Let's talk about corals to stock in a non-photosynthetic aquarium

Aquabacs · 04/13/2010, 06:48 PM

As our non-photosynthetic forum continues to grow a common question that is asked is: What kind of non-photosynthetic corals are there and what are their care level. It is our duty as members of this forum to help our community grow and help increase exposure of non-photosynthetic corals to reefkeepers.

Let's make the thread interesting, interactive, and hopefully a little educational in the process.

Guidelines:

Post one picture of the coral you are going to discuss (no full tank shots)
Scientific name of the coral
Common name of coral
Type of coral (LPS, Soft Coral, Gorgonian, etc)
Care Level-
Beginner: (corals that are to be recommended for a reefkeeper who has kept corals before but has not kept non-photosynthetic corals) these corals are to be the hardiest, simple direct feeding, and easiest to maintain.
Intermediate: (corals that are to be recommended for a reefkeeper who has kept beginner non-photosynthetic corals thriving in their aquarium for a period of time) these corals are more moderate in hardiness and require a higher care level than Beginner.
Advanced (corals that are to be recommended for a reefkeeper who has kept Intermediate non-photosynthetic corals thriving in their aquarium for a period of time) these corals are more delicate in hardiness and require a higher care level than Intermadiate. In addition, these corals require more dedication to their specific feeding needs (for example:continuous autofeeding of liquid, live, dry or frozen).
Expert: these corals should only be attempted by seasoned non-photosynthetic reefkeepers who are aware of the husbandry practices needed to sustain them in a closed system.
How does the coral reproduce (if known)
Coral Placement/Orientation
Feeding: types of food recommended for sustaining the coral and how the food should be administered: direct fed, broadcast, etc.
Additional tips or words of wisdom of keeping this type of coral

Now these are just the basics to start with. If you have any recommendations to add, feel free to do so.

Mike

smsreefer · 04/13/2010, 07:22 PM

Should be a great thread Aquabacs !
Looking forward to some good replies as well !

Aquabacs · 04/13/2010, 10:04 PM

Dendrophyllia sp.

Common names: Dendro, Super Sun Coral, Firecracker coral

Type of Coral: LPS

Care Level: Beginner

Reproduction: reproduces by (asexual) budding, (sexual) planula release, can be easily fragged.

Coral Placement/Orientation coral in not finicky in placement or with flow, can be glued or epoxied vertically or horizontally

Feeding: prefers meaty foods: mysis, prawns, squid, brine shrimp, cyclop-eeze, chopped silversides. Food should be fed directly to the polyp either by feeding tongs or turkey baster daily.

Additional tips or words of wisdom Dendrophyllia sp. is a great beginner coral and normally the gateway coral into keeping of non-photosynthetic corals. It is has become easily available to the public, fequent art frag swaps and one of the hardiest non-photosynthetic corals available. Yes, this coral can survive on less than daily feeding but in our aquariums we are looking for more than survival

Timeless1483 · 04/14/2010, 10:29 AM

Name: Tubastraea sp

Common Name: Sun Coral

Colors available: Black, Olive, Yellow, Red

Reproduction: planula release, budding, easily fragged.

Coral Placement: loves flow, can be glued or epxoed vertically or horizontally. Can also be placed in direct light, but lower in the tank.

Feeding: Brine, Mysis, Photoplankton, Cyclop-eese, krill, table shrimp-raw-Meaty foods in small bit size pieces.

Additional info: This is a very beautiful coral, easy to care for, but should be a decatitated hobbist. Daily feedings will make this coral trive, but keep an eye on nutrient export. Weekly water changes is a must.

Timeless1483 · 04/14/2010, 10:38 AM

Scientific:Rhizotrochus typus

Family: Flabellidae

Common:Rhizotrochus typus, Rhizo

Colors: White, pink, red, orange, green

Reproduction: Budding-They send out tubes from skeleton, and new babies appear.

Coral Placement: Can be glued or expoxed to LR, and can be placed in substrate. Like gentle to moderate flow.

