Anybody a Pagoda expert?

[oregon_gorge]

We have had a Pagoda for almost 2 years. It was one of our first coral purchases. About 4 months ago, or longer, I put in the 400w mh. Everything seemed to really love the light. I started easy. 1/2 hr. then 1 hr. and so on for a month. My bubble got sunburned even at that rate and has looked very poorly since.

The Pagoda has not polyped out since. It is still nice green coler and looks like felt. Tonight, first time I have seen it do anything, the pores opend up. Just dark holes, and pooped like the bubble or Fungia does. Still no polyps though????????

I know they grow slow, but is everything with them slow? I have hopes though. Every one of our LPS and softies are making babies, new pods or branches. Even the sps are coloring up nicely!

Anybody have an idea?

p.s. We adopted another Pagoda, placed 12'' away and has 3/4'' polyps.

Thanks, Chris and Pam

[Brooke]

I'm not a pagoda expert by any means...just bought my 1st real "pagoda".

But..most of the corals in the Turbinaria genus do not extend their polyps during the day except for T. peltata, the pagoda. I suspect it probably got burned. You might try moving it to the shade, but more than likely it probably won't recover. You might look in on it at night to see if the polyps are out.

[Alice]

If the tissue isn't deteriorating and it's not losing color, don't give up hope yet though. I suspect, like Brooke, that is been burned but I've seen them come back under some pretty rough circumstances.

Try feeding the tank close to lights out and see if you can entice the polyps to come out or see if it will cast a mucus web to trap food.

Alice

[tdwyatt]

Quick note and then to bed: Most Turbinaria spp. come from less than reef top conditions, mostly more protected areas where the water flow is good, but the lighting is not quite so intense: think reef channels or lagoonal conditions with good flow. 400 watts may be a bit much for them, consider trading your Turbinaria for some type of more light tolerant or light needy reef-top organism.

Hope this helps, got to go to bed now

[oregon_gorge]

Thanks Tom,

It actually sent the polyps to the surface today. So I still have hope. Our tank is a 240g and 8' long. We have 660w of VHO (4x6' ac) 2x175w mh on the ends and 2x400w mh in the center. We can move things out for less light lovers. Have caves and crevices too.

As always, we appreciate any input!

Chris and Pam

[mojoreef]

I think a shady spot is the best idea.



mike