Gorgonian Question

[ellebelle]

I got a photosynthetic gorgonian from Greenwich Aquarium the other day. It's beautiful. For about four or five days, all of its polyps were out and extended. The other day I tried feeding it (since all of the literature says to supplement with small foods) and ever since there, the polyps are retracted. Is this because it's "full"? Or should I try moving it to someplace with ever more flow. Its little branches are quivering with the flow running right past it.

 

[reefman]

if they extended be4, i would leave them b. they probably full n dont need to eat yet.
any pics

 

[ellebelle]

I do!

...

but I lost the little flash card reader for my camera.

 

[Awibrandy]

Lissa, where in the tank do you have it? Mine is somewhere to the lower middle, low flow, being fed ESV freeze dried phytoplankton before the lights in the morning, cyclopeeze in the evening. And has never stopped extending it's polyp.

 

[ming]

Awibrandy.. thats a non-photosynthetic blueberry gorg. Make sure to keep up the feedings. Definitely a hard gorg to keep alive due to its high maintenance.

 

[ellebelle]

Lissa, where in the tank do you have it? Mine is somewhere to the lower middle, low flow, being fed ESV freeze dried phytoplankton before the lights in the morning, cyclopeeze in the evening. And has never stopped extending it's polyp.

I'm pretty sure all gorgonians like the higher flow. It keeps them from building up algae on their branches. As it happens though, mine is photosynthetic so I only need to supplement with food as opposed to feeding every day.

 

[Awibrandy]

Thanks for the info Mynd! I did do a great deal of research on it, which is why I do feed it as I do. I really do not mind feeding it, since it is what I do with all my animals. I've had it since 9/11/07, and it is doing Great. Funny thing is that although it is not photosynthetic, it really extends it's polyps when the MH come on. It seems to love the light.
Lissa fortunately I don't have to worry about algea since there is non in my tank.
My Very Best Wishes to you with yours!

 

[ellebelle]

... and, as of today, all polyps out and the whole thing is sliming like crazy. Holy crap, I didn't know gorgonians were slimers.

 

[KathyC]

Yes they are Lissa. If you haven't changed your carbon latey, now might be a good time considering how big your gorgonian is