How close is too close for favia & polps?

[bklynmet]

I just recently acquired my first coral specimen less than one week ago - a green favia brain specimen and put it near some button polyps that had hitch-hiked on the LR. The LR and polyps have been in the tank for over one and a half years now and polps are multiplying well. I wanted to get a reasonable calcium dosing regiment going before introducing corals.

This morning while the actnics were on I noticed after feeding the fish that there was at least two very distinct greenish puffs appearing to come from the button polyps (it dissipated fairly rapidly). I'm assuming it was releasing a defense mechanism against the favia because I haven't noticed this happen before. There is good water movement in the tank as there is a closed loop with SCWD powered by Mag 9.5 (on when lights are on) and the return line from the sump to the 75 gallon tank.

So my question is, how close can they be to one another? I moved the favia about 18 inches away where before it was about 4 inches from the polyps. Is the tank too small to house both? Are there any distress signs I should look for on the favia? Your input is appreciated.

Thanks a lot in advance.

 

[argo]

In terms of aggressiveness Favia will hold an upper hand (IMHO). Keeping them 18" apart should not induce any warfare. Are you running carbon at all? Running carbon 24/7 will certainly help reducing aleopathy in your tank. My Favia is within inches from several SPS corals but it never stung anything.

 

[bklynmet]

Thanks Argo for your response... I run carbon once a month for about 2 days to clear up the water as it gets a little yellowish...

Wouldn't running carbon 24/7 carbon deplete trace elements from the tank? Is carbon a MUST if I want to keep corals? I perform weekly 10% water changes - Is that enough to replace the trace removed? ... The current reason I run only once a month is to minimize trace element removal... Would I need to change my priorities concerning how much carbon to run if I want to keep a good variety of corals as I begin to collect specimens?

Again, input is appreciated...

 

[argo]

Yes, running carbon 24/7 is a good idea and is a must if it's a mixed reef; carbon won't deplete any trace elements that I know of. Change it out every 2 - 3 weeks. As far as quantity I use 2 100g bags for my 90G tank.

 

[bklynmet]

Thanks. I think I'll do that.

 

[rjmayes34]

I have a Burgandy and Neon green favia and when its feeding time you can see the stinging tenticals comes out as it tring to catch food. This should be a good indication as to how far you need to pace them apart. As l;ong os the tenticals dont touch the polyps then you should be fine. With growth of the Favia the Polyps if they get too close will spred the other way to get away from the favia. THat how it works in nature. My the best speciman win!!!! lol jk!!!!!! As long as the tenticals dont touch your fine