Goniopora Coral Question

[jbk65]

My LFS, was going out of business and was having some great sales on some stuff. Picked up a Goniopora Coral that I had been adminiring for a long time. The base of the coral is about 8" across, real nice size. The tentacles at the store were as longs as 15 or so inches with beautiful color. After some haggling, he agreed to sell it to me for $15 (been doing business with him for a while). Brought it home this morning, and as expected? it was completely pulled into the skeleton. A couple of times today, I noticed most if not all of the tentacles out about 3" or so, but never fully expanded. Then after a little while it closes up. Is this normal for this type of coral after a move? Is there anything I should expect or do to help in the transition into my reef tank? I know they are hard to keep, but looking for some basic advice if anyone has any.
Thanks

 

[fishkiller]

To be honest, it was a waste of $15. It's going to die. And from what you've said, I think it's gonna happen real soon. I don't mean to burst yer bubble, but I have never heard of ANYBODY keeping these alive for longer than a couple months. From what I have seen, the tentacles stretch out like that before it starts downhill..... If it doesn't die right away, cool, but don't be too disappointed. I had to return a coral that would have been the best looking coral in my tank, but I learned that the survival rate in a tank is about the same as your goniopora, aka flower pot coral. The one I had to return was called a Dendranepthya. It was beautiful, but I didn't want to throw my money away.... We all learn these lessons sooner or later.... Good luck!

 

[mebigloser]

This from a coral chart, shows the care for a flower pot.
Common NameLighting Flow Ease of Care
Flower Pot Coral Very High Med to High Difficult