red gorgonian

[ShockSniper]

I have a red gorgonian and it was doing great, but within the last week it hasn't been opening. It's been getting brown algae on it and I've gotten it off by using a soft bristle tooth brush, but it's still not opening. Any thoughts? Nothing has changed in tank, all the other corals and fish are doing great.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

How long have you had it? What are you feeding it? Any chance its opening at night and you're just not seeing it? My guess is that it is starving. The NPS corals can be difficult to keep.

[ShockSniper]

How long have you had it? What are you feeding it? Any chance its opening at night and you're just not seeing it? My guess is that it is starving. The NPS corals can be difficult to keep.

I've been feeding it phyto feast. About every two days.

[MizTanks]

More flow!!


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[Tom@HaslettMI]

I've been feeding it phyto feast. About every two days.

Phytoplankton alone may not provide adequate nutrition. Something small and "meaty" would be good.

How long you've had it matters a lot. If it's only been a few months then starvation is still most likely. If you've had it for several years then starvation is out.

If it's growing algae then I will second Jamie. It needs intermittent strong flow. This will help with the algae issue and may allow it will open more.

HTH,
Tom

[jimsflies]

Very hard to keep those long term. Although there are a lot more food options to try these days. But then the issue is feeding enough relative to nutrient export and not causing water quality issues.

[ShockSniper]

More flow!!


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Phytoplankton alone may not provide adequate nutrition. Something small and "meaty" would be good.

How long you've had it matters a lot. If it's only been a few months then starvation is still most likely. If you've had it for several years then starvation is out.

If it's growing algae then I will second Jamie. It needs intermittent strong flow. This will help with the algae issue and may allow it will open more.

HTH,
Tom

I've had it for a few months and was doing great up until just a few days ago. As far as flow...I've got 3 mp40's for a 210.

[binford4000]

You should PM slapshot. He is the guru of the NP species.he would be the first reefer I would ask about gorg

[slapshot]

Thanks guys, I'm blushing. Can you post a picture? It could be as simple as it is waxed over or may be dying. Most gorges will shed their skin a few times a year. It is a reaction to the presents of algae that it is trying to protect itself. Post a picture and check your PO level. If it starts to build up algae

[ShockSniper]

Here is a picture

[slapshot]

Here is a picture
Ok that is what I thought it would be. That is a Diodogorgia or common name Red Finger Gorg. First, the good news they do wax over. Do give it a good week then gently rub it between your fingers and it "should" reopen. That or increase the flow around it and nature will take care of it. For feeding, those are meat eaters. They love cyclopeeze. Another great choice is Fauna Marine's sea fan food. Cyclops are fine but I would soak both of them in phyto for an hour before you feed.

Now the bad news, those wax over because your phosphates are too high. It is a stress reaction to protect itself from algae. Basically it she'd it's skin to get rid of algae that is growing in it. Best of luck, love those

[MizTanks]

slapshot you rock! :)


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[ShockSniper]

I've moved it to a higher flow area of the tank and rubbed the algae off as well as changing my phosban reactor. How long could it take to reopen?

[slapshot]

Thanks Miz. Most people just think I'm crazy. Who knows, sometimes it will open the next day, sometimes a week later. Good luck!!

[ShockSniper]

Thanks Miz. Most people just think I'm crazy. Who knows, sometimes it will open the next day, sometimes a week later. Good luck!!

Thank you for helping and I'll keep you posted.

[slapshot]

Thank you for helping and I'll keep you posted.

No worries. It should be fine.

[Delores]

I've had it for a few months and was doing great up until just a few days ago. As far as flow...I've got 3 mp40's for a 210.

I've been feeding it phyto feast. About every two days.