How to keep Gorgonians long term?

[sugartooth]

I have blueberry gorgonian, purple sea whip, and sea fan. (Others such as the red w/white polyp and a purple knobby are doing well for now)
They were all doing well for about a month. Then polyps stopped coming out. Now, they are starting to look withered and shriveled. How do I save them?

What are the key requirements? I have added a Tunze nanostream for flow. I also feed phyto sometimes.

This is in a dedicated seahorse tank.

Also, these are under T5 lighting.

Thanks in advance for the advice.

 

[MDeth]

The seahorses could be irritating them or they could possibly not be getting enough food.

Do you ever feed cyclop-eeze? Good small bits of food for the gorgs (and the horses if they take it). I'm not sure on which sp. but I'm sure you know many gorgonians aren't phytosynthetic and may need more than phyto.

 

[sugartooth]

Thanks very much. Yes, most of mine are not photosynthetic. Maybe I will feed some reef food (has cyclopeeze in it)

However, the one that is photosynthetic is the worse one off.

 

[Illuminati]

If you think either Reef Chilli (at Premium Aquatics) or Coral Frenzy (at Sharkys) would help let me know and I can give you some to try. Both are similar to phyto which is what your using now so I'm not sure if it would help but if you want to try I'd be happy to give you some.

I feed my gorg those and blast it with flow (Direct flow from a Hydor Korilla 1), seems to be pretty happy.

P.S. Thanks for the SPS

 

[sugartooth]

Colin- I just dumped a little bit of ReefGeeks reef food and some Phycopure in the tank. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that at least the blueberry will make it long term.

Thanks for your very generous offer.
When you are ready, please feel free to browse what I have!
Love your ric!

 

[AquaKnight]

You probably should spot feed each with a baster, dosing really won't get each gorg enough food. Starting spot feeding mine yellow tree, and its making a nice turn around.

 

[ReefWidowed]

It's a little ricky to get the hang of, but if you target feed (dts oyster eggs are great) and can get a jar over the gorg without letting all the food escape.......give it an hour or so, that way it will actually have a chance at getting the food before it is whisked away by the current.

 

[sugartooth]

Thanks for the tips. I will try and target feed as best I can. I really hope it will survive...they are very pretty.