Anthelia - A "Stinging" Coral???

indyws6

indyws6

Member
Greetings

I purchased a rock containing a colony of Anthelia as a "beginner's" coral several months ago and it has done (very, very, very...) well in my tank. Occasionally, stalks will become dislodged from the colony and take root in other areas of the tank. Over the last several weeks, a new colony has sprouted near an establish Toadstool Leather coral. Recently, the Toadstool has exhibited noticeably more periods of time where the polyps are withdrawn and it is "shriveled". That behavior is normal for this particular coral, but has happened noticeably more frequently now that the Anthelia has moved-in next door. Does Anthelia possess the power to "sting" or otherwise irritate the Leather coral? Is this just a coincidence?
The Leather coral appears healthy and happy when the polyps are extended, but that isn't as often as it used to be now that the Anthelia is in the neighborhood.
Thanks in advance...
 
perfectdark

perfectdark

Active Member
They are both considered peaceful but just about any coral can affect one another if they are close enough to it. Its just a matter of if it will or not. How is your water chemistry? And do you run carbon?
 
indyws6

indyws6

Member
Greetings

Water parameters appear to be "good" based on the results I get when testing (generally, every 2 weeks using Salifert test kits).
S.G.: 1.026
pH: 8.2
NH4: 0
NO2: 0
NO3: 0
Ca:440 ppm
Alk: 3.2 meq/l
Kh: 9.0 dKh
I run carbon passively by tossing a bag in the sump. I change 18+ gallons of water every other weekend (90G tank) and then put carbon in the sump about 4-5 days after the water change. I leave it in there until the next water change and then repeat the cycle. My timeframes for the water changes and carbon aren't like clockwork, but that's how it plays out more often than not. Hope this helps...
 
nycbob

nycbob

Active Member
anthelia r like xenia in that they can grow very fast, and invade other corals space. ur leather is probably being irritated by its presense. running carbon wouldnt help since its not a chemical warfare. u simply hv to trim it by pulling it off its mat. over time, the anthelia will spread again, and u will hv to repeat this procedure.
 
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