How important is flow for a gorgonian?

[JingoFresh]

At the moment I have a purple sea whip gorgonian in my sump, because the light is stronger and I don't know if a red knob sea star would touch it or not.

Problem is, there is not a strong flow in my sump, which I know they need. How important is the flow to their health, i.e. how long can I keep it in the sump?

Buying a new light for main tank but might take a week or so...

 

[thegrun]

A week or so will be fine, but longterm they do much better with high flow. I have one sitting 4" away from my powerhead where it gets blasted full force and it does better than the ones with less flow.

 

[ca1ore]

My own, anecdotal, observations is that gorgonians need flow to help to clean themselves. They will get this waxy, algae covered layer that if you see it in your fuge, just mechanically brush it off and you should be fine for a while.

 

[JingoFresh]

OK, thanks guys.

Also, this is the light I am using for my refugium, is it strong enough?

http://www.amazon.com/light-clip-dolphin-curve-adjustable/dp/B009P05DL2

 

[JingoFresh]

Just wanting to double check, that light is 6500k so should be fine for a gorgonian?

 

[thegrun]

The light should be fine for the Gorgonian, but at 6500 I would worry about increased algae growth.

 

[Dmorty217]

Just wanting to double check, that light is 6500k so should be fine for a gorgonian?

Gorgonians are NPS and require feedings to thrive. It's recommended to put gorgonians in low light to help inhibit the algae growth on the skeleton

 

[JingoFresh]

Gorgonians are NPS and require feedings to thrive. It's recommended to put gorgonians in low light to help inhibit the algae growth on the skeleton

They are NPS? I've read they need moderate light and strong flow which prohibits algae growth.

 

[thegrun]

Gorgonians are NPS and require feedings to thrive. It's recommended to put gorgonians in low light to help inhibit the algae growth on the skeleton

There are both photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic Gorgonians. The non-photosynthetic species require target feeding and are very difficult to keep long term. The photosynthetic species do not require target feeding but must have both strong lighting and water movement.

 

[shesacharmer]

+1

+1

There are both photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic Gorgonians.

Most lfs don't even carry the nps variety because they can't keep them alive in the store long enough to sell them. It's always wise to ask which variety you are getting so you'll know the proper care routine.

 

[eatbreakfast]

The purple whip gorgonian is a photosynthesizing type, so definitely needs the light. I would be wary of a 6500K light because most corals arent able to rely utilize that spectrum of light.

 

[Eric Boerner]

The purple whip gorgonian is a photosynthesizing type, so definitely needs the light. I would be wary of a 6500K light because most corals arent able to rely utilize that spectrum of light.

Any visible light photon can be converted to sugars for photosynthesis.