Re: Landlocked Corals? Soft coral sel.  -07/18/08
First of all, thank you for such swift response. I've jotted down your suggestions and will definitely take them into account once all this live rock settles down.
<Okay>
As for whether or not I'm referring to "true" soft corals, I would have to plead ignorance here. I'm not sure what would even classify as "true" in the this case.
>Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/cnidaria.htm>
I suppose my parameters would lean more towards something that would thrive without the use of metal halide lighting, etc. It's just not something I'm looking into yet and don't want to simply shove several colonies of beautiful, expensive animals into a miserable situation for them that would most likely lead to their eventual demise, so in the end it's less about making sure I'm within a specific range of species as it is about what will work with this range of lighting. I've done some research on the suggestions you made, and it looks like these will work perfectly although it looks like I might have to save a spot at the top of the rock for the Lobophytum Most sources cite this animal as needing higher lighting. At any rate, thanks for the suggestions on stock, as well as your sections on acrylics DIY projects. I just got hold of a few 1/4" sheets from a shop near me who was tossing them and I LOVE DIY projects. (my budget loves them too). THANKS! :-)
<Thank you! BobF>

Mix and Match? Coral Selection - 7/18/07
Hi Crew!
<Hi there, Peter!>
I have a 90 gal reef tank running for about 9 months now. <Nice!> My lighting system is a SunPod 48" 2x250w MH 14k. I'm planning on getting some beautiful purple Acroporas. <Love those!> What other corals such as some LPS and Soft corals can I get? My tank is 48"x18"x24".
<Oh wow, I could have some fun here, coming up with all sorts of neat corals for you! Unfortunately, there are so many factors, and variables, involved (beyond lighting) that I simply couldn’t begin to list all the possibilities. I’d recommend you start with personal preference. Take a look at what’s available out there and make a list of which corals you like best. From there, check their individual requirements as far as suitability in your tank. Remember, that as far as lighting, it may be very strong up top, but moderate to low at the substrate level if there’s an overhang, cave, etc. You’ll have to be sure to keep in mind current/water flow needs, aggression potential (chemical/contact warfare) nutritional needs, growth rates, placement, etc, as well as lighting. It’s a lot of work, but it’s so worth it to plan it out right from the beginning! One thing you need to be sure to do though, is remember to add things slowly! Also, do not discount the aggression factor. In a closed system, allelopathy (chemical warfare) especially, can be a big problem. If you’re planning on a predominantly SPS tank, be very careful if/when adding soft corals like Sinularia. There are ways around it, but if it were me, I’d just avoid those altogether.>
How many inches below the surface should my SPS and other corals be?
<Again, it depends - what type of coral, will there be a glass, or eggcrate, etc, cover over the tank, how far from the surface are the lights, etc.>
Any advice will be wonderful. Thanks
Peter
<Ah, you're very welcome! You have much fun, but a lot of reading ahead of you! There are many good books out there, such as Eric Borneman’s “Aquarium Corals”, and copious amounts of information available here at WWM and elsewhere online. I’d start here at WWM: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/corlcompfaqs.htm . Good luck and have fun! -Lynn)>

Which Soft Coral Next? - 10/30/06
To the awesome WWM crew,
<<Hey Nathan!>>
I have an established 40 gal reef tank with good lighting and filtration. I have 19 1-inch (or smaller) mushrooms in my tank, and was wondering which soft coral I should introduce next.  I heard that most Zoanthids are hardy and get along well with mushrooms.
<<Mmm, nothing will really "get along" with corallimorphs...or zoanthids for that matter.  But the two will likely "coexist" in your system as long as you are able to maintain physical separation and have adequate skimming and chemical filtration to temper allelopathy>>
I was also wondering if I could have any leather corals in this tank.
<<As long as you don't overdue, and follow the previous guidelines>>
Thanks for the great advice!
Nathan
<<Happy to assist.  Eric Russell>>

Dyed finger leather?
<Mmm, your pic didn't come through... but yes, there are such things...>
Well unfortunately I saw your articles to late, and my vote went to one of the bad guys.. But even with my slow learning curve I will make sure this will never happen again.
<Good>
My tank is a more or less a lagoonal set up with moderate light and flow.
After reading it sounds as if this optimum conditions for my "starving" softy. But am I reading correctly that I'm more or less doomed?
<Need definitions... oh, your Alcyoniid might yet recover, lose the artificial color...>
Because of the efficiency of food we can possibly provide? Could I impose on you to first confirm what I have is dyed? Secondly, any suggestion to keep this guy from becoming a sad statistic?  Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
<Please do try sending along the pic as an attached jpeg or bmp... Bob Fenner>
Justin Bales

