Are there any NPS corals I can keep by just target feeding

[Big E]

I have a good spot in my tank that gets constant laminar flow under a ledge. I'd like to put one or two NPS corals that will do okay if I target feed daily.

I don't want tubeastras or rhizos............are there any options for me?

 

[Aquabacs]

Ed, you will be able to keep the majority of non-photosynthetic LPS corals by spot feeding as long as tank parameters are kept inline. Stock up with Fauna Marin LPS+ pellets, Argent brand Cyclop-eeze, PE Mysis of Reef Nutrition Mysis Feast. Also while you are at it, if you don't have the already; a turkey Baxter and Kent brand sea squirt which will assist you in the direct feeding of the corals.


Mike

 

[Aquabacs]

Sorry for the double post, looks like RC still has a posting issue from mobile devices.

Mike

 

[Big E]

Maybe I wasn't clear but I said no tubeastra or rhizos........not sure what other non photo LPS are out there?

Two options I've already considered are a spiral coral or a common sea fan. I know those both will use light also.

Any Gorgonian or softies that might be candidates?

 

[deaddat]

Maybe I wasn't clear but I said no tubeastra or rhizos........not sure what other non photo LPS are out there?

Two options I've already considered are a spiral coral or a common sea fan. I know those both will use light also.

Any Gorgonian or softies that might be candidates?

ONLY thing that will work are non photo LPS like Aquabacs stated. All softies will requires continues daily feedings and high flow, otherwise they will slowly die over time. If you really want a gorgonian, then get a photosynthetic one. When I say continues feeding I don't mean 3 squirts of cyclopees or zooplankton a day, I mean a pump running 24/7 distributing the food. You can keep the coral for several months by feeding it a few times a day, but it will always die in the end, Plus you need one hell of a protein skimmer to feed like this. If you sadly don't want it for long term, than I would go with a chilie coral.

Dendros are just like Tubeastra, but they stay open 24/7.

Why not just have a pretty sponge?

 

[Aquabacs]

Archohelia Rediviva could be used for this application but they are not easy to locate. If you are looking for a non-photosynthetic soft coral that would also fit you needs would be Nephthyigorgia (Chili corals). It is pretty forgiving if it is only being target fed a few times daily.









Mike

 

[Big E]

Why not just have a pretty sponge?

Got any scientific names for me?

 

[Big E]

Archohelia Rediviva sounds like a good candidate.............maybe they'll come in more often over time.

 

[deaddat]

Got any scientific names for me?

Orange Paddle Sponge. Clathria sp.
Tree Sponge. Ptilocaulis sp.
Australian Spider Sponge. Trikentrion flabelliforme

I'm not sure of the details of the Spider Sponge for care, but I'm pretty sure they are a little difficult and need to be fed frequently, but I have no idea.