Non-photosynthetic corals question

[pballafreak]

Im am currently trying to decide what corals i would like to stock in my 10 gallon nano reef, i am also deciding what light to buy, do non-photosynthetic corals mix well with other corals, do they have any special requirements?
If I got some of these types of corals i wouldnt need any special lights corect? but if i got them, could i get the right light and have some softies along with these non-photosynthetic corals, thanks
~mark~

[Geoff]

non photosynthetic corals can be pretty difficult to keep. they generally need spot feeding. that is for those that we know how to keep alive. a lot of corals like carnation corals we are still trying to figure out what exactly they eat. sun corals are a good choice. fairly easy to spot feed and are colourfull. photosynthetic corals are by far the easiest corals to keep. most softies like zoas and shrooms require very little light. putting a couple of flourescent strips over a 10g should be plenty. colt corals are also easy, but they can outgrow a 10g pretty quickly.

G~

[Tasher80]

I have sun corals. I do feed regularly but I wish I didn't have them. I don't want to give them back I just wish I didn't get them. The colors are great its just that I am slowing moving towards a SPS tank with some Softies and Some LPS. Feeding lots doesn't mix well with SPS corals.

[xtopher]

gorgonians and sponges are also good choices but agai with the spot feeding, you will probably need a really good skimmer or tons of W/C to keep water quality up

[Superman]

Non photosythetic corals would probably be bad beginner corals, and not very good candidates for a 10 gallon nano. Make sure that you start out with some easier corals to keep, them move into the harder corals later on. Enjoy the plunge into marine!

[skeety]

Originally Posted by Superman

Non photosythetic corals would probably be bad beginner corals, and not very good candidates for a 10 gallon nano. Make sure that you start out with some easier corals to keep, them move into the harder corals later on. Enjoy the plunge into marine!

Mark,

Kind of have to agree with Superman (which always seems like a good idea anyways. ). Non photosynthetic corals are pretty difficult to keep, and require a good bit of time and dedication. not saying you couldn't do it. Just saying it'll be harder. Entirely up to you, but I wouldn't recommend it.

If you DO decide to go non-photosynthetic, I'm with Geoff...go with the Sun Polyp's. They're the easier of the non-photo corals. Spot feed with Mysis, and you should be fine.

But I think your question was more "If I get a non-photo coral, does it NEED to be in a darker area?" or "Will light HURT non-photo corals?"

If so, the answer (as usual) is...it depends. If there's a specific coral you're considering, let us know, we can give you a better answer. Otherwise, if you ever come accross one that you're interested in, look it up, ask here, etc.

Whatever you decide, best of luck!!