Non photosynthetic

ski1297 · 03-02-2005, 12:09 PM

Would this coral(hit the link) be ok in a 38gal with just 24" 50/50 fluorscent and a 36" 50/50 fluorscent about 2 watts/gal. The tank has been up for about 1 year. Water is right were it should be with all the test. I have some coral right now that come on some LR 2 different kinds Do not know what kinds But they are doing very good. I would like to get more but do not have a lot of money to spend on new lights so I have to work with what I have. I think when they say Non photosynthetic that low light is ok? Do you think this would work with my lights.

http://seacrop.com/Merchant2/merchan...gory_Code=CPRN

ski1297 · 03-02-2005, 01:22 PM

Would this tree sponge work.http://liveaquaria.com/product/prod_...cfm?pCatId=577

Jeremy1973 · 03-02-2005, 01:34 PM

The tree sponge would probably be ok..I would stay clear of the Scleronephthya. They are very difficult corals to keep. While they are gorgeous, and not dependent on light, they have other needs not fully understood yet. I have friends who have successful tanks, but this particular coral dies in their tanks. I have one, and it has died back some. (I did note the other day that part of it was still alive). They are high filter feeders, so you would need to make sure you have plenty of planktonic life to help support it. Either by adding it (DT's, etc.) or natural in tank cultures.

If you get it and are successfull at raising it, share your secrets! :-) I would love to get more of these due to the brilliant colors they have.

Justin · 03-02-2005, 01:49 PM

That 1st pic, is one of the harder softies to take care of and the general rule of thumb is that they should only be tried by the advanced aquarist. As well as needing a very strong in alot of cases direcet current from a powerhead.

As for the second pic almost equally beautifull and almost equally difficult to keep, and again should only be taken on by the advanced reefer/aquarist.

I think youll find from reading and testimony that people have alot more success rates with encrusting sponges which are very beautifull in there own right.

Those particular species in your pictures are very unforgiving of poor water quality. You definately have enough for mushrooms, but a leather coral would be pushing it and maybe to much to chance. Maybe a flower anenome? Mine did pretty well with a lower amount of light.

But if your confident that you can maintain consistent water quality then of course the decision is yours . But those typically are discouraged because of fatality rates.