the needs of my corals

[kg4izw]

I have a variety of new corals sitting the bottom of my tank. I got this weekend need advice on placement in the tank.
I have an Aquapod 24 with 150W HQI. I have 25lbs of live rock and plenty of flow, about 450 gallons per hour in three different directions.
1. Xenia- Silver pulsing, and normal pink
2. Hammer coral
3. Frogspawn
4. Kenia Tree- I got this frag from a really nice guy that said it would do great in my tank, but I have no idea about its needs.

I would like to know if each of the above prefers direct or indirect light from the halide bulb and how much flow they prefer.

Thanks, Paulb.

 

[Mariner]

The Xenia would probably be the most appreciative of more light and flow, although it will probably do well anywhere. I like to put my xenia at the top of the tank anyway, otherwise it will climb over everything as it eventually spreads to the top on its own. The hammer, frogspawn and tree are medium light, medium flow corals. I'd put them in the middle/bottom area --- maybe the tree on the bottom and the hammer and frogspawn in the middle.
HTH,
Mariner

 

[kg4izw]

I will give then a couple more days to get used to the lighting, and then will relocate them accordingly.
The only frag that I have not mounted is the Kenia Tree. I am afraid to use Super glue on it. I put it in a shallow plastic cup with some rubble on it hoping it would attach. I have not confirmed this, but I think it has attached to the side of the cup instead. Just my luck. Well perhaps I can cut a plug from the cup and glue the cup part to my rock. Does this sound like it would work?

 

[ssdalton]

When I got mine I found a little hole in a rock and "stuffed" him in and he attached pretty quick

Shaun

 

[kg4izw]

** feeding the corals **

** feeding the corals **

Well I tried to get the Kenya Tree to attach to some rock rubble for two days, and then I went with your advice and jammed it down in a hole in my live rock. I looked REALLY deflated last night after I abused it like I did. I hope it looks OK when I get home from school today.
I have one other question about caring for these corals,
Someone told me it was good for me to "feed" my corals. What kind of coral food do I need and how do I feed the corals?
I have heard of ( but never seen) products like Reef Chili and DT's oyster eggs. Do I feed this type of product to the corals? Any personal recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks, Paulb.

 

[Mariner]

Different corals take in nutrients in different ways. Most are able to feed themselves somewhat through photosynthesis. Some, like Xenia and Kenya Tree, mainly just absorb nutrients from the water... no need to actively feed them. On the other hand, your frogspawn and hammer might enjoy an occasionaly dusting of Mysis shrimp (which is larger in particle size than your typical coral food).
IMO, things like Oyster eggs and Reef Chili would mainly benefit SPS.
HTH,
Mariner