Reef Additives.. which ones are best?

[ramtmac]

I have read different things about all of these, but I wanted to know if anyone had any suggestions on to which is the most effective and efficient?
Seachem Reef Plus
Kent Coral-Vite

I have a goniopora and am looking for a type of supplement to add to my tank to provide it with the nutrients/vitamins necessary to keep it alive.

Should I go with an "all in one" product, or stick to strictly an iodide, potassium, calcium, and Mg additives?

Any suggestions or comments are helpful!
Thanks

[bertoni]

I wouldn't add products that have a mix of trace elements, as it's not clear our tanks need them, and there's no way to control the dosing of the individual elements. That coral might due well with a lot of direct feeding, although they have the reputation of being difficult. As far as general additives, calcium and alkalinity are the basics, with magnesium being required by some tanks. I would look into dietary requirements of Goniopora, rather than additives.

[thebanker]

I've heard tall tales of someone locally in CA actually propagating Goniopora. At this point, they're nothing more than stories.

Is there anyone on the forum who is the definitive expert on Goniopora?

[reef_doug]

Check out the Non-Photosynthetic Coral forum here:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=555

Agree with Jonathon that diet is probably the key to keeping these. Maybe check out Oyster Feast from Reef Nutrition.

[thebanker]

Are Goni's considered non-photosynthetic? It thought they were partially photosynthetic, part heterotrophic?

[Fishamatank]

While I am far from an expert on this coral (or anything in this hobby for that matter) I can say that a Goni is certainly photosynthetic. I've had a green one for about a year and have not fed it in over 6 months.

[jimmyj7090]

Article on Gonipora
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-10/nftt/index.php

[Aquarist007]

While I am far from an expert on this coral (or anything in this hobby for that matter) I can say that a Goni is certainly photosynthetic. I've had a green one for about a year and have not fed it in over 6 months.

I agree, however I do have two refugiums that feed the display tank.

[ramtmac]

Ohok. I was just wondering about the additives. Thanks or all the info!!

[bertoni]

You're welcome!

I agree that Goniopora is photosynthetic, and certainly some people have luck with a Goniopora and can reproduce them. Most people don't do very well.

[wickedfish]

I had a large one in three different set ups and it liked it dirty and mid level light. By dirty I mean food was readily available in the water column, In the second setup more light more flow not so good extension, and in the 3rd setup poor lighting, and poor flow made it wither away. It liked the oyster feast spot fed it the first 2 months 1 a week.