SUNFLOWER CORAL

[donna2933]

I bought a Sunflower Coral yesterday (Tues). It didn't really come back out good until this morning and was fully extended,however, this afteroon, some of it has gone back in and some is out but not fully extended. The coral in under a 175 watt 10K German bulb, light currenet, nitrate and phosphate at 0. Can someone tell me if the lighting for this coral is OK and if this is the normal pattern for this type coral? This is the first Sunflower I have had in my reef tank. The tank is 75 gal, 2 -175 watt metal halide with 10 & 12 K bulbs and 2-40 watt florescent (1-20K & 1-blue). Thanks!

 

[donna2933]

I don't think we are talking about the same type of coral. This is a hard coral, has long stems that are green in color and come up out of the rock. The tenticals also have some beige. The pet shop I bought it from called it a Sunflower Coral. It has real long stems. The pet shops tank it came out of had two blue flourescent bulbs on their tank and it was fully extended in their tank. Do I need to put this piece under shade? If this is not a Sunflower Coral I don't know what it is without looking it up in my FAMA book. Thanks! Donna

 

[donna2933]

I looked at a picture of the flowerpot coral at Saltwater.com and that is what I have. I don't know why the LFS called it a sunflower coral. From what I learned about this coral, it is extremely hard to keep even with ideal water conditions. Well I will know next time not to buy one of these if it doesn't make it. It's a beautiful piece of coral. I will just have to see how long it stays "beautiful". Thanks for your help. Donna

 

[mafiea]

:happyfish