Feeding: This LPS coral loves Silverside, mysis, krill. Meaty foods. Small daily feeding is good, but will be find with weekly feedings(1 silverside)

Additional info: Not a great deal on the net, expensive ($100-$1000), normally from the waters of Japan, but not limited too. It is ok in light, but expands to 5 times it size at night, and after feeding.Rhizotrochus typus is a reef building coral, which has not formed a mutualistic symbiosis with zooxanthellae. Species from the Flabellidae family likely occur up to several kilometers in depth, in the Indo-Pacific region. They feed on plankton, detritus, crustaceans, fish and possibly dissolved organic molecules. R. typus is exported for the aquarium trade. These corals require ample feeding with crustaceans and small fish.

uhuru · 04/14/2010, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timeless1483

Name: Tubastraea sp

Common Name: Sun Coral

Colors available: Black, Olive, Yellow, Red

Reproduction: planula release, budding, easily fragged.

Coral Placement: loves flow, can be glued or epxoed vertically or horizontally. Can also be placed in direct light, but lower in the tank.

Feeding: Brine, Mysis, Photoplankton, Cyclop-eese, krill, table shrimp-raw-Meaty foods in small bit size pieces.

Additional info: This is a very beautiful coral, easy to care for, but should be a decatitated hobbist. Daily feedings will make this coral trive, but keep an eye on nutrient export. Weekly water changes is a must.

I would change this to zooplankton. Also, I would take out the weekly water change requirement, just because everyones tank is different and there are no definite rules as long as water quality is acceptable. Like you said, "keep an eye on nutrient export" is the key.

smsreefer · 04/14/2010, 03:17 PM

Great info guys !
Lets keep them coming.
Hopefully , In the end ,someone should publish all the information.
As we all know,there are not that many resources .
Thanks

uhuru · 04/14/2010, 03:57 PM

Diodogorgia nodulifera

Common names: Yellow or Red Finger Gorgonian

Type of Coral: Gorgonian

Care Level: Intermediate

Reproduction: most likely sexual

Coral Placement/Orientation Insensitive to light. Unknown whether laminar flow or turbulent flow yields better results, but I have mine directly in the path of a vortech with flow that would probably stress out high flow loving Acropora corals.

Feeding: Zooplankton, eggs/larvae, possibly bacterioplankton and detritus. Food should be no larger than frozen cyclopeeze, with the majority being much smaller such as rotifers. Polyps will retract without constant food in the water.

Additional tips or words of wisdom This is a good first gorgonian if you are venturing into an NPS system. They are still difficult relative to most photosynthetic corals. You should feed small amounts as often as possible. A continuous feeding system will yield the best results as the polyps should stay open almost 24/7. If the polyps stay closed most of the time, either you don't have enough flow, enough food in the water or your water quality is too poor. This coral will grow vertically from the tips and "encrust" from the base if it is healthy. It will grow in the direction of the strongest flow and can handle literally being blasted with it. The tissue gets algae and detritus build up easily and should be kept clean (high flow will help a lot).

Aquabacs · 04/14/2010, 04:53 PM

Awesome job guys! Keep them coming.

Timeless1483 dont forget to add pictures of the coral you are speaking of

It will help the reader/reefer connect an image with the information.

Mike

smsreefer · 04/14/2010, 04:56 PM

Great thread !
Anyone with [ waiting on ] Trikentrion flabelliforme /Red Spider Sponge experience ?

Timeless1483 · 04/14/2010, 04:57 PM

scientific name: Alcyonium species-Shili Sponge

[IM

Common name: Chili Sponge, Strawberry Coral, Encrusting Leather Coral and Red Finger.

Type of Coral: Soft Coral

Reproduction: Budding

Coral Placement: loves flow, can be stuck between rock, or glued if attached to piece of LR. Vertical or horizontal. Best place is in shaded area, but can tolerate the light at bottom of tank.

Feeding: Brine, Zooplankton, DT, Cyclop-ezze.

Additional info: Chili Coral grows to a maximum of six inches in length. Chili Coral may be found in purple, yellow, orange and red colored varieties. Some what difficult to keep, requires food a few times a day, will stay open most of the day.

Timeless1483 · 04/14/2010, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timeless1483

Name: Tubastraea sp

Common Name: Sun Coral

Colors available: Black, Olive, Yellow, Red

Reproduction: planula release, budding, easily fragged.

