HELP!! What is this thing??

[greenbean36191]

Despite the fact that Tritoniopsis is probably the 3rd most common nudibranch in the hobby, it's also by far the least likely of the pest species to become a plague. While they are prolific breeders in captivity, it takes 2 slugs to tango and it's not that common to get 2 at a time. While you should definitely keep an eye out for more, I would not assume that you will find any.

[Xsjadolateralus]

It's just so damn unfortunate that these nudibranches would specialize in eating expensive corals. They're really such beautiful creatures and I wish they could safely be a part of our reefs. Does anyone keep them and actually grow corals specifically to feed them? If I were rich, ohhhhhh the nudibranch ranch I would create!!!!

[greenbean36191]

I used to keep them in a species tank back in college. Like most sea slugs, their lifespan is less than a year, so unless you're trying to farm a self-sustaining population it's not really unreasonable to feed them.

[DJREEF]

Originally Posted by VictorE

That's VERY discouraging.

This system has over 300# of rock and is 320 gallons. It took me several DAYS over a period of WEEKS to build this reef, which is now a solid piece.

The leathers seem to be fine.

There must be predators for this animal as an alternate.

you're having nutrient issues. Check your nitrates(NO3) and your phosphates (PO4). That's the reason why your corals are receding. It's highly unlikely that an obligate specialist predator such as Tritoniopsis sp. is going to attack anything but Lobophyton sp.


DJ

[VictorE]

Originally Posted by greenbean36191

Despite the fact that Tritoniopsis is probably the 3rd most common nudibranch in the hobby, it's also by far the least likely of the pest species to become a plague. While they are prolific breeders in captivity, it takes 2 slugs to tango and it's not that common to get 2 at a time. While you should definitely keep an eye out for more, I would not assume that you will find any.

Picked out three more on Friday.

[VictorE]

Bought some BioPlankton http://www.liquidlifeusa.com/Product...oPlankton.html to see if a different plankton food solves some of these issues.

Can some one tell me what another name for the coral photo that is attached is called? I come up empty handed doing internet searches.

It is growing but turning brown rather than staying green and white.

[DJREEF]

Originally Posted by VictorE

Bought some BioPlankton http://www.liquidlifeusa.com/Product...oPlankton.html to see if a different plankton food solves some of these issues.

Can some one tell me what another name for the coral photo that is attached is called? I come up empty handed doing internet searches.

It is growing but turning brown rather than staying green and white.

I can't tell what it is, the thumbnail won't open up on my iPad. Browning corals are a symptom of higher than NSW nutrient load. You need to check your nitrates and your phosphates.

DJ

[VictorE]

Originally Posted by DJREEF

I can't tell what it is, the thumbnail won't open up on my iPad. Browning corals are a symptom of higher than NSW nutrient load. You need to check your nitrates and your phosphates.

DJ

Nitrates are zero. With a GFO reactor, I suspect phosphates are also zero, but I will need to pull out my new toy that checks phosphates with an electronic tester.

BTW, overfeeding? I've also been told underfeeding. I put a couple of tablespoons of photoplankton maybe once a week in this 320 gallon beast. Is that too much? Other than that the fish get a frozen cube of somethings once a day.

[DJREEF]

Originally Posted by VictorE

Nitrates are zero. With a GFO reactor, I suspect phosphates are also zero, but I will need to pull out my new toy that checks phosphates with an electronic tester.

BTW, overfeeding? I've also been told underfeeding. I put a couple of tablespoons of photoplankton maybe once a week in this 320 gallon beast. Is that too much? Other than that the fish get a frozen cube of somethings once a day.

I wouldn't think so. Maybe spacing the phyto feedings out to a single tablespoon every 3 days might work better. That way it doesn't hit the system all at once. I guess it depends on the type of frozen food, but that certainly doesn't sound like it would be problematic.

DJ