orange sun coral

[lando]

I am in the process of researching orange sun corals. Does anyone have any experience with these? I have learned they are pretty hardy, require very little light and feedings of meaty foods at least three times a week. Apparently, they do not rely on light as a food source at all and must be target fed often. The LFS has a very nice looking colony for $60. Reasonable? Check out my profile for compatability issues. Thanks! Lando

 

[piggybank2005]

how big is it? if it's bigger than 5" then it's reasonable

 

[steve-s]

They definately do require a "hands on" care approach. Tubastraea sp. has absolutely no zooxanthellae and relies completely on prey capture/feedings. If you are good about something like that you should have no issuse keeping one. I would definately recommend placing them in an area very easily accesible to you that does not disrupt the tank. It will become a PITA over time if not. If you have any algae issues, be sure they are cleared up first. This particular coral cannot fend off algaes as others might.

They come out night or day it doesn't matter as soon as a food source is detected, the polyps will respond and expand. Sun corals are not a colonial species so be sure each polyp is fed. They do not "share" nutrient as conjoined polyp species would.

Cheers
Steve