Coral Placement: loves flow, can be glued or epxoed vertically or horizontally. Can also be placed in direct light, but lower in the tank.

Feeding: Brine, Mysis, Photoplankton, Cyclop-eese, krill, table shrimp-raw-Meaty foods in small bit size pieces.

Additional info: This is a very beautiful coral, easy to care for, but should be a decatitated hobbist. Daily feedings will make this coral trive, but keep an eye on nutrient export. Weekly water changes is a must.

Timeless1483 · 04/14/2010, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timeless1483

Scientific:Rhizotrochus typus

Family: Flabellidae

Common:Rhizotrochus typus, Rhizo

Colors: White, pink, red, orange, green

Reproduction: Budding-They send out tubes from skeleton, and new babies appear.

Coral Placement: Can be glued or expoxed to LR, and can be placed in substrate. Like gentle to moderate flow.

Feeding: This LPS coral loves Silverside, mysis, krill. Meaty foods. Small daily feeding is good, but will be find with weekly feedings(1 silverside)

Additional info: Not a great deal on the net, expensive ($100-$1000), normally from the waters of Japan, but not limited too. It is ok in light, but expands to 5 times it size at night, and after feeding.Rhizotrochus typus is a reef building coral, which has not formed a mutualistic symbiosis with zooxanthellae. Species from the Flabellidae family likely occur up to several kilometers in depth, in the Indo-Pacific region. They feed on plankton, detritus, crustaceans, fish and possibly dissolved organic molecules. R. typus is exported for the aquarium trade. These corals require ample feeding with crustaceans and small fish.

Aquabacs · 04/14/2010, 05:15 PM

Now that's what I am talking about!

slapshot · 04/14/2010, 07:39 PM

I'll jump in with this:

Family Name:Cirrhipathes spiralis

Common name: Wire coral, Spiral coral

Type Of Coral: Black Coral

Reproduction: Cuttings, the rest is unknown

Coral Placement: Prefers lots of flow, doesn't care about lighting. Cuttings can be epoxied to a structure piece.

Feeding: Eats just about anything. Seems to love cyclops and mysis.

Additional: Appears to be a great beginner coral. It is relatively new to the aquarium world so not a lot of information out there. I feed mine 3 to 4 times a week directly and it is always grabbing anything that floats by. In nature they are found in deep waters. They grow everywhere conditions are right from Florida to the indo pacific. The indo ones seem to have the best color. Ranging from purples to blues to yellow to a combination of all of the above. Used and sort after in Asian cultures and for jewelry. The calcium structure left behind in death is a hard black skeleton. It can be polished to a shinny black stone.

Timeless1483 · 04/15/2010, 06:40 PM

Coral: Balanophyllia elegans

Common:Balanophyllia, orange cup coral, orange coral

Reproduction: Sexes are separate. The eggs are fertilized inside the mother's gastrovascular cavity and develop to planula larvae there. Planulae larvae usually settle within 10 cm of the parent

Coral Placement: Can be glued or expoxed to LR, likes moderate to fast flow.

Feeding: brine, zooplakton, mysis, Meaty foods.

Additional info:This coral catches prey primarily by nematocysts and spirocysts on its tentacles, but may open its mouth widely and capture some prey with the mesenteries inside its gastrovascular cavity . This species is known to be able to absorb dissolved organic carbon from the water. The polyps of this coral are solitary.

fullmonti · 04/19/2010, 06:46 AM

Thanks every one! This is going to help a lot of us that are trying to learn more about NPS. Also save you from answering the same questions over & over. Thanks & keep up the good work!

Kungpaoshizi · 04/19/2010, 10:08 AM

Boy these look interesting, thinking of starting some myself~
Are these then probably the best for those with only natural lighting?
(don't have any lighting, just the 3 gigantic windows in my apartment that let in TONS of sun all day long)
thanks

owlbassboy · 04/19/2010, 10:54 AM

wow what an amazing thread thanks everyone

Skipper · 04/19/2010, 07:41 PM

Thread stuck to the top!!!!

