perfectdark
Active Member
For anyone interested.
I have had a Purple Brush Gorgonian, Muriceopsis flavida now for about a year. It will be one year August 1st actually.
In that time these are the things that I have learned about this coral.
Pros, First, it is a photosynthetic species, its light requirements are said to be moderate to high. However I have found that high is the best. It currently resides under a 150 DE MH light. As far as feeding is concerned, cyclops, zoe and phyto plankton seem to serve it best. Other types of larger foods are too big for it. Frequent spot feedings are NOT necessary as mine only gets offered food once a week maybe less. And IMO/E it grows fairly fast when in the correct environment. Also if deterioration occurs this specific species IMO recovers much faster, under the right conditions it appears to be a hardier coral than other non photo types of gorg.
Cons, if not in the right environment it fails quickly. Flow is essential in these photosynthetic types as well as the non photosynthetic types. They are not completely immune to algae build up just because they utilize the sun. No less than moderate flow is required, my specimen looks like a tree in the wind. Careful observation is key, polyp extension is a must, and if not seen on schedule, you can be sure of an issue. Either in water quality or algae issues. Look closely at the coral and look for any build up. If gone unnoticed the outer tissue will get necrotic and you will see a decline in health. Cutting the branches off is the only way to remedy this prob should it happen. You must cut the branch about 1/4" onto the healthy area to ensure you get clean margins. If noticed before the deterioration of outer skin, a soft bristled brush, like a soft tooth brush is great for getting rid of the build up. And in a day or so, polyp extension should be back to normal.
IME My gorgonian was a learning experience for me. I had issues with necrosis not too long ago. In fact 4 months ago to be exact. From its original purchased size I had to cut approximately 1/3 to 1/2 of it away due to issues. From the cut pieces I was able to keep 4 small pieces. The rest were too far gone, however the main stalk still remains, just a bit smaller. In the 4 short months that this happend in I was able to successfully get the original specimen back to health and it has made up for its loss. Unfortunately I dont have pics of before and after of the original. But the frags I do, here is the frag only a few days after it was made. And the second pic was taken approx 2 months later, and the last was taken about 4 days ago The growth isnt monumental but it is defiantly noticeable. Sorry bout the quality of the first pic. I was actually taking a pic of my shrooms, but its the only early pic I have.
Beginning of April
End of May
July 10th
Just thought I would share this info with anyone interested.
I have had a Purple Brush Gorgonian, Muriceopsis flavida now for about a year. It will be one year August 1st actually.
In that time these are the things that I have learned about this coral.
Pros, First, it is a photosynthetic species, its light requirements are said to be moderate to high. However I have found that high is the best. It currently resides under a 150 DE MH light. As far as feeding is concerned, cyclops, zoe and phyto plankton seem to serve it best. Other types of larger foods are too big for it. Frequent spot feedings are NOT necessary as mine only gets offered food once a week maybe less. And IMO/E it grows fairly fast when in the correct environment. Also if deterioration occurs this specific species IMO recovers much faster, under the right conditions it appears to be a hardier coral than other non photo types of gorg.
Cons, if not in the right environment it fails quickly. Flow is essential in these photosynthetic types as well as the non photosynthetic types. They are not completely immune to algae build up just because they utilize the sun. No less than moderate flow is required, my specimen looks like a tree in the wind. Careful observation is key, polyp extension is a must, and if not seen on schedule, you can be sure of an issue. Either in water quality or algae issues. Look closely at the coral and look for any build up. If gone unnoticed the outer tissue will get necrotic and you will see a decline in health. Cutting the branches off is the only way to remedy this prob should it happen. You must cut the branch about 1/4" onto the healthy area to ensure you get clean margins. If noticed before the deterioration of outer skin, a soft bristled brush, like a soft tooth brush is great for getting rid of the build up. And in a day or so, polyp extension should be back to normal.
IME My gorgonian was a learning experience for me. I had issues with necrosis not too long ago. In fact 4 months ago to be exact. From its original purchased size I had to cut approximately 1/3 to 1/2 of it away due to issues. From the cut pieces I was able to keep 4 small pieces. The rest were too far gone, however the main stalk still remains, just a bit smaller. In the 4 short months that this happend in I was able to successfully get the original specimen back to health and it has made up for its loss. Unfortunately I dont have pics of before and after of the original. But the frags I do, here is the frag only a few days after it was made. And the second pic was taken approx 2 months later, and the last was taken about 4 days ago The growth isnt monumental but it is defiantly noticeable. Sorry bout the quality of the first pic. I was actually taking a pic of my shrooms, but its the only early pic I have.
Beginning of April
End of May
July 10th
Just thought I would share this info with anyone interested.
