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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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