Aquabacs · 04/19/2010, 08:02 PM

Thanks for your help Skip. You rock!

Mike

Aquabacs · 04/19/2010, 09:15 PM

Menella sp.

Common names: Menella Gorgonian, Golden Sea Rod
Note: coral also comes in blue and brown variations Blue Sea Rod

Type of Coral: Gorgonian

Care Level: Intermediate

Reproduction: most likely sexual, can be fragged

Coral Placement/Orientation: Insensitive to light. Coral in not finicky in placement, does well in laminar flow or turbulent flow, can be glued or epoxied vertically or horizontally

Feeding: Gorgonians are suspension feeders that filter small food particles from the water column: zooplankton, eggs/larvae, possibly bacterioplankton and detritus. Food should be no larger than frozen cyclop-eeze, with the majority being much smaller such as rotifers. Polyps will retract without constant food in the water.

Additional tips or words of wisdom This large polyp species of gorgonian is one of the more easier species of non-photosynthetic gorgonians to keep. They are still difficult relative to most photosynthetic corals and should be attempted once Beginner non-photosynthetic corals have been able to be sustained in the aquarium for a period of time. You should feed small amounts as often as possible. A continuous feeding system (dry or liquid) will yield the best results as the polyps should stay open almost 24/7. If the polyps stay closed most of the time, either you don't have enough flow, enough food in the water or your water quality is too poor. This coral will grow vertically from the tips and "encrust" from the base if it is healthy. It will grow in the direction of the strongest flow and can handle literally being blasted with it. The tissue gets algae and detritus build up easily and should be kept clean (high flow will help a lot).
Note: Coral can "wax over" and shed. While this process is occurring, polyps will not expand. The process can be assisted by using a turkey baster to gently remove the "waxed over" coating. Coral will have a "new" appearance after this takes place.

Aquabacs · 04/19/2010, 09:26 PM

Astrogorgia sp.

Common names: Astrogorgia Sea Fan, Astro Sea Fan

Type of Coral: Gorgonian

Care Level: Advanced

Reproduction: most likely sexual, can be fragged

Coral Placement/Orientation: Insensitive to light. Coral in not finicky in placement, does well in laminar flow or turbulent flow, can be glued or epoxied vertically or horizontally

Feeding: Gorgonians are suspension feeders that filter small food particles from the water column: zooplankton, eggs/larvae, possibly bacterioplankton and detritus. Food should be no larger than frozen cyclop-eeze, with the majority being much smaller such as rotifers. Polyps will retract without constant food in the water.

Additional tips or words of wisdom This non-photosynthetic gorgonian is one of the more difficult species to keep. Should be attempted once Intermediate non-photosynthetic gorgonians have been able to be sustained in the aquarium for a period of time. You should feed small amounts as often as possible. A continuous feeding system (dry or liquid) will yield the best results as the polyps should stay open almost 24/7. If the polyps stay closed most of the time, either you don't have enough flow, enough food in the water or your water quality is too poor. This coral will grow vertically from the tips and "encrust" from the base if it is healthy. It will grow in the direction of the strongest flow and can handle literally being blasted with it. The tissue gets algae and detritus build up easily and should be kept clean (high flow will help a lot).
Note: Coral can "wax over" and shed. While this process is occurring, polyps will not expand. The process can be assisted by using a turkey baster to gently remove the "waxed over" coating. Coral will have a "new" appearance after this takes place.

smsreefer · 04/20/2010, 06:09 AM

Great additions to the thread Mike !
Also congratulations ,you just got the first NPS sticky !

David

Timeless1483 · 04/20/2010, 10:49 AM

Ptilosarcus gurneyi

Common Name: Sea Pen

Type of coral: Octocorals, soft coral, Sea whip family.

Care: Advanced

Coral Placement: Bottom, no light requirements, place in substrate-root like structure.

Feeding:Filter feeder. Phytoplakton, zooplakton, ect.

Additional info: sea pens are colonial animals with multiple polyps ,a sea pen's polyps are specialized to specific functions. Normally found in 10+ m deep waters, low flow areas.Their primary predators are nudibranchs and sea stars, some of which feed exclusively on sea pens. When touched, sea pens emit a bright greenish light; this is known as bioluminescence.

