why does my monti cap look like this?

[myownlife]

I've had this guy for a few months and its growing great. However the old growth is slowly turning to a brownish purple instead of bright orange like the new growth. Just curious what cause this. Here is a pic. Is it to much light? Is it phosphates. I have a couple other spa that have great color but I am still a noob when it comes to sps. Thanks guys

 

[myownlife]

Anyone?

 

[Ian Eisenberg]

Check for trace elements.
If i'm not mistaken Monti cap needs iron and magnesium for color.

 

[RalphsReef]

Some pieces simply change color depending on lighting and water quality. The new growth on most SPS is usually a different color than the main portion of the colony. As long as it isn't bleaching, you are doing OK.

 

[poolshark8961]

Check for trace elements.
If i'm not mistaken Monti cap needs iron and magnesium for color.

Trace elements in a smaller system should be added back in by water changes and routine maintenance. Perhaps too much light? How high in the tank do you have it? Monti Caps dont like as much light as other monti's, IME.

 

[clownfitch]

Check for trace elements.
If i'm not mistaken Monti cap needs iron and magnesium for color.

+1 Check your magnesium level. I had a similar problem and getting mag up solved it.

 

[myownlife]

My mag sits around 1400. I do weekly 10 gallon changes on a 70 g total volume system and I dose trace elements as needed