Non Photosyntethic Gorgonians, how hard are they to care for?

[jepoy]

I’ve been looking into getting this coral, but everywhere I go there’s a disclaimer that this is an “experts only” coral. I know it’s because of its feeding requirements.. but I wanted to hear first hand if it’s really that hard to care for these corals. How often do you feed? How much, etc? Thanks!


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[Bruce Spiegelman]

Yes it is that hard for most of them. They rarely last more than a few months and it's because of how they feed. They are filter feeders and the only somewhat surefire way to keep them healthy is to set up a dedicated system that keeps food entering and circulating in the system all the time. Basically dosing zooplankton. That leads to the next issue of nutrient export. In a system like that I'm told they thrive.

 

[Bruce Spiegelman]

Are you going to be at the Coral Market?

 

[jepoy]

Yep! I've been saving up my lunch money the last couple of weeks!

 

[Bruce Spiegelman]

I believe that Chad with Reef Nutrition keeps a dedicated NPS/Sea Horse tank. He's one of the nicest guys in the hobby so I'd hit him up at the event. Also thank him for supporting BAR.