Goniopora & Gorgonians
- Thread starter djkms
- Start date
The specific type of either Gonipora or Gorgonian is going to make a HUGE difference as to what type of care and environment they need.
Some Gorgonians are very easy if they are a photosynthetic type, non-photosynthetic will need huge amounts of food in the water at all times.
Goniporas are also variable in terms of care and requirements. The classic "Green Flower Pot" is very difficult, and needs frequent feedings of very small meaty foods as well as Iron and Maganese dosing.
Red Goniporas like the ORA Red's and many of the encrusting species are easier, but still at least moderatly difficult. Many species will benefit from Oyster Egg and Cyclopeeze feedings, and may require a little iron dosing as well.
The key is to do your homework, and ID the species in order to research hardiness and requirements before buying.
Some Gorgonians are very easy if they are a photosynthetic type, non-photosynthetic will need huge amounts of food in the water at all times.
Goniporas are also variable in terms of care and requirements. The classic "Green Flower Pot" is very difficult, and needs frequent feedings of very small meaty foods as well as Iron and Maganese dosing.
Red Goniporas like the ORA Red's and many of the encrusting species are easier, but still at least moderatly difficult. Many species will benefit from Oyster Egg and Cyclopeeze feedings, and may require a little iron dosing as well.
The key is to do your homework, and ID the species in order to research hardiness and requirements before buying.
I have one that Aaron gave me, that I believe Gale gave him. My is growing slowly but that is because it fell to the bottom of my tank in front of my jawfish den. Who till just today loved it being there. But I walked by today and the jawfish was kicking the gorgonians ares. This type seems super easy to care for. I should be able to cut some soon and give you a piece so you can try it out.
Here is a pic, not mine, just found it on the web.
Here is a pic, not mine, just found it on the web.
Thanks Khensu. I actually got a "frag" of a gorgonian from reefcleaners with my recent macro purchase. Its really pretty, purple with white polyps. I have been thinking of taking my tank in a bit of a different direction. I think gorgonians and gonioporas would complement my macros really well. I also heavily feed plankton among other things which these types of animals need. I might take you up on a frag though, thanks for the offer!
I have a gorgonian frag--about 1.5"--that I got from ??? a year ago February. It is tan with darker polyps. I had a type of the same about 8+ years ago. It did well then, and this one has, well, done fine. In a year and a half it has not grown much (if I can recall), but it is healthy and shows polyps during light/feeding and retracts at other times. Hasn't built any base or spread or extended in length, but it is hanging just fine.
I also got a gonioppra from Aaron in a trade over a year ago. It had done well for him, seemed healthy when I got it, and extended itself. I placed it too close to my carpet anemone, and it got stung a little bit on one edge. Nothing major, and nothing that would harm any other "regular" coral, but the 1/8" stung area around its base caused it to recede, never open fully again, and wither away in about a week or so.
That's what I've got from experience. Hope it helps.
JW
I also got a gonioppra from Aaron in a trade over a year ago. It had done well for him, seemed healthy when I got it, and extended itself. I placed it too close to my carpet anemone, and it got stung a little bit on one edge. Nothing major, and nothing that would harm any other "regular" coral, but the 1/8" stung area around its base caused it to recede, never open fully again, and wither away in about a week or so.
That's what I've got from experience. Hope it helps.
JW
djkms;95621 said:
Cool, thanks guys. I am doing all the research I can in my free time with them but personal experience is important to read about as well! Here is a pic of the guy I got for a penny. Hope to get more in the near future.
Finally came to an end as my humu humu liked to pick it up and spit it out in random spots. Last spot, I'm assuming, was behind the rock or in a cave...
