Red Carnation Help please

[wbdevers]

Hey all, before I get yelled at--LOL--, can someone please help me with the care requirements of a red carnation coral? It was given to me and I can't really seem to find much info other than they don't like a lot of light. I asked someone else and they suggested hanging it upside down. I can't do that, but I do have it sitting about midway up the tank sideways between some LR. This lets it "hang" into space. Also, it is partially shaded. It stays mostly shriveled and funky colored, but when my actinics are one it seems happier. Even when all of my lights are on it is showing some minor polyp extension. I am feeding about every three days with Oyster Feast. I shut down all pumps and spot feed.

Tank params as of yesterday are: NO2-0, NO3-0, PO4-0, pH-8.0, Ca+-440, Alk-3.8 meq/L, SG 1.026, Temp 78

Thanks for any help.

 

[uhuru]

The lighting won't make a difference on whether it lives or dies. These guys really need dedicated tanks to have any chance of success. The amount of food they require will cause water quality issues. You need to be feeding on an hourly basis. Oyster feast is good, but you need more variety. If you're serious about trying to rescue this coral, check out the Dendronephthya study group v.2 thread in this forum to see some examples of what goes into trying to keep them.

 

[wbdevers]

Thanks uhuru, can you give me a link to the group you are referring?

 

[wireefman]

here ya go

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1935197&highlight=dendronephthya+study+group+v+2

 

[wbdevers]

Thanks wi.