Where can I buy awesome coral frags - 1/18/05
Hello <Hello Alex>
Do you guys know were I can buy some awesome looking frags on the net? <Oh, well.....lots of places really. I like these place and can vouch for their quality:
http://www.coralsdirect.com/
http://www.drmaccorals.com/sys-tmpl/door/
http://www.farms-of-thesea.com/catalog/index.html
I can also swear by your local reef club/marine/saltwater club. Depending on where you live, I have received some of the best coral frags ever from these so call frag swaps or people just wanting to prune the growth in their corals. Check it out. Take your time. Make a wish list and start checking out the frag swaps in and around your area. ~Paul>
Thanks

Soft coral stocking densities 11/8/04
Hi, I just have a question about soft corals.  How many can I put in my tank?
<its best to limit yourself as much as you can to one group or family of corals... and even limit total number of species for better long term success and reduced aggression in aquaria)
My setup is:
48 gallon tank,  (2) Aquaclear 200 Filters,  (2) Powerhead 402, (1) Red Sea Prizm Protein Skimmer,  
<please consider getting a second or better skimmer if you prefer to keep soft corals in particular. This brand typically is not a top performer, and you will need optimal skimming with noxious soft corals>
45 lbs. Live rock,  30 lbs. Aragonite sand, 40 lbs. Crushed Coral substrate.  My water condition is excellent. Live stock:
(2) Cleaner shrimp, (4) blue hermit crabs, (2) red hermit crabs,  (1) Banggai Cardinal,  (2) Pajama Cardinals,  (1) Coris Wrasse,  (2) clown fish, (1) Dwarf Lion fish,  (1) Scopas Tang, (1) Anemone,  (1) Pineapple coral,  (1) Hawaiian Feather Duster,  (1) Dwarf colored featherduster.
Temp: 77 Degrees
pH:  8.5
Ammonia: 0.0 mg
Nitrite:  0.0 mg
Nitrate: 0.4 mg
Gravity: 1.025
thx
<best of luck/life. Anthony>

Azooxanthellate corals 10/5/05
Friends! I was just wondering if anybody had experience with nocturnal corals. I have a Christmas tree coral that only comes out late in the evenings and all through the night.  It's about the size of a racquetball all day, and at night extends to well over a foot in height.  Any links or reading material on that sort of thing? Thanks! Scott
<yikes... please do not make a habit of buying corals that you do not know how to keep or feed. In this case, Studeriotes has a rather dismal rate of survival in captivity. Please get a good book on coral husbandry like Eric Borneman's "Aquarium Corals" and research these animals before (!) you buy them. Best regards, Anthony>

Substrate and Soft Coral Questions
Hello, <How goes it, Michael here>
I have a 36 gallon bow front tank, currently fish only (yellow tang, maroon clown, damsel and neon Pseudochromis) with about 10 lbs of live rock. The tank has be up for about a year and half. Substrate is about 1 inch of crushed coral. Filtration is handle by a ViaAqua 750 canister filter along with a Prizm skimmer. They are not the greatest equipment, but they do the job. <Quite so> 
Lighting is provided by a Coralife compact fluorescent system (twin 65 W 50/50 bulbs).  I am considering replacing the substrate, with a finer aragonite based sand. My question is how much should I replace at a time? <No more than 50%> 
Considering my setup, I'm not sure how much of the biological filtration is occurring in the substrate and live rock, and how much is in the canister filter. <There won't be a whole lot of biological filtration occurring in your substrate bed. Why, exactly, are you intent upon replacing it?>
My second question concerns soft coral. Currently my clown spends most of the time swimming behind the heater and filter intake pipe. I would like to introduce a soft coral that would be attractive to him as a home. <A Maroon clown isn't likely to accept a coral as a symbiotic host> 
I am afraid of getting an anemone, and have heard that some soft coral or more robust and are good surrogates for a clown. <They can be, but I'm not sure a maroon would accept a coral. If you are prepared for an anemone, they are not as difficult as you might think; at least not the hardier specimens> 
Do you have any recommendations for specific coral? <A toadstool leather (Sarcophyton sp. or perhaps a Xenia> 
Is there anything I should do to my tank to prepare it for coral? <Make sure your water quality is excellent, that your pH is high and your nitrates 5ppm or below>
In relation to my coral question, I submitted an email previously concerning the large number of bristleworms I have in my tank. I originally thought they killed most of my snails (nine total) but now I'm not sure. The one remaining snail is doing just fine even though I see bristleworms crawling around and on it each night. I have a large bristleworm population (my guess is over 100). Mostly in the eighth to half inch size range. <Bristleworms that small are excellent detritivores, I wouldn't worry about it> 
I hoped the neon Pseudochromis would help control the population, but I have not actually seen her eat any. Though I do occasionally catch her examining the substrate closely. I previously asked about any danger bristleworms might pose to coral. The response I got was that a controlled population should not cause harm. What is considered a controlled population? <Small bristleworms :)> 
Should I consider adding an arrow crab? <If you like, but they've been known to munch corals also>
I appreciate any help you can provide. <Anytime. Let me know if you have any more questions>
Thanks,
Robert Heuser
<M. Maddox> 

