A Coral Observation Diary: Days 1, 7, 14 and 30

A repeat photograph is most useful when the conditions around the photograph are repeatable. Use this diary to document a concern without promising that every coral will recover on a schedule.

Day 1: establish the record

Choose one coral and save a clear whole-colony image plus a close view. Record the date, lighting mode, location, visible concern and readings you actually measured. Keep the original files, including any image that does not support your first explanation.

Days 7 and 14: compare fairly

Repeat the angle, distance and light settings. Note intervening changes rather than attributing a difference to the last product used. Record whether tissue coverage, extension or the affected area looks different; photographs are observations rather than proof of cause.

Day 30: review the whole timeline

Look for a pattern across the images and notes. A stable appearance, an improvement and continued decline are all valid outcomes to report. Do not alter the lighting or dose simply to produce an impressive comparison.

Do not wait for a diary date

Rapid tissue loss or a wider tank problem deserves prompt informed help. Scheduled photos never replace action on an urgent change. This diary focuses on an existing concern; the 30-day community challenge is a broader baseline-observation activity.

Join the discussion

Do you keep repeat photos?

Sources and further reading

• NOAA: discolored tissue and bleaching