Sunburned liverock?! Is this an issue?

[newreefer_59]

Been reefimg for almost a full year now. My 150 gallom tank is established and all LPS/SPS/fish seem to be doing well. All tests are within range as well. Question is my rock that is most exposed to the light seems to be 'washed out' or 'sunburnt'. The attached photo is hard to see but gives an idea of what I am saying. As for lighting, I am using 3 actinics on for 11 hours a day and 3 white lights (46" T5 HO 54w 10,000K Ocean Sun) on for 7 hours. The T5 bulbs are ~ 6" off the water and the white lights are new (two months). Any suggestions?

[bvlester]

what live stock do you have in your tank?

[newreefer_59]

Yellow Tang, 2 Chromis's, 2 cleanser shrimp, Orange Spotted Goby and lawnmower blenny. Various snails and a few small crabs too.

[Chin_Lee]

When you do water changes, do you expose the tops of those rocks to air for any period of time? I find coraline algae often turns white after being exposed to air for 5+ minutes.
Aside from that, not sure what to suggest. The lighting you have shouldnt' washout your rocks.
Maybe use kalk water for topups and get the coraline algae growing more on the rocks.

[christyf5]

It just doesn't have any algae or coralline on it thats all. Coralline likes dimmer light. You could reduce your photoperiod but to me it just looks like you need to attach a coral frag there :wink:

[banditpowdercoat]

ya I got some sections of my rock like that. Cover them with light loving coral's :D

[bvlester]

I sake dwhat critters you have because since I added my urchin he has eaten some of my coriline algae, in one spot it looks like your rock just a smaller area. your herms could do the same thing. But I would just put a coral there and it will clear up.

Bill