Pink/Red Goni

[gflat65]

Just got a nice goniopora. I have it at the bottom of the tank, but it still gets a good bit of light. I'm running a 250W DE over the center of a 125 and 175W SE's on the ends. The bulbs are about 6" above the surface of the water, so about 24-28" from the goni. Is this gonna be too much light for the goni? Is so, gotta find a new location...

[coralcutie]

I have had tremendous success with red goinioporas and pink ones, they've lived for more than one year already and are opened huge daily, and they actually take food offered to them. They are under two 400W SE, 20K bulbs. I think they are really pretty. The ones to avoid typically are the yellow ones (almost always die), green ones, usually don't last long. Purple ones don't die, but takes a while to fully open. And all shades of red and pink are super hardy from all of my experience. I found one on the bottom of my tank behind some rocks, didn't even know it was there for over 6 months, brought it back up and now its opened as wide and long as it could be. The polyp extensions are incredible!!!

[John Kelly]

Originally posted by gflat65
Just got a nice goniopora. I have it at the bottom of the tank, but it still gets a good bit of light. I'm running a 250W DE over the center of a 125 and 175W SE's on the ends. The bulbs are about 6" above the surface of the water, so about 24-28" from the goni. Is this gonna be too much light for the goni? Is so, gotta find a new location...

No, the light will be good. Is it extending yet?

[gflat65]

It was trying to extend, but I think it was getting too much current. I moved it into a lower flow area. So far, the longest extension is ~1/8" above the skeleton. Thanks for the tips. I knew conventional wisdom said that gonis are hard to keep, so it is nice to hear that the pinks/reds do much better than others. This is my first non hitchhiker goni:).

[JENnKerry]

From what we have gathered, most goniopora like the lower ends of the light. Keep an eye on it, and if it shows any kind of distress, try to move it to a more shaded area.

[John Kelly]

Originally posted by gflat65
It was trying to extend, but I think it was getting too much current. I moved it into a lower flow area. So far, the longest extension is ~1/8" above the skeleton. Thanks for the tips. I knew conventional wisdom said that gonis are hard to keep, so it is nice to hear that the pinks/reds do much better than others. This is my first non hitchhiker goni:).

IME, it is best to place a new goni in a slower indirect water flow with shaded light until it extends its polyps and tentacles. Once it extends, you can always try moving it to higher flow, higher lighting area later on if you want. The trick is to get it extended first so you can figure out where its flow and light limits are. Use something as a shade between the goni and the nearest source of light. I use strips of folded aluminum taped to the top of my tank. It doesn't have to be very big, just enough to keep the highest intensity rays off of the goni. You shouldn't have to shade all of your light sources, just the one that the goni is under. Once it extends, then you can slowly remove your shading over a period of hours/days. If you remove too much shading at one time, you will instantly notice the goni react to it. If you purchased it from your LFS and it was extended at the store, it should be extending within 1 day in your tank if your water chemistry is good and it is Properly Acclimated.

From what I have gathered, most goni's like higher intensity light. You have to Properly Acclimate them first though, otherwise they will remain retracted for a long period of time. My observations are, if kept under lower intensity light, goni's will look stretched; like xenia under lower light. Many/most will also turn more brownish/ tan colored all over and lose their bright coloration. Instant results with polyp extension under a lower light source doesn't mean that is the ideal lighting for the coral.

I believe that Goniopora will be much easier to keep once the proper methods for overall husbandry are established. JenNKerry are on complete opposite sides of the fence than I am when it comes to "proper" husbandry methods. I mean nothing bad by that. It just shows that goniopora can be kept in a variety of habitats as long as they are acclimated properly and target fed occasionally.

[John Kelly]

.

[JENnKerry]

From what I have gathered, most goni's like higher intensity light. You have to Properly Acclimate them first though, otherwise they will remain retracted for a long period of time. My observations are, if kept under lower intensity light, goni's will look stretched; like xenia under lower light. Many/most will also turn more brownish/ tan colored all over and lose their bright coloration. Instant results with polyp extension under a lower light source doesn't mean that is the ideal lighting for the coral.

