Scleronephthya

[Pitcom]

I picked up two really nice specimens about 2 weeks ago. it took both corals about 1 week to fully acclimate in my tank. They now regularly fully extend thier polyps each day several times a day for about 3 hours at a time. They seem to have a schedule of thier own as to when they open and recede. I have been feeding them golden pearl and i add live rotifers to my tank. The first specimen is pink with greenish heads and stands about 5 inches tall fully extended. The second is completely carnation pink and extends upwards of 7 inches.

Would like to hear of anyone with these types of coral as they are supposed to be easier than carnations to keep. So far mine look happy but its only been 2 weeks. The fact that they have both acclimated makes me feel like they have started out on the right foot. I don't think lighting makes much difference for these guys as they are found in the wild as deep as 120 feet. I have both of mine located near the bottom of my 2 foot deep tank under t5 lighting.

 

[seapug]

They really are cool corals, but survivability in any tank, especially new ones is just about as dismal as Dendronepthea. You might get lucky, but they usually start off looking great then start to shrink and open less until they turn onto small colored lumps. The problem is they need so much food that most closed system tanks can't support them without becoming completely polluted.

Good luck, though! ~Would love to hear they are still doing well in three months.

 

[Pitcom]

Just wanted to update on my to corals. They are both doing really well. One shrunk for about 3 days and i thought it was a goner. But it turned waxy on the 4th day and shed a layer of skin like how toadstools do. Now it is about 1 inch taller and the polyps are opening more than ever. I'll get some pics up.

 

[Hormigaquatica]

I would be intersted in seeing the details of your tank setup- mainly type and amount of flow if you dont mind.

You mentioned golden pearls and rotifers; have you been adding any other potential food sources (phytoplankton, etc)?

 

[Pitcom]

It's a 65 gallon 3lx2hx18w. I've got to korallia 2's for flow creating a cross stream at the center of the tank which creates alot of random turbulance out towards the sides of the tank. I have two aquaclear 110 filters that i turned into refugiums hanging on the back. These are chalk full of chaeto and a plethora of pods. I target feed golden pearl every once in a while and i also dose phyto feast live. I have stopped doing the rotifers only beacuse i feel my tank has sufficient amounts of food already. I have no problems whatsoever with nitrates. My PH maintains 8.2-8.3, alk around 12. Calcium 430 and magnesium 1390. I maintain a temperature range of 77 to 79. This is under a 6 bulb 39w t5 tek fixture with the new style ind reflectors. The coral is still doing well and is displaying is best poly extension yet. I have noticed it really comes alive about 3 hours before the dawn lights come on.
I just got a new camera and macro lens so once i go pick up the tripod i plan to post some detailed pics.