Goniopora

Ok. I took the challenge and bought a Goniopora Stokesi (flower pot) and for two months it looked great. Now, like all of a sudden, it has retracted and will show some polyps but only extend them 1/2" to 1" maybe. Parameters are; Calc = 450-500, Alk = 9-10, Mag = 1350-1400, PH = 8.2, SG = .025 I have T5 lighting (2 actinic, 2 10,000k). I have tried 3 levels as far as placement over the last few days to get it "comfortable" to no avail. I have it back toward the top. I know they have a poor longevity record in the aquarium but is there something I should know and can it be saved? I have fed it phyto and DTs and Arctipods. Any tips and/or advice is welcome.

 

i have had mine for 6 months. it would extend 5"+/- until i moved it when rearranging the tank for new corals now it only extends 1" - 2"'s. it is slowly coming out more but it has taken over a month. i think it just takes a long time. i did notice the like medium flow but indirect flow.

 

i bought one also uncle a month ago, so im glad youve brought this up. im hopin for the best of mine too. its doin well so far. from what i understand , havin one of these is a bit of a contadiction. they like dirty water and we try and keep ours clean. lol. hopin the best for yours

 

Aquarium Invertebrates

Hi Unclejed

no direct experience of these species personally, but I do want to contribute something
Julian Sprungs article above may be usefull/ helpfull

edit , found another
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2005/10/aafeature2


steve

 

I had one in good health that only lasted about 10 months or so, but I'd get another. It's a nice looking coral.

 

I already had read the article, but it didn't get into why it is not extending. Now, I had moved it from its' original placement, in the middle of the tank, to more toward the top as I read they like a lot of light and that is when it stopped expanding as much, maybe they are that touchy, I will see.

 

I had one a few years ago and I used to target feed it oyster eggs every few days - it got so big that I had to get rid of it - give the oyster eggs a shot IMO

 

Yes, that was in the article....I will try them.

 

When i first got mine I was just starting out in this hobby, went to LFS and bought on the spot like an idiot before researching. Anyway, it started off fine but within a few weeks of not feeding correctly, it was not extending as much anymore and just seemend to not be doing well. After checking all params (which were fine) and doing a little research, I came across the frozen oyster eggs. Within 2 days of target feeding it began extending more and seemend so much better than before - hope it works out the same for you!

 

I had bought one when I started and a friend that ran the store told me to bring it back cause they are used more for decoration. Plus I think he knew it would die in my young newb hands. But if its the oyster eggs, then I want to get another one. I use the eggs already and corals love them.