New Coral Prop Tank for University Study

[saknick16]

My university is setting up a 100 gallon coral propagation tank for research purposes. This tank was previously set up and then fell apart when another department took the water pump for use in their pond. I would like to know if anyone has heard of LPS corals used medicinally? I have heard that certain toxins have been used as steroids that inhibit cell growth but other than that I am not sure. Is there a certain LPS that has an amazing growth rate? Any suggestions for fast growing corals are encouraged.

Thank you

 

[Hormigaquatica]

The fastest growing LPS I have in my tank at least are Acanthastrea echinata and Duncanopsammia axifuga.

I dont know of any LPS that have medicinal properties; certainly not to say that there arent any (or many) but Ive not seen a report of it. I imagine it would be easier to isolate new compounds/molecules from octocorals, as opposed to hexacorals, since they make much more pronounced use of 'chemical warfare.' I know a number of compounds of industrial interest have been isolated from gorgonians and sponges, I wouldnt be surprised at all if there were some associated with a great variety of softies.

Just a random thought with the LPS. First thing that comes to mind is the nematocyst and the toxins associated with that sting. Might be something worth looking at, if that hasnt been done before. Im sure its been done with different Jellyfish, but LPS.... I dunno.

 

[JenDub]

Some large wild gonis have been used for biomed apps but a tank grown specimen would not be pure enough to extract the calcium needed.