|
|
FAQs about Sea Fan Reproduction, Propagation
Related Articles: Sea Fans,
Related FAQs: Sea Fans 1, Sea
Fans 2, Sea Fan Identification,
Sea Fan Behavior, Sea Fan Selection,
Sea Fan Compatibility, Sea Fan Systems,
Sea Fan Feeding, Sea Fan Disease, | 
|
Fragging Blue Gorgonian 4/6/09
Dear Crew,
<Good evening, Adam Jenkins with you today>
A while back I fell in love with a sea fan at my favorite LFS that was
described as blue tree gorgonian. Resisted temptation and came home to
do some research first
<The actions of a successful aquarist>
mostly thanks to yourselves it was identified as an Acalycigorgia sea
fan.
<A lovely animal. I assume because of your research that you realize
that these are one of the more difficult of the gorgonians to keep>
Given my love of the non-photosynthetic coral and the fact that I have
several thriving in the tank (lots of plankton feeding, lots and lots of
water changes, skimming like a demon to keep water quality in check!) I
figured I'd get it, especially as it is actually two fans growing next
to each other on the same piece of rock!
My problem is this - it is growing like something possessed. It appears
to be enjoying the tank environment so much that it is growing very well
and looks amazing, however it is only a matter of time before it will
need
pruning. Is it possible to frag this particular coral as for other
gorgonians?
<Yes, the same steps will apply>
I frag a lot of my corals and pass them on to other reefers and would
love to do with this animal, especially as they don't have a great
survival record.
<6 to 12 months if lucky>
Any help or directions as to where to look would be gratefully received!
<As stated above, the same steps will apply. I myself like to keep a
copy of Calfo's "Book of Coral Propagation" around for reference. Good
Luck!>
Carolyn
Gorgonian Propagation Question - 2/21/2006
Hello
again. I am hoping you will be able to provide a quick answer to my
questions. I have what I think is a Eunicea succinea - Candelabrum
Gorgonian as it looks like the photos on a few web pages I have
explored. I have attached a photo I have taken of my specimen and
ask if you can confirm it's type and advise me on taking cuttings
for propagation.
The specimen has grown to the point that it now
floats at the top of my 120G reef/fish tank when I do 15G water
changes. I want to take a few cuttings to reduce it's height and
propagate to other areas of the reef. It is approx. 7" tall and has
three branches off the main trunk. The first is approx. 1.5" from
the base, the second at 3.5" and the third at 5" or 2.5" from the
top.
Can I take cutting from the specimen while it is in the
tank as compared to removing it from the tank prior to cutting. The
specimen has begun to grow off the plug and onto the base rock and I
would rather not disturb it if not necessary. Also can you advise me
on the best points to make my cuts. I was intending to make my cuts
approx. .5" above each of the two lowest branches and then cut the
main trunk just below the third branch. The result would yield three
sections to be located in new areas of the reef and leave the base
trunk with three stubs at a height of approx. 4".
Thank you for
your time and assistance.
PS. The specimen in question is the
tall brown one in the center of the photo.
<Mmm, have not done
this myself... would like to refer you to Anthony Calfo's "Book of
Coral Propagation", and to Fossa and Nilsen V. 2 of MCRA (Modern
Coral Reef Aquarium)... as well as the few specialized BB's
(Reefs.org, Reef Frontiers...) for more input from folks with
first-hand experience. Bob Fenner> | 
|
Propagating Gorgonian corals
Thanks for your help! Now to the
next issue. It has been growing at a (recently) phenomenal rate, and I
am going to either have to prune it or change tanks. The new tank thing
is probably not going to happen soon, so how would you suggest that I
cut back the gorgonian octocoral?
<easy and hardy... read on>
Should I cut it at a bifurcation?
<yes, but for aesthetics only.
This coral will tolerate cutting most anywhere>
After cutting it,
should I treat it in any way?
<little handling is needed or
recommended. Cut clean through a branch with sturdy scissors or chicken
scissors (cutting poultry in the kitchen). The parent is to be left in
place and will heal over shortly with continued good maintenance and a
clean cut. Take the cutting(s) and strip the lower 1/4 to 1/2 inch of
tissue off of the woody gorgonin stem. This woody stem can then be
epoxied or glued into place on another rock or piece of rubble. If you
like, you can simply stick it in a matching sized hole in rock (drill
one in rubble if you want). If you feel really frisky about propagating
coral, I know of a good book on the subject <G>.>
thanks, Tom
<best regards, Anthony Calfo> Re: Propagating Gorgonian
you guys are great -- I'll probably give a cutting to my LFS so there
will be one less piece of coral plucked from the ocean... thanks again,
Tom
<and you are a fine aquarist to know my friend. Admirable
sensibilities like that have helped you get to where you are with a reef
over 10 years old and healthy. Kudos again. Anthony>
|
|