Commencing His Coral Collection!
Scott:
<Hello again!>
Thanks so much!
<You're quite welcome!>
The ones I will be purchasing will be from Indo-Pacific SF! I trust his stock and shipping methods the most.
<Absolutely my favorite e-tailer! Gerald Heslinga (ISPF's owner) and his crew do a fantastic job. I still have a "Gold Crown Leather" (Sarcophyton) from IPSF that started 2 years ago as the tiniest little specimen, and it's now absolutely gorgeous, and about 8 inches across...Great quality-you won't regret purchasing from them!>
I think they are the Neon tree Coral! I just wanted to have as much info as possible before taking the step!
Steve
<I applaud you on your research! I'm sure that you'll enjoy your new corals! Good luck! Regards, Scott F.>

Lime Green leather
This will be my third order from Gerald...who is totally awesome...and committed too giving back and not just taking.  I originally found out about him and IPSF from WetWebMedia...so I guess I owe you the thanks!
Steve
<You are welcome my friend. Thank you for your testimonial and positive attitude. Bob Fenner>

Soft Coral Choices
Dear Crew:
<Scott F. here today!>
I am trying to find some info on a coral I am thinking about purchasing...meaning I am researching BEFORE I purchase!
<I love to hear that!>
It is a Lime Green Leather...also known as Neon Tree Coral.  Lighting, supplements, water flow and any other info
or links about this coral would be hugely appreciated!
Thanks Steve
<Well, the common names that you refer to describe two distinctly different species, Sarcophyton ("Lime Green Leather") and Sinularia or even Capnella ("Neon Tree Coral"). Ahh- the danger of common names! Essentially, Sinularia and Sarcophyton both have similar requirements: moderate to bright light with modest flow. You can bring out their colors best (IMO) if you use lighting PC or halide) leaning towards the bluish end of the spectrum. I have seen these look spectacular under 20000k halides, or a mix of 10000k/Actinic under PCs. These are both among the easiest corals to keep, and can do well in a variety of systems. Propagation is as simple as "cut and paste"! I think both of these are great corals for all coral enthusiasts. They do give off allelopathic compounds, so you need to place them in systems where they are not in close proximity to other corals. You can find tons about these corals on the web, or in books like Anthony's "Book Of Coral Propagation" or Eric Borneman's "Aquarium Corals". Have fun with these beautiful animals! Regards, Scott F>

Coral selection question
I have a 45 gallon tank that has been set up for some time with live rock and inverts.  I would like to start adding corals and was wondering what you would advise.
<start off with soft coral, Try mushrooms or polyps good starter coral if these corals are doing well in a month try a LPS thanks MikeH >
My lighting consists of 55 watts PC actinic, 55 watts PC 6.5K and 110 watts PC at 5.5K.  Due to limited top clearance upgrading to metal hides is not an option.  The tank is 24" tall 36" wide and 13" deep with a 4" sand base.
Thank You
Dennis

Soft Coral Selection
I have a 55 gallon. I want to know what kind of soft corals I can keep. I use 4 regular fluorescent bulbs three are tritons,1 is actinic.85lbs of live rock, 0 nitrite 2.5 ppm nitrate, 400 to 450 calcium it varies between there 
sometimes I get lazy and it gets to 400 .My tank has been going for 9 months now there are more little critters than I can count I love it, by the way I got 45lbs live rock from FFExpress and most of the things came from that live rock, even got two brittle stars with it they were small but that's another story. I currently have 1 bubble anemone which has started to bud and 2 Condylactis and a group of green stripe mushroom coral that started as 6 and are now 11 also a rock anemone. What else can I or would you suggest. thank you 
>>
Sounds like a very nice system. I would encourage you to look into some of the pulsing soft corals (family Xeniidae), and hardy species of the family Alcyoniidae, like the leather corals Sarcophyton, Nephthea, Sinularia, Lobophyton... These would be easy, beautiful and interesting additions to your set-up.
Bob Fenner

