terpenoids?

[skeeter-doc]

Do green star polyps or Xenia expell terpenoids into the water column? What about zoanthids?

 

[Hormigaquatica]

Most all octocorals are known to release a whole host of chemical compunds; GSPs are especially noxious by most accounts. Zoanthids are also well known for their toxic properties. Im not aware of any studies that have done a thorough breakdown of the 'chemical soup' composition for those 3 corals though to show what amount of it are terpenoids in particular.

 

[skeeter-doc]

so if I want to grow SPS frags, stick with only SPS, ...

 

[Hormigaquatica]

Well, that would likely provide the healthiest environment for them; they wouldnt have to stress out over all those other softies in the tank giving off chemicals in an effort to out-compete the SPS. That being said, Many people have mixed reefs with great success- good carbon usage, heavy protein skimming, regular water changes, etc will all dillute the toxic soup (all of which are procedures you should be doing in a tank trying to grow SPS anyhow).

 

[skeeter-doc]

well yes of course, but if I only add SPS, then I would not ever have to worry about diluting terpenoids to begin with, correct?

 

[Hormigaquatica]

To the best of my knowledge, thats right. Ive not heard of SPS using that kind of chemical warfare (I might be wrong on that, but as far as I know...)

 

[skeeter-doc]

ok, well sounds good to me

thanks!