Success with Dendronephthya

[FWGourdin]

This is a beautiful strawberry carnation or tree coral. It is said to be very difficult to sustain in the home aquarium. Has anyone had long-term success with this genus and how did you care for it?

 

[MarcoBO]

Hi
As far as I know, one year plus a few month is the limit in captivity and this only in exceptions. Normally, the corals starve after a few month. To my knowledge, it is still not known what they are feeding on.

 

[CuttleKid]

My first few experiences with dendronephthya were not successful. I fed them almost constaty with FM food but they shriveled up after a month. I did have great success with my last one. I blasted it directly with a turkey baster filled with cyclopeeze and nutramar ova about 3 times a day on weekdays and a little more on weekends. During the span of span of several months feeding this way I never saw it deflate. It was always upright and inflated. I lost it to stray voltage but I would put money that I could have kept it alive for at least a year if not more using this feeding method.

 

[Cu455]

Had one for a few weeks so far, I bought it without knowing what it was. It was looking good for a while. I read somewhere that it was a good idea to hang it upside down to avoid the light. I didn't it and it looks like deflated. I am actually going to change it now. If I have any success I will let you know.

 

[FWGourdin]

Dendronnephthea

Dendronnephthea

Thanks for the replies guys. I recently purchased one without adequate reading before-hand. Thankfully it appears to be a good specimen. It is extending nicely and is really striking. I'm committed to the 2-3 point feedings per day and we'll see what happens. Fortunately, I'm retired so I can devote the time to it that is required.

 

[noy]

this may be helpful - its a beginner's primer

http://www.reefhobbyistmagazine.com/archives/vol_7/issue28/pages/38.htm