I believe that Goniopora will be much easier to keep once the proper methods for overall husbandry are established. JenNKerry are on complete opposite sides of the fence than I am when it comes to "proper" husbandry methods. I mean nothing bad by that. It just shows that goniopora can be kept in a variety of habitats as long as they are acclimated properly and target fed occasionally.


You've gathered one thing, we've gathered something else. Perhaps we could meet somewhere in the middle? :D

[John Kelly]

Originally posted by JENnKerry
You've gathered one thing, we've gathered something else. Perhaps we could meet somewhere in the middle? :D

It's inevitable! :beer:

[gflat65]

It wasn't showing much polyp extension (but a little more than what I reported earlier) at the LFS, but it was under pc's. I have it under a ledge I made for more sps locations;). This ledge blocks a good bit of light, but still allows alot of ambient. The flow is more subdud there, also. Hopefully, when I get home this afternoon, it show extension all over (regardlss of how much, uniform extension would be a start:)).

Thanks again for the info. I'll keep you posted on when I start to see good extension and what conditions/number of times moved, etc. they appear under.

[gflat65]

Polyp extension all over. It is only 1/8-3/16", but it is all over, so it's lookin good:). I'll post a pic eventually. I'll give it a few days and then move it out into more light (with similar current) to see how it reacts.

[John Kelly]

Originally posted by gflat65
Polyp extension all over. It is only 1/8-3/16", but it is all over, so it's lookin good:). I'll post a pic eventually. I'll give it a few days and then move it out into more light (with similar current) to see how it reacts.

Can you post a pic of it the way it is now? It would be interesting to see. Is it mound/column shaped or flat/encrusting?

Observe it after your lights go out tonight to see if it comes out a little more or stays the same.

[gflat65]

I'll get a shot now. Can't post until tomorrow (or Wednesday if the storm is an issue tomorrow and we don't make it in to work;)). My pos computer doesn't support USB under XP. Tried flashing BIOS, but was unsuccessful. blah blah blah. Laptop's at work...

I'll definitely check it out after nightfall. I may try feeding some Cyclop-eeze tonight, too.

[coralcutie]

here is a picture of mine. the one on the left has been there for more than one year now, doing great, and it eats. the one on the right for abotu 8 months now. they're both doing great. I have not seen baby polyps drop, but notice little patches of it spreading, like its encrusting on the rock. They're under strong but indirect flow of water, under 800 Watts of MH 14K and 196w PC Blue, about 10" away from the light, also close to the window, so some sunlight in the afternoon also. I feed them some cyclopeeze with brine, mysis, plankton mix, the juice for the fish, etc...hope this informatin helps. I've tried yellow ones with similar care with no luck at all btw!

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a74/coralcutie/goniopora.jpg

[gflat65]

Mine has much smaller polyps than those. I have a pic uploaded to bellsouth, but for some reason, the site has quit responding and won't load... I'll get some posted soon...

[gflat65]

Bellsouth finally loaded for me.

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/264/264886/folders/215231/1663029red-goni.jpg
crappy close up
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/264/264886/folders/215231/1663025goni-close-up.jpg
Shot of location in tank
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/264/264886/folders/215231/1663042red-goni-location-083005.jpg

[JENnKerry]

When inflated, it should look like this:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b226/JennKerry/PinkGoni8-16-05.jpg

Most of the brighter colored Gonis like the Reds, pinks, purples, are said to prefer higher output light. Makes sense if you look at SPS corals, the blue torts and Acros...all higher lighting since they have brighter coloration. The yellows, green Goni's, tend to like lower light

[John Kelly]

gflat,

Are you sure that isn't some type of porites? That may be all that it extends...(?)

[gflat65]

The polyps are ~1/8-3/16" in diameter. The heads look like most goni's I've seen, but smaller. There was one polyps that extended about an inch while it was at the LFS, but it was the lone stretched polyp. It looks like a dense mat right now. Are alveopora smaller than goni's? They have more 'tentacles' on each polyp, don't they?