04/13/2010, 06:48 PM	#1
Aquabacs Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Yonkers, NY Posts: 1,581	Let's talk about corals to stock in a non-photosynthetic aquarium As our non-photosynthetic forum continues to grow a common question that is asked is: What kind of non-photosynthetic corals are there and what are their care level. It is our duty as members of this forum to help our community grow and help increase exposure of non-photosynthetic corals to reefkeepers. Let's make the thread interesting, interactive, and hopefully a little educational in the process. Guidelines: Post one picture of the coral you are going to discuss (no full tank shots) Scientific name of the coral Common name of coral Type of coral (LPS, Soft Coral, Gorgonian, etc) Care Level- Beginner: (corals that are to be recommended for a reefkeeper who has kept corals before but has not kept non-photosynthetic corals) these corals are to be the hardiest, simple direct feeding, and easiest to maintain. Intermediate: (corals that are to be recommended for a reefkeeper who has kept beginner non-photosynthetic corals thriving in their aquarium for a period of time) these corals are more moderate in hardiness and require a higher care level than Beginner. Advanced (corals that are to be recommended for a reefkeeper who has kept Intermediate non-photosynthetic corals thriving in their aquarium for a period of time) these corals are more delicate in hardiness and require a higher care level than Intermadiate. In addition, these corals require more dedication to their specific feeding needs (for example:continuous autofeeding of liquid, live, dry or frozen). Expert: these corals should only be attempted by seasoned non-photosynthetic reefkeepers who are aware of the husbandry practices needed to sustain them in a closed system. How does the coral reproduce (if known) Coral Placement/Orientation Feeding: types of food recommended for sustaining the coral and how the food should be administered: direct fed, broadcast, etc. Additional tips or words of wisdom of keeping this type of coral Now these are just the basics to start with. If you have any recommendations to add, feel free to do so. Mike __________________ Put down the halide and step into the shade...welcome to the darkside of reefkeeping. FM UltraLith system since 7.3.08 Current Tank Info: 50 gallon rimless non-photosynthetic

04/13/2010, 10:04 PM	#3
Aquabacs Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Yonkers, NY Posts: 1,581	I will start the thread off with Dendrophyllia Dendrophyllia sp. Common names: Dendro, Super Sun Coral, Firecracker coral Type of Coral: LPS Care Level: Beginner Reproduction: reproduces by (asexual) budding, (sexual) planula release, can be easily fragged. Coral Placement/Orientation coral in not finicky in placement or with flow, can be glued or epoxied vertically or horizontally Feeding: prefers meaty foods: mysis, prawns, squid, brine shrimp, cyclop-eeze, chopped silversides. Food should be fed directly to the polyp either by feeding tongs or turkey baster daily. Additional tips or words of wisdom Dendrophyllia sp. is a great beginner coral and normally the gateway coral into keeping of non-photosynthetic corals. It is has become easily available to the public, fequent art frag swaps and one of the hardiest non-photosynthetic corals available. Yes, this coral can survive on less than daily feeding but in our aquariums we are looking for more than survival __________________ Put down the halide and step into the shade...welcome to the darkside of reefkeeping. FM UltraLith system since 7.3.08 Current Tank Info: 50 gallon rimless non-photosynthetic

04/14/2010, 10:29 AM	#4
Timeless1483 Moved On Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 60	Name: Tubastraea sp Common Name: Sun Coral Colors available: Black, Olive, Yellow, Red Reproduction: planula release, budding, easily fragged. Coral Placement: loves flow, can be glued or epxoed vertically or horizontally. Can also be placed in direct light, but lower in the tank. Feeding: Brine, Mysis, Photoplankton, Cyclop-eese, krill, table shrimp-raw-Meaty foods in small bit size pieces. Additional info: This is a very beautiful coral, easy to care for, but should be a decatitated hobbist. Daily feedings will make this coral trive, but keep an eye on nutrient export. Weekly water changes is a must. Last edited by Timeless1483; 04/14/2010 at 10:29 AM. Reason: editing layout

