Sun coral (husbandry)

cmay · 06-05-2007, 07:27 PM

I had my eye on a sun coral for ages, I love the way they look, my LFS had one for about 2 months, he seemed to be degrading, empty cups were appearing.

By this time I'd researched about low light/caves and spot feeding from every day to every 3days.

The next time I visited my LFS my mission was to rescue him and love him

I've only had him for about 2 weeks, hes already growing new sections and his polyps are looking fuller.

I've included a pic, can anyone else give me any more tips on husbandry, I would be most great full.

sunc.JPG

**Phurst** · 06-05-2007, 08:20 PM

I really want one too, I just haven't made the leap. Sounds like you've got it down if it's thriving. Nice looking coral

cmay · 06-05-2007, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phurst

I really want one too, I just haven't made the leap. Sounds like you've got it down if it's thriving. Nice looking coral

Thanks

hopefully I can continue to give him a good home

***lReef lKeeper*** · 06-05-2007, 09:32 PM

cmay, sounds like you have it all worked out. because they are a non photosynthetic (non light dependant) coral, they HAVE to be fed, that is why a lot of people dont keep them (hassle of feeding). with regular feedings you should be fine.

keep doing what you are doing and before you know it you will not see any of that rock, and that will be how it is suppose to look. try very hard to feed every single polyp (even the tinyest ones), and you will be amazed at how fast it will regain its health. keep up the good work, HTH.

cmay · 06-06-2007, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lReef lKeeper

keep doing what you are doing and before you know it you will not see any of that rock, and that will be how it is suppose to look. try very hard to feed every single polyp (even the tinyest ones), and you will be amazed at how fast it will regain its health. keep up the good work, HTH.

Thanks for the reply, at the moment I poor food down a long tube, seems to work however I need to buy a longer tube and slightly bend the end so I can postion more acrutely.

I will post an update photo in a few weeks time on progress.

**CarmieJo** · 06-06-2007, 07:51 PM

I use a turkey baster to feed mine. Some people place a dome over theirs while they eat so the other critters don't take their food.

cmay · 06-06-2007, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarmieJo

I use a turkey baster to feed mine. Some people place a dome over theirs while they eat so the other critters don't take their food.

That's a good idea, I've started to notice my fish, crabs and anyone else seem to know my sun coral now gets an extra treat. (my crab hides around the corner and bounces as soon as I'm done

)

**CarmieJo** · 06-06-2007, 08:58 PM

You can buy feeding domes but I have heard that a cut off 2L bottle works as well as the commercial ones.

cmay · 06-07-2007, 02:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarmieJo

You can buy feeding domes but I have heard that a cut off 2L bottle works as well as the commercial ones.

I will try this today/evening, I do like the cheaper DIY solution

cmay · 06-09-2007, 03:00 PM

I have noticed over the last couple of days my hermit crab is climbing all over my sun rock and seems to be picking at the polyps/cups.

My hermit crab looks like a rock; I will take a photo when I get home.

At the moment he seems to be doing no harm, but I’m slightly worried he may try to rip the polyps apart to get extra food.

Do you think I should remove him to my sump before he go’s to far and im not around to stop him.

***lReef lKeeper*** · 06-10-2007, 05:12 PM

it is probably just removing algae form the the rock, around the polyps. i would just watch it for a fewq days and see what happens.

cmay · 06-12-2007, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lReef lKeeper

it is probably just removing algae form the the rock, around the polyps. i would just watch it for a fewq days and see what happens.

I took your advise bobby and it seems your right

I've noticed the colony growing and existing corals growing, I'm really pleased and feel quite proud

I've place the original rock in between other LR will they speared over.

***lReef lKeeper*** · 06-12-2007, 06:35 PM

they should spread over in time. i would just lean the other rock (the one that you want them to spread to) on a bare spot of the rock that the colony is on. this should get the result you are looking for.

cmay · 06-12-2007, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lReef lKeeper

they should spread over in time. i would just lean the other rock (the one that you want them to spread to) on a bare spot of the rock that the colony is on. this should get the result you are looking for.

Thanks, I've snuggled the rocks up together so hopefully in time they will spread.

***lReef lKeeper*** · 06-12-2007, 11:31 PM

sounds like you have these guys on the right path. good luck and keep us posted on their condition.