[John Kelly]

Originally posted by gflat65
The polyps are ~1/8-3/16" in diameter. The heads look like most goni's I've seen, but smaller. There was one polyps that extended about an inch while it was at the LFS, but it was the lone stretched polyp. It looks like a dense mat right now. Are alveopora smaller than goni's? They have more 'tentacles' on each polyp, don't they?

Alveopora have 12 tentacles on each polyp.
Goniopora have 24.
Porites have ???

Maybe post your pic as a "ID Help" thread. I'm fairly sure it is Porites. Goniopora, Alveopora, and Porites come from the same family Poritidae. I believe Porites is considered a small polyped stoney (sps) while goniopora and alveopora are considered large polyped stonies (lps).

[Chaotic Reefer4u]

beautiful goni's and alveopora's! im gonna get me some.

[gflat65]

I'll try to post a pic over there. I thought Porites have really small polyps (around the size of a pen tip). I have a bright yellow Porites with much much smaller polyps...

[gflat65]

Here are some comparison pics to my Porites
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/264/264886/folders/215231/1664190yellow-Porites-083105.jpg
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/264/264886/folders/215231/1664193yellow-Porites-close-up-083.jpg
The polyps aren't extended, but they are very small.

Here are some better pics and scaling pics of the goniopora
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/264/264886/folders/215231/1664187goniopora-dime-comparison-0.jpg
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/264/264886/folders/215231/1664186goniopora-closeup-083105.jpg
These polyps are many times larger than the sps. Does the dime help scale it?

[gflat65]

Just saw what looked like larger polyped Porites... Didn't actually see the polyps, but looked like they could be bigger. Misread your post earlier. I thought there was some crazy new forum called "ID Help";).

[John Kelly]

Possibly Goniopora stutchburyi

[justincognito]

It looks like G. stutchburyi to me too. They eat Oyster eggs and may be able to handle cyclop-eeze, though i think oyster eggs are better for this species. This kind is the most closely related to porites out of the Goniopora.

[WendyMc]

Hey, I ran across this last night: http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-10/nftt/index.php, I thought it might be helpful...

[gflat65]

Cool. This thread seems to have come back from the dead:).

I had just read about an article in the current Reefkeeping. Thanks for the info.

[John Kelly]

Originally posted by gflat65
Cool. This thread seems to have come back from the dead:).
I had just read about an article in the current Reefkeeping. Thanks for the info.

Yeah, I've noticed that more than several goniopora threads have all the sudden come back from the dead.........hmmmm :confused:

:D

[gflat65]

Thank you Reefkeeping magazine?...

[Obi-dad]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=5609664#post5609664 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by John Kelly
JenNKerry are on complete opposite sides of the fence than I am when it comes to "proper" husbandry methods.

John Kelly and JeNnKerry, can you each sum up your preferred method of goni husbandry?

[The Beaut]

Just my 2 cents. Mine is doing great under Tek t5s(4 x 54w) and very good flow. I dont feed it anything except what it gets out of the water column when i feed my fish. Had it about a year now, new polyps growing all the time.

[jman77]

Nice Porites gflat

[John Kelly]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7651271#post7651271 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Obi-dad
John Kelly and JeNnKerry, can you each sum up your preferred method of goni husbandry?

It's difficult to sum up anything into a few words because you pretty much have to follow a "system", or procedure of steps, in order to purposely be successful. One wrong step and something will go wrong. Some species are definitely less demanding of attention than others.

but, to briefly sum it up in order:
1. Research! Know the difference between a healthy goniopora and an injured, bleached, dyed, starved, or receded one.
2. Do a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
3. Follow a strict acclimation procedure that addresses temp/water chemistry, water flow, lighting, and placement (for polyp extension, ease of feeding, and growth).
4. Feed the coral at least once every 3 days. This can be stretched to 4 or sometimes 5 if given heavy feedings. I never go beyond 4 though.
5. Maintain excellent and consistent water quality; not "dirty" water. Be very careful of lighting changes. Observe their behavior closely.
6. Watch for signs of new growth. If you succeed in the previous steps, the coral will grow.
7. Once the coral is settled, feeding, and growing, leave it where it is. If you need to make changes that affect their environment, do it slowly and carefully.
8. Identify and correct any problems that arise. There are a number of major and minor problems that can occur.

