Gorgonian- Slit Pore
Slit Pore Gorgonia (Pseudopterogorgia spp.) are beautiful and delicate sea fans that add an attractive element to reef aquariums. Here are their care requirements:
Tank Requirements
Tank Size: Minimum of 30 gallons, but larger tanks are better for maintaining stable water conditions and providing space.
Lighting: Moderate to high lighting is typically needed. LED lights, T5s, or metal halides work well.
Flow: Moderate to strong water flow to ensure they receive adequate nutrients and prevent detritus buildup. Random or turbulent flow is preferred.
Water Quality: Pristine water conditions are crucial.
Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
Salinity: 1.024-1.026 specific gravity
pH: 8.1-8.4
Ammonia/Nitrites: 0 ppm
Nitrates: < 5 ppm
Phosphates: < 0.03 ppm
Feeding
Diet: Slit Pore Gorgonia are photosynthetic but also rely on planktonic food.
Feed with phytoplankton, zooplankton, and other fine particulate foods.
Feeding should be done several times a week.
Feeding Method: Target feeding with a turkey baster or feeding pipette is effective, ensuring the food reaches the polyps.
Tank Mates
Compatibility: Generally peaceful and can coexist with a variety of reef-safe fish and invertebrates.
Avoid housing with species that might nibble on the gorgonia, such as some butterflyfish and angelfish.
Placement and Attachment
Placement: Attach the gorgonia to live rock in an area with good water flow.
Attachment Method: Use underwater epoxy or super glue gel to secure them to the rock.
Acclimation
Drip Acclimation: Slowly acclimate using the drip method to help them adjust to your tank’s water parameters.
General Tips
Flow and Placement: Ensure they are in an area with adequate flow but not so strong that it damages the delicate branches.
Maintenance: Regularly check for algae and detritus buildup. Clean gently if necessary.
Observation: Monitor the health of the gorgonia by looking for open polyps and vibrant color.
Slit Pore Gorgonia can be a bit more challenging to care for than some other corals, but with proper attention to their needs, they can thrive and provide stunning visual appeal in your reef aquarium.
Slit Pore Gorgonia (Pseudopterogorgia spp.) are beautiful and delicate sea fans that add an attractive element to reef aquariums. Here are their care requirements:
Tank Requirements
Tank Size: Minimum of 30 gallons, but larger tanks are better for maintaining stable water conditions and providing space.
Lighting: Moderate to high lighting is typically needed. LED lights, T5s, or metal halides work well.
Flow: Moderate to strong water flow to ensure they receive adequate nutrients and prevent detritus buildup. Random or turbulent flow is preferred.
Water Quality: Pristine water conditions are crucial.
Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
Salinity: 1.024-1.026 specific gravity
pH: 8.1-8.4
Ammonia/Nitrites: 0 ppm
Nitrates: < 5 ppm
Phosphates: < 0.03 ppm
Feeding
Diet: Slit Pore Gorgonia are photosynthetic but also rely on planktonic food.
Feed with phytoplankton, zooplankton, and other fine particulate foods.
Feeding should be done several times a week.
Feeding Method: Target feeding with a turkey baster or feeding pipette is effective, ensuring the food reaches the polyps.
Tank Mates
Compatibility: Generally peaceful and can coexist with a variety of reef-safe fish and invertebrates.
Avoid housing with species that might nibble on the gorgonia, such as some butterflyfish and angelfish.
Placement and Attachment
Placement: Attach the gorgonia to live rock in an area with good water flow.
Attachment Method: Use underwater epoxy or super glue gel to secure them to the rock.
Acclimation
Drip Acclimation: Slowly acclimate using the drip method to help them adjust to your tank’s water parameters.
General Tips
Flow and Placement: Ensure they are in an area with adequate flow but not so strong that it damages the delicate branches.
Maintenance: Regularly check for algae and detritus buildup. Clean gently if necessary.
Observation: Monitor the health of the gorgonia by looking for open polyps and vibrant color.
Slit Pore Gorgonia can be a bit more challenging to care for than some other corals, but with proper attention to their needs, they can thrive and provide stunning visual appeal in your reef aquarium.
Slit Pore Gorgonia (Pseudopterogorgia spp.) are beautiful and delicate sea fans that add an attractive element to reef aquariums. Here are their care requirements:
Tank Requirements
Tank Size: Minimum of 30 gallons, but larger tanks are better for maintaining stable water conditions and providing space.
Lighting: Moderate to high lighting is typically needed. LED lights, T5s, or metal halides work well.
Flow: Moderate to strong water flow to ensure they receive adequate nutrients and prevent detritus buildup. Random or turbulent flow is preferred.
Water Quality: Pristine water conditions are crucial.
Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
Salinity: 1.024-1.026 specific gravity
pH: 8.1-8.4
Ammonia/Nitrites: 0 ppm
Nitrates: < 5 ppm
Phosphates: < 0.03 ppm
Feeding
Diet: Slit Pore Gorgonia are photosynthetic but also rely on planktonic food.
Feed with phytoplankton, zooplankton, and other fine particulate foods.
Feeding should be done several times a week.
Feeding Method: Target feeding with a turkey baster or feeding pipette is effective, ensuring the food reaches the polyps.
Tank Mates
Compatibility: Generally peaceful and can coexist with a variety of reef-safe fish and invertebrates.
Avoid housing with species that might nibble on the gorgonia, such as some butterflyfish and angelfish.
Placement and Attachment
Placement: Attach the gorgonia to live rock in an area with good water flow.
Attachment Method: Use underwater epoxy or super glue gel to secure them to the rock.
Acclimation
Drip Acclimation: Slowly acclimate using the drip method to help them adjust to your tank’s water parameters.
General Tips
Flow and Placement: Ensure they are in an area with adequate flow but not so strong that it damages the delicate branches.
Maintenance: Regularly check for algae and detritus buildup. Clean gently if necessary.
Observation: Monitor the health of the gorgonia by looking for open polyps and vibrant color.
Slit Pore Gorgonia can be a bit more challenging to care for than some other corals, but with proper attention to their needs, they can thrive and provide stunning visual appeal in your reef aquarium.