goniopora

[shobby]

I bought a goniopora about a month ago, little did I know what I was getting into when I bought him, now reading through the different posts from the past, I regret it. But neither here nor there, I am confused, do they do better high or low in the aquarium. I have a 55gal, with two sets of leds across the top. Should I pull him up? He also only opens during the night? Any reasons on this, thought it may be from the lights but now not sure, any help is appreciated.
Thanks Shelley

 

[saxman]

"Flowerpots" typically don't do well in captive systems, as you've likely heard. The reason it opens at night is because it's trying to feed on nocturnal plankton (much like Tubastrea/sun corals). You'll want to use a quality live phytoplankton (don't use Nannochloropsis, as it's not digestable by most critters due to its thick cell wall) in the tank about the time it opens up. What you really want to do is use the phyto to boost your pod population, which is really what many corals need as a food source.
You can also try some thawed cyclopeeze and gently feed the polyps with a baster.
You may be able to "train" the coral to open during lights on by feeding it at a certain time each day