Red carnation help

[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.

 

[mscarpena]

Put it back in the ocean where it belongs. It is just destined to die in your tank. They need a constant flood of plankton for feeding and good strong flow. You will serious pollute your tank if you feed it enough to keep it alive. They need to be fed a mix of invert food several times per day.

 

[wireefman]

Put it back in the ocean where it belongs. It is just destined to die in your tank. They need a constant flood of plankton for feeding and good strong flow. You will serious pollute your tank if you feed it enough to keep it alive. They need to be fed a mix of invert food several times per day.

fail-

or maybe post over on the nps section, where numerous members are having sucsess with full blown nps tanks.....

 

[wbdevers]

Yeah thanks wireef. I will post there. It's a beatuiful piece and I want it to do well.

Thanks,

W

 

[Ritten]

Mscarpena is right,

Live aquaria lists this species as "expert only"

"Please note: We guarantee that ALL aquaria species we offer will arrive alive and in good condition. However, because of the increased level of care required for this particular species, it has been designated as "Expert Only." This species is recommended only for the expert marine aquarist, zoo, or research institution please."

 

[sneeyatch]

It was given to him, he didn't go out and buy it - someone else did and he's trying to do the best he can. It's apparent that he understands it's a very difficult coral to keep.

Instead of telling him to put it back in the ocean (which is one of the most idiotic things I've ever heard), why don't you help the dude or shut up.

 

[wbdevers]

Thanks sneeyatch, glad at least one person actually read my post. You hit the nail on the head--trying to save the bloody thing.

 

[Uncko Macko]

How's it going?

 

[wbdevers]

Hey U.M. I actually was able to sell it to a much more experienced reefer. They said they would be glad to take it, so I let it go. They said they had another one in their tank, so that was good enough for me. I know this sounds terrible, but I would rather believe that it survived in their tank than knowing for sure it died in mine.