They are not hard, just neglected . I've found feeding is a necessity with these corals. People throw them in the tank and never feed the poor things, then wonder why they start slowly dieing.
I feed mine at least once a week a mix of powdered flake, Spirulina, Cycloeeze, Selcon, and mashed up marine pellets. I will feed 2x's a week once the new 120g tank gets setup and they go in it though. I've got one Goni that I've had for over a year & 1/2 and is doing great. T