04/14/2010, 10:38 AM	#5
Timeless1483 Moved On Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 60	Scientific:Rhizotrochus typus Family: Flabellidae Common:Rhizotrochus typus, Rhizo Colors: White, pink, red, orange, green Reproduction: Budding-They send out tubes from skeleton, and new babies appear. Coral Placement: Can be glued or expoxed to LR, and can be placed in substrate. Like gentle to moderate flow. Feeding: This LPS coral loves Silverside, mysis, krill. Meaty foods. Small daily feeding is good, but will be find with weekly feedings(1 silverside) Additional info: Not a great deal on the net, expensive ($100-$1000), normally from the waters of Japan, but not limited too. It is ok in light, but expands to 5 times it size at night, and after feeding.Rhizotrochus typus is a reef building coral, which has not formed a mutualistic symbiosis with zooxanthellae. Species from the Flabellidae family likely occur up to several kilometers in depth, in the Indo-Pacific region. They feed on plankton, detritus, crustaceans, fish and possibly dissolved organic molecules. R. typus is exported for the aquarium trade. These corals require ample feeding with crustaceans and small fish. Last edited by Timeless1483; 04/14/2010 at 10:41 AM. Reason: add info

04/14/2010, 03:57 PM	#8
uhuru Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Columbus Posts: 2,949	Diodogorgia nodulifera Common names: Yellow or Red Finger Gorgonian Type of Coral: Gorgonian Care Level: Intermediate Reproduction: most likely sexual Coral Placement/Orientation Insensitive to light. Unknown whether laminar flow or turbulent flow yields better results, but I have mine directly in the path of a vortech with flow that would probably stress out high flow loving Acropora corals. Feeding: Zooplankton, eggs/larvae, possibly bacterioplankton and detritus. Food should be no larger than frozen cyclopeeze, with the majority being much smaller such as rotifers. Polyps will retract without constant food in the water. Additional tips or words of wisdom This is a good first gorgonian if you are venturing into an NPS system. They are still difficult relative to most photosynthetic corals. You should feed small amounts as often as possible. A continuous feeding system will yield the best results as the polyps should stay open almost 24/7. If the polyps stay closed most of the time, either you don't have enough flow, enough food in the water or your water quality is too poor. This coral will grow vertically from the tips and "encrust" from the base if it is healthy. It will grow in the direction of the strongest flow and can handle literally being blasted with it. The tissue gets algae and detritus build up easily and should be kept clean (high flow will help a lot). Last edited by uhuru; 04/14/2010 at 04:02 PM.

04/13/2010, 07:22 PM	#2
smsreefer Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Trussville,Al Posts: 329	Should be a great thread Aquabacs ! Looking forward to some good replies as well !

04/14/2010, 03:17 PM	#7
smsreefer Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Trussville,Al Posts: 329	Great info guys ! Lets keep them coming. Hopefully , In the end ,someone should publish all the information. As we all know,there are not that many resources . Thanks

04/14/2010, 04:53 PM	#9
Aquabacs Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Yonkers, NY Posts: 1,581	Awesome job guys! Keep them coming. Timeless1483 dont forget to add pictures of the coral you are speaking of It will help the reader/reefer connect an image with the information. Mike __________________ Put down the halide and step into the shade...welcome to the darkside of reefkeeping. FM UltraLith system since 7.3.08 Current Tank Info: 50 gallon rimless non-photosynthetic

04/14/2010, 04:56 PM	#10
smsreefer Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Trussville,Al Posts: 329	Great thread ! Anyone with [ waiting on ] Trikentrion flabelliforme /Red Spider Sponge experience ?

