Help needed {Gionapora}

[clowns77]

Ok, this wasnt exactly what I had in mind when I went out to by my second coral, but I seen a flowerpot coral that was at a lfs that was in need of care. They werent going to sell it, but just let it die off. I told the lady if she would sell it too me for half price I would see if I can try to save it..$16.00 later I brought it home. I figured if anyone could help me you guys could.
What should I do to try to save it. I have a 30gal
45lb LR
50lb LS
220 PC half day, half actinic
Prizm protein skimmer
powerhead and outside filter for water flow
Only other things in the tank are 2 clowns, and a green mushroom. I know I probably bit off more then I can chew, but it was hard to just let the store let it die without trying..One last question. should I leave just the Actinics on till it aclimates?
Thanks

 

[aznxcheapbasta3]

I dont think it going to live. You see flowerpots they are not really a good coral for us to keep in a tank, they should be left in the ocean. From what I know flowerpots won't survive long in a tank because they like higher nitrate and dirter water. It will start off good in your tank then slowly dies....

 

[lnarobbins]

well, if it was me I would put it high in the tank and make sure it had plenty of water flow. you might pull it through.
alan

 

[nm reef]

It is my understanding that they do best in systems that rely on refugiums for primary filtration...are lightly skimmed or even skimmerless...have massive pod populations...seems none of the above apply to your system. Best suggestion I could make would be to insure moderate current and supplimental feedings of phytoplankton type foods. Below is a link to recent info on care of goniporas.
<a href="http://www.reefs.org/library/article/r_toonen20.html" target="_blank">gonipora success</a>

 

[katara]

The same exact thing happened to me..except my lfs sold me mine for $5.00.Originally I had it placed on the top, closer to my lighting but it kept falling..now it is down near the bottom and seems to be doing great..it has now been about 2 months since I found it at the lfs falling apart and it is now fully extended and seems to be quite healthy except for the couple of spots that originally fell off..good luck!

 

[clowns77]

Thanks to everyone for thier suggestions, and thanks NM for that article. Now here is the cool thing about this whole situation. My true perc decided he wanted this for his host. Not sure now if it will be benificial or not, but for now, it is one of the coolest things I have ever seen. Yes this is my first reef, so excuse me for getting excited about things that most people consider a norm, but for me, it is what I got into this hobby for. I love seeing how things act in the wild, and hope that I can at least come close to making these beautiful creatures feel good enough to display this.
I know I am only just a beginner at this, but am most willing to be as best parent.. to these creatures as I can be. For that I thank all of you who helps me in this endeavor...
I sure hope this new addition makes it, but even if it doesnt. I know I will at least try to give it the best possible life it could have. givin the situation. Since the fish store was willing to give up on it. I felt I couldnt turn my back on it..
thanks again all

 

[y2says]

That's the cool thing about this hobby. You never know what you are going to see next. I have a flower pot once that was doing fine, but suddenly died on me. Every time I go to my LFS, I'm tempted to buy one because they are beautiful, but I'm not going to risk it another one dying. Good luck with yours.