My first coral: Devil's Hand

[redsea]

So I just got my first coral! And I was wondering if it was normal for a coral to look bad when acclimating. Here is a pic. At the store I was told I needed to have my lights on for 10-12 hours a day, and he gave me this liquid food to feed it once a week. Any advice would be great because this is my first coral. Thanks!

 

[Caseyboy]

How many watts per gallon are you running (lighting)on your system?

 

[redsea]

Well I have 34 gallon redsea aquarium, but I am not exactly sure how many watts. at the store they said it would be ok because they know that lighting. Thanks for your help!

 

[Gti_Leo]

watts per gallon means nothign these days, specially not with MH T5s and LEDs in the picture

 

[redsea]

Here is a pic in the light, been in tank for about 1 hour and a half.

 

[Gti_Leo]

oh it is normal for a coral to close up, they are adjusting to the differnt light, like when a human squints when goign from dark to bright. if it stays closed then there is a problem

 

[Caseyboy]

Should be fine it takes time for everything to settle in. I guess my watts in my sps reef tank do not mater to Much. I'm not sure why you would not want to if you have enough proper lighting in a reef tank. Sorry I did not specify t5, led, metal halide. Red sea stuff works very well your leather coral will often shed it's skin and will close up it's polyps. Also at night they do the same. Make sure you have a lot of flow. And aklinity is at an adequate level. I have 3 leather coral and they all had a sort time closed up at first.

 

[redsea]

It made progress overnight !!!

 

[hackteck]

nice looks like its opening up

 

[redsea]

Yea I am so excited.

 

[Caseyboy]

Very cool as long as those little polyp stay out in the light it's in good shape heres a pic of mine with a little something hiding inside. It's just a finger leather.

 

[redsea]

Well, I have all sorts of problems today! lol. My devil's hand hasn't opened up since friday! I must be doing something wrong with my corals

 

[needmorecowbell]

The rule of thumb is if it doesn't open up in a week there is a problem. Good luck!

 

[Caseyboy]

Well, I have all sorts of problems today! lol. My devil's hand hasn't opened up since friday! I must be doing something wrong with my corals

How's the flow in the tank. And where is you aklinaty level.

 

[redsea]

How's the flow in the tank. And where is you aklinaty level.[/QUOTEI think the flow is pretty good, I have three pumps, and the pH is 7.8
Thanks for your help!

 

[Caseyboy]

Flow over your leather is very in portent. Leathers will also tell you your alkaline levels are to low. Ph should be closer to 8.2 or 8.3 in a reef. Try a good buffer or a more reef salt mix like red sea coral pro.

 

[needmorecowbell]

Aren't they kinda like Kenyas? Just wondering..

 

[Caseyboy]

Aren't they kinda like Kenyas? Just wondering..

Not sure. Is Kenyas short for something.

 

[needmorecowbell]

Kenya tree coral.

 

[Caseyboy]

Kenya tree coral.

O yea I got ya. Close but the leather will be more sensitive to low alkalinity levels.