04/14/2010, 04:57 PM	#11
Timeless1483 Moved On Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 60	scientific name: Alcyonium species-Shili Sponge [IM Common name: Chili Sponge, Strawberry Coral, Encrusting Leather Coral and Red Finger. Type of Coral: Soft Coral Reproduction: Budding Coral Placement: loves flow, can be stuck between rock, or glued if attached to piece of LR. Vertical or horizontal. Best place is in shaded area, but can tolerate the light at bottom of tank. Feeding: Brine, Zooplankton, DT, Cyclop-ezze. Additional info: Chili Coral grows to a maximum of six inches in length. Chili Coral may be found in purple, yellow, orange and red colored varieties. Some what difficult to keep, requires food a few times a day, will stay open most of the day. Last edited by Timeless1483; 04/14/2010 at 05:01 PM. Reason: links

04/14/2010, 05:15 PM	#14
Aquabacs Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Yonkers, NY Posts: 1,581	Now that's what I am talking about! __________________ Put down the halide and step into the shade...welcome to the darkside of reefkeeping. FM UltraLith system since 7.3.08 Current Tank Info: 50 gallon rimless non-photosynthetic

04/14/2010, 07:39 PM	#15
slapshot Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Farmington Hills, Michigan Posts: 1,791	I'll jump in with this: Family Name:Cirrhipathes spiralis Common name: Wire coral, Spiral coral Type Of Coral: Black Coral Reproduction: Cuttings, the rest is unknown Coral Placement: Prefers lots of flow, doesn't care about lighting. Cuttings can be epoxied to a structure piece. Feeding: Eats just about anything. Seems to love cyclops and mysis. Additional: Appears to be a great beginner coral. It is relatively new to the aquarium world so not a lot of information out there. I feed mine 3 to 4 times a week directly and it is always grabbing anything that floats by. In nature they are found in deep waters. They grow everywhere conditions are right from Florida to the indo pacific. The indo ones seem to have the best color. Ranging from purples to blues to yellow to a combination of all of the above. Used and sort after in Asian cultures and for jewelry. The calcium structure left behind in death is a hard black skeleton. It can be polished to a shinny black stone. Last edited by slapshot; 04/14/2010 at 07:53 PM.

04/15/2010, 06:40 PM	#16
Timeless1483 Moved On Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 60	Coral: Balanophyllia elegans Common:Balanophyllia, orange cup coral, orange coral Reproduction: Sexes are separate. The eggs are fertilized inside the mother's gastrovascular cavity and develop to planula larvae there. Planulae larvae usually settle within 10 cm of the parent Coral Placement: Can be glued or expoxed to LR, likes moderate to fast flow. Feeding: brine, zooplakton, mysis, Meaty foods. Additional info:This coral catches prey primarily by nematocysts and spirocysts on its tentacles, but may open its mouth widely and capture some prey with the mesenteries inside its gastrovascular cavity . This species is known to be able to absorb dissolved organic carbon from the water. The polyps of this coral are solitary.

04/19/2010, 06:46 AM	#17
fullmonti now is the time Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: chattanooga tn Posts: 1,097	Thanks every one! This is going to help a lot of us that are trying to learn more about NPS. Also save you from answering the same questions over & over. Thanks & keep up the good work!

04/19/2010, 10:08 AM	#18
Kungpaoshizi Moved On Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 78	Boy these look interesting, thinking of starting some myself~ Are these then probably the best for those with only natural lighting? (don't have any lighting, just the 3 gigantic windows in my apartment that let in TONS of sun all day long) thanks

04/19/2010, 10:54 AM	#19
owlbassboy Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Northern Ireland Posts: 75	wow what an amazing thread thanks everyone __________________ stephen

04/19/2010, 07:41 PM	#20
Skipper Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Hattiesburg, MS Posts: 18,271	Thread stuck to the top!!!! __________________ Skip Attix Former Editor of Reefkeeping Magazine

04/19/2010, 08:02 PM	#21
Aquabacs Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Yonkers, NY Posts: 1,581	Thanks for your help Skip. You rock! Mike __________________ Put down the halide and step into the shade...welcome to the darkside of reefkeeping. FM UltraLith system since 7.3.08 Current Tank Info: 50 gallon rimless non-photosynthetic

