Zoas look dull and extended, fix?

[EbiAqua]

Had a no-name zoa frag with about 13 polyps on it for about 6 weeks, I'd reckon. When I bought them from the shop they were a dark red in appearance. Now after several weeks they are brown/tan and have very long extended polyps. I started with my lights on 10% white and now am on about 50% white and 10% blue (my light only does 10% increments). Unfortunately I cannot provide PAR data and have not performed any tests, just 40% weekly water changes. I feed lightly 2x per day since I only have one fish and a few CUC inverts (7 gallon cube).

What can be done to improve it's color and reduce the polyp extension? It is placed about a third of the way from the sand to the top of the tank.

 

[DrkNMighty]

That looks like they are stretching towards the light to me, so my guess would be not enough light. Any other corals in the tank? What light are you using?

 

[EbiAqua]

That looks like they are stretching towards the light to me, so my guess would be not enough light. Any other corals in the tank? What light are you using?

I just added a green Kenya tree today, it was the only coral prior to that so I was acclimating it to light slowly. I use a ReefBreeders Pico V2 LED.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Agree it looks like it stretching for more light. Losing color is also due to insufficient light

 

[EbiAqua]

Agree it looks like it stretching for more light

Would you recommend increasing light, or would changing location be better?

(edited for clarity)

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Thats hard for me to answer I don't know your tank situation therefore I would suggest to try moving it up higher

 

[ColorMeGone]

I would run 50% blue and 10% white to get the color to pop. Have your tried this out. White light won't show bright florescents from many corals.

 

[EbiAqua]

I would run 50% blue and 10% white to get the color to pop. Have your tried this out. White light won't show bright florescents from many corals.

I have macroalgae in the tank too and wanted a spectrum both would benefit from.