gorgonia

[micki]

I see a few have these in the photo of the month thread.  They are stunning!  Just wondering how long you've had them and how you feed them etc.  I've always read they are difficult to keep.  How would you guys rate them in difficulty?  Thanks!

[Neogenesis]

I personally would definitely rate them on the tougher side of things.  I quickly ran into water quality issues because I was trying to feed it and a large carpet anemone at the same time.  That was compounded with a failing RO unit that I didn't know of at the time.  That all turned into a juggling act to reduce feeding to rid myself of cyano, while trying to keep everything alive.  I sadly lost mine in the end......once it started to decline, there was no saving it.  I won't be trying any more NPS Gorgonians for a while.  Now the photosynthetic ones I'm having great luck with, I'm hoping to find some more colors soon, if they are even available.

Scott

[bkvreef]

I have absolutely no experience with feeding them (or keeping them for that matter).  Now that I've said that here is an idea:  When I had sun coral or other corals that I had difficulty feeding (due to fish stealing) I would cut a two liter bottle and place it over the coral when I was feeding it.  That always cut down on the amount that I had to put in the tank because the bottle kept it in the vicinity of the coral.  I don't know if this helps but I would think it could help on aleviating some of leftover food floating around your tank.

[Kenn]

I have watched several die in my tank ... I came to the conclusion that they are best in a dedicated sparking clean SPS tank. Just my opinion

[The WuSue]

I don't often say I won't attempt something in the reef keeping trade.

But when I do, it's usually because it starts with non.

[lazylivin]

Some folks have been sucessful but it is very rare. They use high kelvin lighting with low par to reduce algae. Cooler water temps, automated feeding via dosers that are connected to small refrigerator where food is kept. Lots of water changes. They are beautiful systems.

[Kenn]

Some folks have been sucessful but it is very rare. They use high kelvin lighting with low par to reduce algae. Cooler water temps, automated feeding via dosers that are connected to small refrigerator where food is kept. Lots of water changes. They are beautiful systems.

Sounds like the orchids of the Salt water tank hobby ... Beautiful to look at as long as someone else is growing them

[Fishfreak]

I have mine in the seahorse tank. Most are about 6 months old. My mother usually target feeds them 4-5 times a week. And that's just for the orange tree gorgonia. All grow like a weed.