04/19/2010, 09:15 PM	#22
Aquabacs Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Yonkers, NY Posts: 1,581	Menella sp. Common names: Menella Gorgonian, Golden Sea Rod Note: coral also comes in blue and brown variations Blue Sea Rod Type of Coral: Gorgonian Care Level: Intermediate Reproduction: most likely sexual, can be fragged Coral Placement/Orientation: Insensitive to light. Coral in not finicky in placement, does well in laminar flow or turbulent flow, can be glued or epoxied vertically or horizontally Feeding: Gorgonians are suspension feeders that filter small food particles from the water column: zooplankton, eggs/larvae, possibly bacterioplankton and detritus. Food should be no larger than frozen cyclop-eeze, with the majority being much smaller such as rotifers. Polyps will retract without constant food in the water. Additional tips or words of wisdom This large polyp species of gorgonian is one of the more easier species of non-photosynthetic gorgonians to keep. They are still difficult relative to most photosynthetic corals and should be attempted once Beginner non-photosynthetic corals have been able to be sustained in the aquarium for a period of time. You should feed small amounts as often as possible. A continuous feeding system (dry or liquid) will yield the best results as the polyps should stay open almost 24/7. If the polyps stay closed most of the time, either you don't have enough flow, enough food in the water or your water quality is too poor. This coral will grow vertically from the tips and "encrust" from the base if it is healthy. It will grow in the direction of the strongest flow and can handle literally being blasted with it. The tissue gets algae and detritus build up easily and should be kept clean (high flow will help a lot). Note: Coral can "wax over" and shed. While this process is occurring, polyps will not expand. The process can be assisted by using a turkey baster to gently remove the "waxed over" coating. Coral will have a "new" appearance after this takes place. __________________ Put down the halide and step into the shade...welcome to the darkside of reefkeeping. FM UltraLith system since 7.3.08 Current Tank Info: 50 gallon rimless non-photosynthetic

04/19/2010, 09:26 PM	#23
Aquabacs Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Yonkers, NY Posts: 1,581	Astrogorgia sp. Common names: Astrogorgia Sea Fan, Astro Sea Fan Type of Coral: Gorgonian Care Level: Advanced Reproduction: most likely sexual, can be fragged Coral Placement/Orientation: Insensitive to light. Coral in not finicky in placement, does well in laminar flow or turbulent flow, can be glued or epoxied vertically or horizontally Feeding: Gorgonians are suspension feeders that filter small food particles from the water column: zooplankton, eggs/larvae, possibly bacterioplankton and detritus. Food should be no larger than frozen cyclop-eeze, with the majority being much smaller such as rotifers. Polyps will retract without constant food in the water. Additional tips or words of wisdom This non-photosynthetic gorgonian is one of the more difficult species to keep. Should be attempted once Intermediate non-photosynthetic gorgonians have been able to be sustained in the aquarium for a period of time. You should feed small amounts as often as possible. A continuous feeding system (dry or liquid) will yield the best results as the polyps should stay open almost 24/7. If the polyps stay closed most of the time, either you don't have enough flow, enough food in the water or your water quality is too poor. This coral will grow vertically from the tips and "encrust" from the base if it is healthy. It will grow in the direction of the strongest flow and can handle literally being blasted with it. The tissue gets algae and detritus build up easily and should be kept clean (high flow will help a lot). Note: Coral can "wax over" and shed. While this process is occurring, polyps will not expand. The process can be assisted by using a turkey baster to gently remove the "waxed over" coating. Coral will have a "new" appearance after this takes place. __________________ Put down the halide and step into the shade...welcome to the darkside of reefkeeping. FM UltraLith system since 7.3.08 Current Tank Info: 50 gallon rimless non-photosynthetic

04/20/2010, 06:09 AM	#24
smsreefer Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Trussville,Al Posts: 329	Great additions to the thread Mike ! Also congratulations ,you just got the first NPS sticky ! David

04/20/2010, 10:49 AM	#25
Timeless1483 Moved On Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 60	Ptilosarcus gurneyi Common Name: Sea Pen Type of coral: Octocorals, soft coral, Sea whip family. Care: Advanced Coral Placement: Bottom, no light requirements, place in substrate-root like structure. Feeding:Filter feeder. Phytoplakton, zooplakton, ect. Additional info: sea pens are colonial animals with multiple polyps ,a sea pen's polyps are specialized to specific functions. Normally found in 10+ m deep waters, low flow areas.Their primary predators are nudibranchs and sea stars, some of which feed exclusively on sea pens. When touched, sea pens emit a bright greenish light; this is known as bioluminescence.