I had 1 over 1.5 years.
I loved it. It took it's share of small meats like mysis/other stuff,
as well as DT's Phyto & different Zoo Plankton liquids- (Whether it's actually for the coral itself or for micro creatures the coral feeds upon, is left to speculation still) and even some "Coral Frenzy" mix up too.
Very gentle target feeding seemed to make it thrive.
I've heard some people(hobbyists) & LFS people are having some more luck with keeping them longer than previously known to be standard.
Mine actually GREW A LOT and got HUGE. Then one day with no apparent reason it started to decline. I thought I would make at least almost 2 years but came up just short by 4-5 months. Gonnis really are awesome, however, I'm staying away from anymore atleast for now.
It was not my first coral(actually 8th) but was my favorite of all.
My clowns could have bothered it too much possibly. They chose to host in it.
Now they are back in the BTA.
It still does not seem to be a coral that is understood enough as far as more concrete techniques and overall care to ensure success. Or if it's longevity is even that possible in captivity.
Some say they like dirtier water.(More nutrient rich) My tank also went to being much much cleaner just before the decline. Becasue of my changes to keep some SPS.
It's a coral in my opnion that is very pleasing to keep. Fascinating/beautiful and sometimes a little extra work with target feeding. There is definetly less of a gaurantee with it than most other things.
But depending on what else you keep, I think it's worth it to try one at least once for the experience. As long as you can enjoy what you will get out of it, and deal with the fact that sometime eventually it WILL probably meet it's demise to somewhat unknown reasons. (Tanks are not the real Ocean, especially when it comes to this coral.)
But one thing along with it's "Coolness" and beauty that can justify the overall experience is that most are not really that expensive. Average $40-$60 range) maybe a tad more for a red one in some stores...
But not really expensive for a fairly big LPS Coral.
Some say the red ones becoming more available are decent.
various off green and semi neon greens are also available.
The super Neon green has a bad tract record more than the others, for lasting short.
The "Branching" style is said to be the better growing/ lasting longer kind.
The ones with skeletons more like "perfectly round golf balls" are the WORST.
They will last the shortest. Try to avoid that particular species.
I've seen G from ABC PEts in Fairport as well as Randy O at ARC (Buffalo) sell some of the better ones. Usually more Branching style skeleton. As opposed to the round. Though all the shops have had representatives of both.
I would also talk to one of those guys as well if your really interested. Their knowledge is fairly supreme in that catagory as well as others of course.