The summary makes it sound easy, but there are many potential twists and turns (and dead ends). For reference of my husbandry methods:
- I did a Goniopora Podcast (episode 45) with Rob Weatherly at
TalkingReef.com (http://www.talkingreef.com/)
- My Goniopora presentation at IMAC is available on DVD. It's almost 2 hours long. It covers much of my "System of Husbandry". (Tons of good information....I was nervous though :bigeyes: ) TheIMAC.org (http://www.theimac.org/)
- Also, there is my web site Goniopora.org (http://www.goniopora.org/).
- Plus, I'm currently writing a Goniopora Handbook :).

John

[Obi-dad]

John, the reason I asked is because you said you and JeNnKerry are 'on complete opposite sides of the fence'. What do you feel is so opposite from them? Numbers 1-3 and 5-8 are all good advice for any corals. As I see it only item 4 is specific to goni husbandry, and I thought JeNnKerry also advocate feeding. What is the opposite side of the fence part? Just looking for other viewpoints, I value my gonis and want to make sure I am doing the best I can for them.

[John Kelly]

I see, you are wanting more specifics on why I made the "opposite sides of the fence" comment.

- At the time, I was referring to the preference of lighting. I use Metal Halide and I think JENnKerry use PC.
- Implied, but not said, is that I use a lot of filteration and I think JENnKerry use less.
- Also, I feed once every three days and I think JENnKerry feed less.

The lighting preference could potentially affect No. 1 - 3, No. 5, and No. 8.
The filteration preference could potentially affect No. 4 - 6 and No. 8.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7654508#post7654508 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Obi-dad
Numbers 1-3 and 5-8 are all good advice for any corals.
In my eyes, Numbers 1-8 aren't just good advice for keeping Goniopora, they are a necessity. The summary makes it sound easy, but there are many potential twists and turns (and dead ends). With other corals, it is easier to be slack and skip a few steps.

Does that help?

[JENnKerry]

John's right. He uses halides and we use PCs. Our filtration isn't what you would call "top of the line" but it works for us and our water has remained very very stable. I think as far as feeding, we're both around the same. We feed around two to three times a week, sometimes a little less.

[oddballs]

the coral that you guys think might be porites could be cyphastrea sp.

[John Kelly]

It's Goniopora stutchburyi.

[DarkXerox]

Ahhh, gflat that dime in the tank spooked me! I totally have the fear that someone is going to throw a coin in my tank and it is going to kill everything.

[danlun]

I have a small colony of gonioporas and could I just feed them arctipods? Could I just do feed them with the turkey baster? How often do I feed them?

[davejnz]

I'm not sure what it is but dont rule out Porites just yet.Here's a Caribbean branching species of Porites that has polyp extension that rivals many LPS.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e162/davejnz/caribbeanporites-1.jpg

[John Kelly]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7676905#post7676905 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by danlun
I have a small colony of gonioporas and could I just feed them arctipods? Could I just do feed them with the turkey baster? How often do I feed them?
Arctipods are probably too large to effectively feed most Goniopora species; unless maybe you mash them up real good before you feed.

[John Kelly]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7678852#post7678852 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by davejnz
I'm not sure what it is but dont rule out Porites just yet.Here's a Caribbean branching species of Porites that has polyp extension that rivals many LPS.
Except Porites have 12 tentacles per polyp and Goniopora have 24; same family though.

Goniopora stutchburyi:
http://www.goniopora.org/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/Stutchburyi.jpg

Close up:
http://www.goniopora.org/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/Stutchburyi-close.jpg

Comparison of polyp/corallite size to a No.2 pencil lead:
http://www.goniopora.org/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/Stutchburyi-compare.jpg

Comparison of polyp size to Goniopora stokesi:
http://www.goniopora.org/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/Stutchburyi-Stokesi.jpg