Need some input in keeping Sinularia

hrdneglcry · Aug 27, 2023

I got a nice piece of Sinualria for trade. I had one long ago that eventually closed up and never reopened so I sold it. I don't have a lot of room and this one is at mid tank level in low flow. The lights are two Maxspect Etherals and the tank is a 120 gallon. I am keeping Xenia, Palys, and GSP with no issues. Some articles claim that Sinularia is hard to kill and easy to keep. But my last one did well. I grew it to two or three times its original size but one day it started closing up. And never recovered before I sold it. I do run Chaeto in the sump, two aquaclear 500's and a protein skimmer. I keep two eels and a grouper is the reason for all of the filtration. Its in the middle.

blaxsun · Aug 29, 2023

Other than potentially competing with the GSP at some point, it's in a good spot.

Mr. Mojo Rising · Aug 29, 2023

my only comment is that you mention it is in 'low flow', they do need some flow, especially when trying to slough or shed. Without enough flow they will droop over and not be able to stand up. Keep an eye on that, otherwise it all looks good

hrdneglcry · Aug 29, 2023

Ok. I'm running 1000 gph of power filters in the tank and a good flow on my return pump. I have had trouble before withe too much flow on these. But I should have enough flow.

exnisstech · Aug 29, 2023

My neon green I have in 2 tanks and one regular one prefer moderate to high light and flow. Both are getting quite a bit of light 300 in one tank and around 200 in the other. Both are getting hit with quite a bit of flow also. I wouldn't say they are getting whipped around but they are moving quite a bit.
The pieces I have are saves from a large one that just started dying for unknown reasons so I fragged it and these are the survivors and doing very well.
These two are getting hit with a lot of flow from an MP40 less than a foot away. I have another that looks similar. I think the strong flow helps them get big and thick.
I guess if you want longer thinner branches with smaller shorter base maybe less flow

Here's the other just to show how they grow with heavier flow, at least for me.

hrdneglcry · Aug 30, 2023

Update. Well I have had some trouble with placement. one section broke off (the rock broke) when I was handling it. I finally got it where I want it and I know its early but its closing a little. I had to break the rock down some to get it to fit more places. It just seems like this is what my old one did. Yesterday these were open and full. I did let the sump get a little low and had to balance the salinity. So it could be that. I have no problems with other coral or even Kenya. Should I get rid of the Chaeto in the sump? I read Chaeto can starve Sinularia.

exnisstech · Aug 30, 2023

hrdneglcry said:
Should I get rid of the Chaeto in the sump? I read Chaeto can starve Sinularia.

Both of mine above are in separate tanks both which have a fuge full chaeto so my vote is no.
You have been working with them so they are probably pouting. Mine will shrink up for days if I even bump them at times. For me leathers have been tough but temperamental for lack of a better word. I'd just let them be for now.

hrdneglcry · Aug 30, 2023

exnisstech said:
Both of mine above are in separate tanks both which have a fuge full chaeto so my vote is no.
You have been working with them so they are probably pouting. Mine will shrink up for days if I even bump them at times. For me leathers have been tough but temperamental for lack of a better word. I'd just let them be for now.

Well my last one was good. I raised it for months and it doubled in size. But then one day it started to close. And eventually it stayed shrunken. I use R/O water. I am wondering though if I don't have enough things making waste to feed the chaeto and the sinularia. Before I had Three triggers, three dwarf angels, two maroon clowns, and three damsels so a lot of food and waste in the tank. Now I only have one 5" Grouper and two 14" eels.

hrdneglcry · Sep 3, 2023

Just an update. I pulled the Chaeto. I mention this because when I pulled it out the Sinularia immediately closed all the way. Not other corals did. So there is some relationship between the two and the nitrates they maybe both need to grow.

hrdneglcry · Sep 9, 2023

Well its starting to shrink. I'll repost from a few days aho and then today. This happened to me before. But before it was many months before it did. You can aee in the top pic its longer. The bottom pic it is starting to grt stubby. Closing. Not other coral is struggling. I thought maybe the lights were too bright and dimmed but still shrinking