only color that isn’t shifting.

Unfortunately with color morphs, it's hard to predict what comes out and if it'll retain those colors when fragged and sold off. That's something worthwhile to experiment on as you can create lineages directly to you alone.

 

[JohnNYC8]

Unfortunately with color morphs, it's hard to predict what comes out and if it'll retain those colors when fragged and sold off. That's something worthwhile to experiment on as you can create lineages directly to you alone.

Thank you, I really appreciate it.

 

[JohnNYC8]

One last pic before I move it to lower light. Let’s experiment.

 

[JohnNYC8]

Short answer, no as it can bleach (I've done so, my micromussa turned lighter and have recovered under lower light). Plus you have to consider nutrient levels and flow as well.

I moved it to much lower lighting and it’s keeping the more maroon coloration. I think you’re right that the variable is flow and/or nutrients.

I try to be heavy in heavy out, fat happy fish, so I’ll learn to love the new color.