Got my first coral

Mizu · 04/04/2006, 02:43 PM

its a green star polyp (because its supposed to be easy and almost impossible to kill)
Put it in my 75 gallon tank to keep my Cuttlefish Happy
Tank age is over a year
all parameter of water are in the green (else my Cuttle would be dead)
temp is at 68-70(its a cold water cuttle)
Question is this
Why wont it stay open?
It come out of its shell in the morning for a bit then closes up and stays closed for hours.
Why?
what can i do to fix it?

XeniaMania · 04/04/2006, 02:45 PM

Maybe it's because it's too cold for them? When my heater went out during fall/winter last year, none of my polyped corals opened much. BTW, I don't know about your cuttlefish being happy about having corals around. If you can keep your tank that cold, he/she might be happier w/ the live shrimps you can get at the asian markets..

Mrs.kbmdale · 04/04/2006, 02:50 PM

What is the tank size, lighting and how far from the lighting is the GSP, and how long have you had it now? It IS most likely due to the temp of the tank, most people with reefs shoot for a temp between 78-80 some a little lower some a little higher. BUT, it could also be trying to get used to it's new environment.

Happy Reefing,
Brianna

szwab · 04/04/2006, 08:19 PM

the GSP is not a temperate coral. they should be in warmer water. also lighting would be a big factor also.

Mizu · 04/05/2006, 06:36 AM

eh
guess ill take it back then.
It was to give my Cuttle something to mimic and mess with.
And since the cuttle is the focus of the tank then out goes the coral.
Ive had the GSP for about 4 days now.
the tank is 75 gal
the ligting is a standard aquarium/plant single bulb 48" long
the coral is at the bottom of the tank sitting on a rock near where i have my out put from my sump blowing.

Thanks for the replies.

kau_cinta_ku · 04/05/2006, 06:40 AM

yep i see 2 prob. the lighting isn't strong enough and the water being to cold. if possiable move it close to the light and see what happends but still think the colder water won't help it much

Bathel · 04/05/2006, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mizu
eh
guess ill take it back then.
It was to give my Cuttle something to mimic and mess with.
And since the cuttle is the focus of the tank then out goes the coral.
Ive had the GSP for about 4 days now.
the tank is 75 gal
the ligting is a standard aquarium/plant single bulb 48" long
the coral is at the bottom of the tank sitting on a rock near where i have my out put from my sump blowing.

Thanks for the replies.

Return it .... you don't have the correct setup to keep it alive .. IMO.

However, the star polyp might be able to take a temp of 72 degree, 68 would be too cold ... If you could run your tank a little higher and add much stronger light, you might be ok.

Quick Stats on the Star Polyp from Drs. F&S

Care Level: Easy
Light: Moderate to High
Water Flow: Medium to Strong
Placement: Middle to Top
Tank Conditions: 72-78Ã‚Â°F; sg 1.023-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4; dKH 8-12
Color Form: Green, Tan, White
Temperament: Peaceful
Ideal Supplements: Iodine, Trace Elements
Origin: Indonesia
Family: Clavulariidae

bobothewizard · 04/05/2006, 07:48 AM

great starter coral!

szwab · 04/05/2006, 07:49 AM

buy some fake corals and stick em in with the cuttle.

Mizu · 04/05/2006, 09:16 AM

I did that
but the fake corals didnt move in the current naturally.
I try to provide my animals as interesting an enviroment as possible and thought he might like some natural cover.
but then again he is a european cuttle so Id have to investigate what kind of coral grows off the coast of england.
Thanks again for the advice

Bathel · 04/06/2006, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mizu
I did that
but the fake corals didnt move in the current naturally.
I try to provide my animals as interesting an enviroment as possible and thought he might like some natural cover.
but then again he is a european cuttle so Id have to investigate what kind of coral grows off the coast of england.
Thanks again for the advice

You could call Drs. foster & smith ... you can look up their number on their website.

Tell them your requirements and see if they can get or have any corel that would met your needs. It's free and easy that way ... they have a great team working there.

04/04/2006, 02:43 PM	#1
Mizu Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: PA Posts: 48	Got my first coral its a green star polyp (because its supposed to be easy and almost impossible to kill) Put it in my 75 gallon tank to keep my Cuttlefish Happy Tank age is over a year all parameter of water are in the green (else my Cuttle would be dead) temp is at 68-70(its a cold water cuttle) Question is this Why wont it stay open? It come out of its shell in the morning for a bit then closes up and stays closed for hours. Why? what can i do to fix it?

04/04/2006, 02:50 PM	#3
Mrs.kbmdale Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Pulaski, Tn Posts: 808	What is the tank size, lighting and how far from the lighting is the GSP, and how long have you had it now? It IS most likely due to the temp of the tank, most people with reefs shoot for a temp between 78-80 some a little lower some a little higher. BUT, it could also be trying to get used to it's new environment. Happy Reefing, Brianna __________________ Happpy Reefing (: Brianna :) Live, Love & Laugh like there's no tomorrow, otherwise, you miss today!

04/04/2006, 08:19 PM	#4
szwab RC Mod Join Date: May 2002 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 15,225	the GSP is not a temperate coral. they should be in warmer water. also lighting would be a big factor also. __________________ Mark "I got a fever, and the only prescription, is more cowbell" ~ Christopher Walken Current Tank Info: AGE 240 Flatback Hex

04/05/2006, 07:49 AM	#9
szwab RC Mod Join Date: May 2002 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 15,225	buy some fake corals and stick em in with the cuttle. __________________ Mark "I got a fever, and the only prescription, is more cowbell" ~ Christopher Walken Current Tank Info: AGE 240 Flatback Hex

04/04/2006, 02:45 PM	#2
XeniaMania Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Orange, CA Posts: 1,627	Maybe it's because it's too cold for them? When my heater went out during fall/winter last year, none of my polyped corals opened much. BTW, I don't know about your cuttlefish being happy about having corals around. If you can keep your tank that cold, he/she might be happier w/ the live shrimps you can get at the asian markets..

04/05/2006, 06:36 AM	#5
Mizu Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: PA Posts: 48	eh guess ill take it back then. It was to give my Cuttle something to mimic and mess with. And since the cuttle is the focus of the tank then out goes the coral. Ive had the GSP for about 4 days now. the tank is 75 gal the ligting is a standard aquarium/plant single bulb 48" long the coral is at the bottom of the tank sitting on a rock near where i have my out put from my sump blowing. Thanks for the replies.

04/05/2006, 06:40 AM	#6
kau_cinta_ku Moved On Join Date: May 2005 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 8,669	yep i see 2 prob. the lighting isn't strong enough and the water being to cold. if possiable move it close to the light and see what happends but still think the colder water won't help it much

04/05/2006, 07:48 AM	#8
bobothewizard Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Dillsburg, PA Posts: 58	great starter coral!

04/05/2006, 09:16 AM	#10
Mizu Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: PA Posts: 48	I did that but the fake corals didnt move in the current naturally. I try to provide my animals as interesting an enviroment as possible and thought he might like some natural cover. but then again he is a european cuttle so Id have to investigate what kind of coral grows off the coast of england. Thanks again for the advice