Should I target feed corals?

[Rscomia]

Purple Ribbon Gorgonian (Gorgonia spp.)
Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Peaceful Lighting: Moderate to High Waterflow: Strong Placement: All Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4 Color Form: Black, Green, Orange, Purple, Tan, Yellow Supplements: Calcium, Strontium, Iodine, Trace Elements Origin: Caribbean Family: Gorgoniidae

 

[Rscomia]

Yellow Finger Gorgonian (Diodogorgia nodulifera)
Care Level: Expert Only Temperament: Peaceful Lighting: Low Waterflow: Medium to Strong Placement: All Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025 Color Form: Red, Yellow Supplements: Calcium, Strontium, Iodine, Trace Elements Origin: Caribbean Family: Anthothelidae Finger Gorgonian (Diodogorgia nodulifera)

 

[Rscomia]

Move them to the top depending on your lighting

I have 2 250 watt halides

 

[Codyheitmiller]

What size tank?

 

[Rscomia]

90 gallon

 

[Codyheitmiller]

U should have atleast 270 watts so I think your good

 

[Rscomia]

Should I still feed phytoplankton and brine and how often?

 

[Codyheitmiller]

I'm only good with soft corals right now. I would ask Mr. X

 

[Rscomia]

K thanks you have been much help it seems to me I get several different opinions on feeding them I just want to make sure Im doing it right

 

[Codyheitmiller]

Mr. X's words of wisdom are golden to alot of members here. I think of him as the god of saltwater keeping

 

[carey]

He hasn't been on in forever....I miss him..:-(

But yep, you'll get different opinions from diff people. I don't have any corals that i have to target feed like sun polys yet so I just let my pwc's do the feeding and lots of good flow.

I've never target fed a coral and mine seem very happy.

 

[Rscomia]

How much does a water change do for them I add top off water at least twice a week and do water water changes weekly?

 

[carey]

Salt mix contains trace elements. everything to grow corals big and strong.

 

[Rscomia]

So basically the top off water does them no good because it has no salt Right? But doing weekly pwc is replacing any trace elements that might be depleted

 

[Gregcoyote]

Most of the gorgonians grow in deep water and are not photosynthetic. They are filter feeders. As a result, they are kind of challenging to keep. There are loads of posts as to what and how to feed them. I like the oyster preparations that are available, but I would certainly spot feed them as these preparations can foul the water if not used sparingly. Not a good coral to start with unfortunately. They are beautiful, so many folks give them a shot. Best of luck to you!

And yes, your water changes (with salt) should cover all your trace elements. You might try vitamins and enzymes like Reef Complete and be sure your calcium levels are up to par.

 

[carey]

Yep, you're pwcs replace whats depleted, why its so important in a reef tank.
The top offs just keep the water level and salinity level in balance.

 

[Rscomia]

Knock on wood (Knock Knock) they both seem to be doing ok Both are out every day I have had one about a month and a half and one about 2 weeks

 

[Codyheitmiller]

Top off water replaces and keeps your salt level stable as salt does not evaporate with the water.

 

[Codyheitmiller]

Yep, you're pwcs replace whats depleted, why its so important in a reef tank.
The top offs just keep the water level and salinity level in balance.

Didn't see this, lol