Galaxea Behavior Questions

FSUseminoleEM1 · 05/13/2011, 07:02 PM

Just looking for a bit of information I haven't been able to find a solid answer for on Google yet.. Two days ago I picked up a Galaxea frag - it's gorgeous. It displays a high amount of activity & overall looks great.

- Today I noticed that a few of the tentacles looked rather skinny; to what extent should I expect fluctuations in its general appearance? One Google result said polyps may "shrivel" a little after spawning, is this true?

- Until about 30 minutes ago, the polyps have all been waving generously. When I shut the lights off, after ~10 hours of being on today, some of the polyps retracted. Is this a cause for concern? I know they're supposedly nocturnal, but I've also read that primarily daytime feeding can change their behavior to diurnal.

I do not want to sound paranoid as I am new to this hobby. I just want to know what observations are indicative of problems.

Just in case anyone asks my ammonia, nitrite, & nitrate levels are 0/0/0. I use Reef Crystals for salt & calcium, however I NEED to get a calcium test kit in the morning.

Any other general advice would be greatly appreciated.

sporto0 · 05/13/2011, 10:15 PM

they are a hardy coral, watch at night & be amazed at how thin & long their sweeper tentacles are! no need for concern with polyp retraction, make sure you give it a wide berth because it will sting other corals.

FSUseminoleEM1 · 05/14/2011, 07:00 AM

Power went out last night. The Galaxea retracted 100% - fortunately power was restored after about 90 minutes. Partial extension of the polyps followed.

This morning it was about 50% retracted until I turned the lights on, after which (i.e. currently) I'm watching the polyps extend one by one. I'm really starting to think it changed its activity pattern.

I'm going to pick up some brine shrimp for it in an hour when the LFS opens. The other LFS, where I purchased the Galaxea, said that they never spot fed it. Multiple internet sources tell me every-other-day supplemental feeding is required.

James404 · 05/14/2011, 07:52 AM

i've had galaxea for over a year and never spot fed it, it definitely isnt required. Whenever I feed the tank it sends out sweeper tentacles and catches whatever it can.

Sidefunk · 05/14/2011, 08:43 AM

I have had a galaxea for many months now and what you are describing seems to be very normal. Mine always retracts at night. Its a great coral enjoy, but as others said give it a lot of room because the sweepers are long and very deadly.

05/13/2011, 07:02 PM	#1
FSUseminoleEM1 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 8	Galaxea Behavior Questions Just looking for a bit of information I haven't been able to find a solid answer for on Google yet.. Two days ago I picked up a Galaxea frag - it's gorgeous. It displays a high amount of activity & overall looks great. - Today I noticed that a few of the tentacles looked rather skinny; to what extent should I expect fluctuations in its general appearance? One Google result said polyps may "shrivel" a little after spawning, is this true? - Until about 30 minutes ago, the polyps have all been waving generously. When I shut the lights off, after ~10 hours of being on today, some of the polyps retracted. Is this a cause for concern? I know they're supposedly nocturnal, but I've also read that primarily daytime feeding can change their behavior to diurnal. I do not want to sound paranoid as I am new to this hobby. I just want to know what observations are indicative of problems. Just in case anyone asks my ammonia, nitrite, & nitrate levels are 0/0/0. I use Reef Crystals for salt & calcium, however I NEED to get a calcium test kit in the morning. Any other general advice would be greatly appreciated.

05/14/2011, 07:52 AM	#4
James404 I <3 Acros Join Date: May 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 2,523	i've had galaxea for over a year and never spot fed it, it definitely isnt required. Whenever I feed the tank it sends out sweeper tentacles and catches whatever it can. __________________ 80g Deep Blue Rimless - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2651295 225g Reef Savvy SPS Dominant - Retired http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1945361

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05/13/2011, 10:15 PM	#2
sporto0 Moved On Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa. Posts: 2,924	they are a hardy coral, watch at night & be amazed at how thin & long their sweeper tentacles are! no need for concern with polyp retraction, make sure you give it a wide berth because it will sting other corals.

05/14/2011, 07:00 AM	#3
FSUseminoleEM1 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 8	Power went out last night. The Galaxea retracted 100% - fortunately power was restored after about 90 minutes. Partial extension of the polyps followed. This morning it was about 50% retracted until I turned the lights on, after which (i.e. currently) I'm watching the polyps extend one by one. I'm really starting to think it changed its activity pattern. I'm going to pick up some brine shrimp for it in an hour when the LFS opens. The other LFS, where I purchased the Galaxea, said that they never spot fed it. Multiple internet sources tell me every-other-day supplemental feeding is required.

05/14/2011, 08:43 AM	#5
Sidefunk Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 83	I have had a galaxea for many months now and what you are describing seems to be very normal. Mine always retracts at night. Its a great coral enjoy, but as others said give it a lot of room because the sweepers are long and very deadly.