Elegance coral show off thread

[SCIFI_3D_zoo]

But in the early 90's they used to grow like weeds--we couldn't kill them then...!? [/B]

Most of us have read about why this happened. But just in case some still don't know it's b/c our tanks were a lot less filtered in the old days. These types of corals tend to come from shallow muddy waters. The water is heavy with nutrients. Nowadays with our equipment, skimmers, etc. they just clean the water too much for them. Some people are successful but it's probably not possible to have one of these with SPS.

 

[superedge88]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12844029#post12844029 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SCIFI_3D_zoo
Most of us have read about why this happened. But just in case some still don't know it's b/c our tanks were a lot less filtered in the old days. These types of corals tend to come from shallow muddy waters. The water is heavy with nutrients. Nowadays with our equipment, skimmers, etc. they just clean the water too much for them. Some people are successful but it's probably not possible to have one of these with SPS.

That is a guess that many of us with SPS tanks do not agree with at all. The more recent ideas as to why they have a bad track record include collection areas that are now deeper in the water- acclimation to light being the key issue, or a general illness that is taking out the elegance once it is stressed enough in a captive environment. Just to name a few of the more recent popular ideas.

 

[Todd March]

I have heard as well that the areas from which they are now collected are much diiferent than back in the 90's. That the original areas are exhausted, and the collecting of Elegance today is from much more different areas...

I have heard too that some are propagating this species from the original more hardy specimens --but have never seen "aquacultured" specimens of Elegance for sale...? Has anyone else heard of this...?

 

[jadeguppy]

There have been some people on here that have fragged their elegances and sold the babies. I don't know of any businesses doing it, probably due to poor profit margins. One more reason that buying from other reefers is a great idea.

 

[Aquarist007]

have you checked in the buying and selling forums yet

 

[Todd March]

Yeah, I sure would love to find a hearty Elegance frag--but I have specifically heard this propagation was on a commercial basis... I now think it was just rumors or wish-wash (or was possibly a failed venture), as I've surfed around a lot, and know a lot of folks here in L.A., and I've never seen them offered, no one has ever mentioned it, and they look quite puzzled when I have asked...?

 

[elegance coral]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12844029#post12844029 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SCIFI_3D_zoo
Most of us have read about why this happened. But just in case some still don't know it's b/c our tanks were a lot less filtered in the old days. These types of corals tend to come from shallow muddy waters. The water is heavy with nutrients. Nowadays with our equipment, skimmers, etc. they just clean the water too much for them. Some people are successful but it's probably not possible to have one of these with SPS.

I'm sorry, but this simply is not true. Elegance corals will do just fine with SPS quality water. In fact they will do better. Elegance corals grow much faster and larger when they live on or near the coral reef, then they do in the harsher environments. This should tell us that Elegance corals will do much better if we keep our aquariums clean.

 

[elegance coral]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12845075#post12845075 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Todd March
Yeah, I sure would love to find a hearty Elegance frag--but I have specifically heard this propagation was on a commercial basis... I now think it was just rumors or wish-wash (or was possibly a failed venture), as I've surfed around a lot, and know a lot of folks here in L.A., and I've never seen them offered, no one has ever mentioned it, and they look quite puzzled when I have asked...?

If you want an Elegance all you have to do is find a supplier with Australian Elegance corals. Ask your LFS if they can order you one. The Divers Den has them all the time. They do not suffer the same symptoms as the Indonesian Elegance. As far as we are concerned they are like two different animals.

 

[stunreefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12843250#post12843250 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chris wright
besides the tentacles being stubbier, is there any other reaction by your elegance? If it's still accepting food, I'd consider checking for gall crabs or any sponge growth on the skeleton. The crabs are a common pest that can really irritate a coral. Some sponges can bore into the skeleton. I'd take the time to check over the coral's skeleton. Other than that, it just may take time for it to extend it's polyp's again.

Good luck with it mate.

