Xmas Tree Rock/Coral - Experience?

[smaier6]

Hello Fello Reefers,
I am curious to find out if anyone has had any experience with the Xmas Tree Rock. I recently purchased one a week ago and am having little luck in finding information on this animal. The information that I have seen is conflicting regarding care some say low and some say high maintenance. Secondly what type of water flow should this animal be situated in?

BTW it is doing well so far

Thanks for your Time!

 

[racrumrine]

First, you have to take care of the coral on the rock. This usually requires intense lighting.

Then, you have to take care of the filter feeding worms (Christmas trees).

From what I have observed, the worms are harder to take care of than the coral. Beautiful though.

Best of luck,

Roy

 

[PJSEA]

Are you talking about the Christmas Tree Coral like one pictured here:
http://www.saltwaterfish.com/site_1...ategory=4&category_search=62&root_parent_id=4
If so then they are not considered very hardy according to wetwebmedia

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/alcyonselfaqs.htm

My experience seems to bear this out. Mine appeared to be fine at first. It was about the size of a large pickle and extended nicely. That was a few months ago. Now it is less than 2" in length fully extended and about 1/2" thick. I think it's not getting the right food or enough food although I've tried about everything out there. Right now it's in ICU and I'm trying to maximize the food concentration around it. I don't think it's going to survive.
The conditions it supposed to be in are moderate to strong flow on sand substrate. It's supposed to be fed food for filter feeders.

 

[Sk8r]

I'd use Cyclopeeze for the coral and DTs or Phytofeast for the worms. THey have a bad history in the trade. You're going to have to sustain a high food environment.