Yellow Fiji Leather

[paulcoates]

My Yellow Fiji Leather hasnt opened up for 3 days now....Any ideas why? Is this normal?

 

[paulcoates]

A Few other Pics

 

[gregm779]

He's probably shedding, they do it every so often when they're growing, if he doesn't get better in a few days post again.
Here's a pic of mine which has at least quadrupled since I got it.

 

[paulcoates]

do you keep a lot of current on him? I was told that they like it constantly

 

[gregm779]

They like a lot of current and a lot of light just make sure the current isn't hitting underneath it and not letting it open. Have the current go above it to make sure nothing settles where the polyps come out.

 

[paulcoates]

I moved a small power head over top of it to blow on top of it. Now there are a lot of little brown heads popping out of it. It is still not opening up all the way, but I dont see it shedding. Here is this morning's pic

 

[fishieness]

what type of zoos are those in the second pic of the second post? Im just wondering because i got a little colony of them as a hitchicker. They look just that like that by the way. Can you tell me anything the need? any liquid suppliments? how much lighting?

 

[gregm779]

It already is starting to look a lot better to me, If anything settles on top of it, it upset the leather so the powerhead will keep it clean. Give it a few more days.

 

[paulcoates]

they are called flame polyps. the only thing i do is put a real small chunck of brine and a tablespoon of phytoplankton every other night. The fish get most of the brine shrimp, but I have seen my favia snag one of them. Polyps though can survive on light and phyto no problem.
As far as the Yellow Fiji Leather, I am getting ready to head out of work and go home and check to see what it looks like now.

 

[paulcoates]

Flame Polyps
(Zoanthus sp.)
Stats
Care Level: Easy
Lighting Requirements: Moderate
Water Flow: Low to Moderate
Aggressiveness: Moderate
Range: Fiji
Family: Zoanthidae
Water Conditions: 74-80° F; sg 1.023-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4; dKH 8-12
Notes: These beautiful polyps are easy to keep and are a great choice for the beginner. The colonies we sell will come with orange and green polyps, orange polyps, or a mixture of both. Fiji Polyps will grow and reproduce by budding, when provided with the proper environment.
Place polyps along the bottom half of the aquarium on an exposed rock. Make sure that currents will be able to supply them with necessary nutrients and trace elements. Leave several inches between them and other specimens, as they will usually expand their colony.
Although symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae hosted within them supply most of their nutritional requirements through photosynthesis they do require supplemental feedings. Supplementing their diet with the addition of trace elements, marine snow, phytoplankton, and food for filter feeders will help to insure their continued good health.
Fiji Polyps are shipped as colonies with numerous polyps attached to one rock.

 

[fishieness]

thanks a lot!! im pretty sure those are them.

 

[speg]

Wow! The fiji leather coral was on my 'most wanted' list.. now its right near the top after seeing these pics. If anybody has more pics of theirs i'd love to see almost feel like making a order right now!

 

[paulcoates]

it is the centerpiece of my tank and in my mind one of the most colorful and beautiful out there. Apparently, you need to place current right on him though. So, it may cost you a real small powerhead in addition to him.

 

[paulcoates]

Here is a thread with a better pic of the Flame Polyps and a pic of my Yellow Fiji Leather opened up
https://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/showthread.php?t=163071

 

[paulcoates]

its starting to open up and look better

 

[robchuck]

It's looking much better! Leathers have always been confusing to me; I've had several do similar things to me for no conceivable reason.