Cocoworm featherdusters long term success?

[The Saltman]

Hi guys,

I really want to add some cocoworm large featherdusters to my 210 sps reef. I'm interested in keeping a lot of them and want to have long term success with them. I've researched various sources that have conflicting information on what is best for them.. Some have said to feed phytoplankton and some say its not needed. What is the key to long term success and what are the best conditions for them?I also want to keep the large hawain feather dusters, I assume the same conditons apply?

 

[Premiumaq]

Keeping a lot of cocos requires keeping a lot of dissolved organics in your sps system, and those two are usually mutually exclusive. Even in a lot of the 'gradient type' systems, where filter feeders are a main component of the filtration model, it's difficult to keep more than a select few of the greater crowned worms... They have such a high feeding requirement. Typically, the cocos will fare well for a while, and then they shed crowns, growing back smaller and more sustainable ones. After a few sheds, the worm doesn't have enough reserves to regrow.

 

[mokeyz]

Also, they need calcium to grow, if you keep LPS than you probably have the right levels.