Anyone Keeping a Gorgonian -dominated System?
- Thread starter algaeguy
- Start date
I have non-photosynthetic corals, and happen to have more gorgonians, than anything else - they are always available in LFS and the least expensive, not because of particular interest.
The main problem is filtration and skimming, then - setting right flow, for a polyps to open frequently for a feeding. Maybe automation of the feedings in a far future.
Link to another keeper thread.
Vertical gyre tank
Not much, sorry.
The main problem is filtration and skimming, then - setting right flow, for a polyps to open frequently for a feeding. Maybe automation of the feedings in a far future.
Link to another keeper thread.
Vertical gyre tank
Not much, sorry.
Both - 6g and 10g have flow, roughly equal to 2 Mini-Jets 606 (300 gph total, minus loss in tubing). The pumps are adjustable, if polyps opening is not good - the flow rate and location on the ouftlow can be changed easily.
Flow reaches corals after being reflected from the glass. Tried to make circular pattern, whatever side-wise in NC6, or top to bottom in rectangular tank. It will not work in rectangular tank, filled by rock, as I have now (moving all the time, trying to improve conditions, and reduce number of systems).
During feeding filtration is off, the other pump, oriented the same way, replaces the flow. Food is present in high density (thanks to the small tanks).
Filtration - should be skimmer, and was for some time for 10g, until was tied in another tank. After then - macroalgae in the sump, with micron sock at the sump entrance.
Water parameters:
No ammonia, nitrites, copper (I'm using tap water). Magnesium and calcium were added to IO salt. Temperature 78F, in summer - up to 82F. SG 1.026. IO salt with high alkalinity (14+ dKH, 2003 batch), recently Red Sea salt.
6g, low or no light: Nitrates up to 80ppm weekly, when it was without sump, bi-weekly - with LR in the sump. Massive water (up to 80%) changes because of excessive amount of food. Phosphates - up to 1ppm and 0.5 ppm, respectively, until started to keep phosphate remover in the power filter.
pH 7.8-8.2, alk 10-11 dKH stable, without additives.
Large amount of rock makes corals feel better (subjectively, of course).
10g, medium light 7W/gal and direct sunlight: not much rock, alkalinity drops very fast and have to be dosed 2-3 times weekly, even with adjusted Mg. pH 7.8 - 8.4(sometimes), alk 7-8 dKH, but trying to pull it to the 8-9.
NO3 - almost zero, was 10-20 ppm, phospates - zero, thanks to bryopsis), were 0.25 ppm.
What else I missed?
Would like to know about other keepers systems.
Flow reaches corals after being reflected from the glass. Tried to make circular pattern, whatever side-wise in NC6, or top to bottom in rectangular tank. It will not work in rectangular tank, filled by rock, as I have now (moving all the time, trying to improve conditions, and reduce number of systems).
During feeding filtration is off, the other pump, oriented the same way, replaces the flow. Food is present in high density (thanks to the small tanks).
Filtration - should be skimmer, and was for some time for 10g, until was tied in another tank. After then - macroalgae in the sump, with micron sock at the sump entrance.
Water parameters:
No ammonia, nitrites, copper (I'm using tap water). Magnesium and calcium were added to IO salt. Temperature 78F, in summer - up to 82F. SG 1.026. IO salt with high alkalinity (14+ dKH, 2003 batch), recently Red Sea salt.
6g, low or no light: Nitrates up to 80ppm weekly, when it was without sump, bi-weekly - with LR in the sump. Massive water (up to 80%) changes because of excessive amount of food. Phosphates - up to 1ppm and 0.5 ppm, respectively, until started to keep phosphate remover in the power filter.
pH 7.8-8.2, alk 10-11 dKH stable, without additives.
Large amount of rock makes corals feel better (subjectively, of course).
10g, medium light 7W/gal and direct sunlight: not much rock, alkalinity drops very fast and have to be dosed 2-3 times weekly, even with adjusted Mg. pH 7.8 - 8.4(sometimes), alk 7-8 dKH, but trying to pull it to the 8-9.
NO3 - almost zero, was 10-20 ppm, phospates - zero, thanks to bryopsis), were 0.25 ppm.
What else I missed?
Would like to know about other keepers systems.
Last edited:
tom obrecht
Active member
Here are a couple shots from my old 260 from a few years back with all softies and a good number of gorgonians.
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More info and shots and be seen by clicking on my red house.
More info and shots and be seen by clicking on my red house.
tom obrecht
Active member
Click on my red house and it tells everything about the system.
