Unfortunetly most of the "Most colorful" Gorgs are NON Photosynthetic.
Kat,
If your looking for Photosynthetic only,
I think a lot of what you like there, are already out.
The red & Orange I know for sure are NON photo and challenging to maintain just like the blueberry mentioned before.
The orange tree gorgonian (in your picture) species: "Swiftia exserta"
It is more challenging to maintain this species, as they require supplemental feeding several times per week. This Sea fan is not photosynthetic and requires a low level of lighting to ward off a build-up of micro algae. Or cleaning to keep it clear, often daily.
The Red (a deep water species) is even harder than the orange.
I think they are awesome. I keep 2 different purple ones myself. Photosynthetic.
Not trying to talk anyone out of this either. Just pointing out, that depending on what else you keep in your tanks, and skimming schedule(on all th time or off for a while) it is difficult as others have said to maintain.
I know an LFS that got 2 in that died. (Non Photo) As they did not really have a mostly dedicated tank for these kind of gorgs. Mixing them with a lot of other corals proved difficult due to the extreme differences in the care needs.
Not that one could not set up this kind of tank, of course one could. But it is another seperate committment to consider.
Perhaps this is also "why" LFs's don't get a lot of the NON photo ones in. They certainly could. But may want to sell them fast(if they do) to avoid a quick decline because of those care needs. It may be easier, unless someone wants to make an order, to just avoid ordering a stock of such corals on a regular basis. Most LFS don't have specific dedicated tanks for certain things. They like to be able to just move a few things around, use any coral tank and keep the same parameters for the most part. Which you can do with most corals.
But usually fails "long term" with the NON photo Gorgs. 'An an LFS "may" have certain corals in their tanks for "awhile". It's not a risk they want to manage unless they are set up for it better. The heavy feeding is an issue. Most LFS like to keep their tanks sparkling 24/7 (non stop skimming) and don't want "daily" water changes.
But If I had the time, I'd think about managing a special "deep water" non photosynthetic tank. It would be cool. But depending on your time and committment, average coral tanks with high lighting, regular skimming, are demanding enough.
If anyone manages some of these on a long term successful basis, I'd love to see their tank(s)!
I know it IS possible. But not a good choice for the average reef hobbyist.
Several species are even a bit different on "food requirements" the particles are too small for some and too large for others. Which require some species specific study if you want better success.
But the common DT's Phyto with Oyster eggs, cyclopeeze, rotifers and other micro size stuff is what you need to feed. a mixed combo of it is best.
At night is also best to do it. Though some can be trained for day. Night is still noted as best. and to have "Skimmers" all "OFF" during a feeding period.
To include some time even after.
Thus the water changes frequent.