Well I've been watching closely since he looked a bit unhappy, and he seems to have snapped right back, especially after a 25% water change on Friday (thats my usual schedule). The only thing I can guess is that there was some residual interceptor in the water after my last water change that was making him mad. I hadn't ran carbon in a long time, and I hooked up some of thaty on Friday too. I did do a search for crabs and came up empty handed.

I'm just very happy to see him looking great again. Its been in captivity for about a year now, and I seem to think thats the make or break point for them. It seems they can go 9-12 months and still croak, but if your over 12 months generally they end up living for long after.

Thanks for the tips Chris!

 

[stunreefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12845075#post12845075 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Todd March
Yeah, I sure would love to find a hearty Elegance frag--but I have specifically heard this propagation was on a commercial basis... I now think it was just rumors or wish-wash (or was possibly a failed venture), as I've surfed around a lot, and know a lot of folks here in L.A., and I've never seen them offered, no one has ever mentioned it, and they look quite puzzled when I have asked...?

Reef Farmers has an AE Elegance Coral. http://www.reeffarmers.com/

Also, you'd be very suprised to see just how many of the Aussie Elegenaces that come in are fragged already! Its very easy to tell, just look at the skeleton. If its a nice solid shaped "mini-skeleton" than you know its a baby elegance....otherwise you'll see its been cut off as larger piece. Most suppliers I've spoke with regarding this say that the unfragged ones are harder to get/collect and will fetch a larger price tag too. Its much easier for a collector to find a healthy large elegance and cut it into 5 pieces than it is to find five healthy baby elegances.

 

[joshalicialtjt]

ok well i just got my first elegance today and it seems to be a lot more green than the one's that I am seeing, not sure why. I put him in a few hours back and will be posting pictures quite soon.

 

[jtarmitage]

Here's my Aussie Elegance after it just got relocated into my new 250g:

 

[Todd March]

Stunning, jtarmitage, just great. Lovely vibrant pink tips...!

 

[jtarmitage]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12955874#post12955874 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Todd March
Stunning, jtarmitage, just great. Lovely vibrant pink tips...!

Thanks. Just couldn't pass that one up when I saw it awhile back. I always told myself I'd never get an elegance. Guess I made a liar out of myself.

 

[SCIFI_3D_zoo]

Not doing well?

Not doing well?

Isn't the bloating a sign of distress and death? I was worried about it for awhile. Only been 4-5 days. Problem I think is coming from LiveAq. and being in a bag for over 24 hours. It is an Aussie.

 

[Todd March]

I have vowed the same thing after losing them all in the last 8 years, but I hear these Aussie's elegances are different--so like you, the first one I come across will be gracing my new tank....

 

[jtarmitage]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12955945#post12955945 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Todd March
I have vowed the same thing after losing them all in the last 8 years, but I hear these Aussie's elegances are different--so like you, the first one I come across will be gracing my new tank....

I have never owned one, mainly due to their historically "touchiness", as well as their ability to kill anything that comes in contact, which is a lot as they expand!
The recent success' had me interested, but this one was a knockout, so I figured I'd give it a shot.

 

[Todd March]

Over the last 20 years, I've only had one elegance sting some Zoo's and they bounced back. Not that you should shove it inbetween other corals, but I think their agression, as well as agression for other corals, gets a little over-stated... Maybe I was just very lucky, but I don't think so...

 

[jtarmitage]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12956010#post12956010 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Todd March
Over the last 20 years, I've only had one elegance sting some Zoo's and they bounced back. Not that you should shove it inbetween other corals, but I think their agression, as well as agression for other corals, gets a little over-stated... Maybe I was just very lucky, but I don't think so...

Maybe so, but I've noticed the stickiness from the nematocysts when I have moved it. I don't intend to underestimate its stinging ability, so it's sitting in the back corner of the tank. It's actually a pretty good location as that end of the tank is highly visible, and it can bring a lot of color to an otherwise boring corner of the tank.

 

[Ed Reef]

I have actually put my Elegant corals too close to some of my SPS and yes, it does sting them bad with those parts turning white Maybe LPS are more durable but definitely not SPS