Selecting new soft corals
Bob, I currently have a 125 gallon reef tank with only two toadstool leather corals and I was wondering what other kinds of leather corals I could safely add that are fairly hardy, easy to keep, and not be worried about any chemical warfare going on. Can you give any recommendations? 
<All alcyonaceans, soft corals have a degree of potential, practical chance of such warfare... But some are less likely by far to be/cause trouble... I do wish, my friend, I had time now to write up, issue overall opinions on the husbandry of this group... and post on the WWM site... or have run in an upcoming book on "The Best Livestock for Reef Aquariums"... Do you have v.1 of "The Modern Coral Reef Aquarium"? Take a look at the site (link on the WWM site), and do get, read this fantastic overview of the stinging-celled animals... I would try Nephthea, Xeniids/Pulsing Corals at this point in your unfolding...>
I have around 80 pounds of live rock, a protein skimmer, two emperor filters, and VHO lighting. I was considering adding a colt coral and a finger leather coral.
What do you think? Thanks for you advice,
<Good choices>
Gianluca
<Bob Fenner>

Indo Blue Cespitularia
Bob,
Antoine here...
Just wondering if you know of any aquarists culturing or possessing (as in bribable candidates) the lovely blue Cespitularia soft coral (Indonesia/E. Africa). I lost the tiny piece I had a while ago (pushed into a Plerogyra by a crab or snail... yikes!) and it's top on my list to replace and propagate.
<Will post and look about>
If you don't know of anybody... could you recommend any body for rare corals?
<Ditto. Be chatting my friend. When will your coral propagation book be out? Bob Fenner>
kindly, Anthony Calfo

Re: Indo Blue Cespitularia
Thanks for looking out for the Cespitularia for me, I do appreciate it.
<I would too>
I was also wondering if you take most or all of the pics you e-mail out?
<All of them my friend>
They are just my kind of eye-candy... invertebrate close-ups!
<Many more to come>
My book could go to press at the end of this month if I can ever finish editing it... you'd think that if you read something four or five times over that you could weed out most of the typos and awkward language... 
<We both know better>
apparently I'm just not doing the right kind of drugs. I'll be sure to send you a copy to proof (which is a really nice way of saying it can join the pile of literature awaiting perusal in the lavatory... ha!)
<Ah, yes>
Just curiously... how are things coming with Hawaii? Do you have time scheduled there this fall or winter? I'm working on Steve and Debbie (Pro) to make the trek.
<Yes... just back and ready to go again... let's go. Bob Fenner>
Thanks kindly, Antoine

Re: Indo Blue Cespitularia
Have seen them available. However they are pretty expensive, usually $180.00 to about $200.00 . Usually available in the beginning of spring. JN
Jim Newman
Flying Fish Express
<Thanks Jim. Will send on and post on WWM. Bob Fenner>

Re: Indo Blue Cespitularia
Dear Guys,
I have been on the lookout for this coral for the last two years. Everyone that had it had it die out at about the same time regardless of conditions. So it must have a very limited lifespan. We thought that it reproduced in a fashion similar to Anthelia, but apparently you need at least two colonies for it to produce appropriate gametes. Tony are you back in the hobby? Let me know as I have some killer SPS colonies that you may be interested in propagating. Bob let me know too if you come across anyone and I am still looking for the wrasses and Anthias as you noted.
Mike (Paletta)
<Thanks for this Mike. Will send along and post to WWM. Bob Fenner>

Importing Corals (soft) into NZ
Hi
I am wondering if you can help me.
I am looking at importing 3 new genus of coral to new Zealand
Alcyoniidae and Xeniidae and Nephtheidae
<Mmm, these are families of soft corals, Order Alcyonacea. Please review here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/cnidaria.htm >
to complete the application I have to obtain expert assessment of effects in the application and answer the following questions
1/ would the corals survive new Zealand water temperature which is 16c and below
<Some species of these families I believe are able to... are actually found in cool/cold water>
2/ cause any significant displacement of any native species with in its natural habitat
<Doubtful... If you were to import tropical species it is highly unlikely IMO/E that they would make the transition>
there are more questions however before I go on , would you be able to help
<Help in what way? Bob Fenner>
regards
Alois