Porites?

XNavyDiver · Dec 16, 2017

I got this coral a couple of months ago because of the neat little fan worms in it. I think it was sold under the name XMass tree rock.
On occasion, this little coral has all its polyps retracted and it "sheds" a thin wispy film from the entire surface almost like a snake. Question; is this normal? It's done it a couple of times I've noticed, and as soon as this film blows away, the polyps come out in force.

Roggio · Dec 16, 2017

That’s one of my favorite corals. In my experience that’s normal. Make sure you’re feeding the worms!

XNavyDiver · Dec 16, 2017

Roggio said:
That’s one of my favorite corals. In my experience that’s normal. Make sure you’re feeding the worms!

Ok, good to hear. Would you happen to know what the heck it's doing (other than freaking me out a little) when it sheds? I feed reef roids to all my corals about once or twice a week. Is that ok for the worms also?
Thanks Roggio!

DSC reef · Dec 16, 2017

Shedding of porites is normal, nothing to worry about. Just make sure it has good flow. I would try to spot feed the Christmas tree worms more often, they need to eat.

XNavyDiver · Dec 16, 2017

DSC reef said:
Shedding of porites is normal, nothing to worry about. Just make sure it has good flow. I would try to spot feed the Christmas tree worms more often, they need to eat.

Good to hear. Q1: What is it shedding? Q2: reef roids 3-4 times a week sound good?

Thanks DSC reef!

DSC reef · Dec 16, 2017

Its a mucus layer that the coral sheds. Some things I've read in the past suggest excess carbon from feedings or excess produced from zooxanthellae but I'm not sure exactly. As far as reef roids go I'd say that's plenty, just keep an eye on nutrients.

Roggio · Dec 16, 2017

DSC reef said:
Its a mucus layer that the coral sheds. Some things I've read in the past suggest excess carbon from feedings or excess produced from zooxanthellae but I'm not sure exactly. As far as reef roids go I'd say that's plenty, just keep an eye on nutrients.

I have a lot of luck with phytoplankton too.

XNavyDiver · Dec 16, 2017

Roggio said:
I have a lot of luck with phytoplankton too.

I've been dosing phyto for a couple of weeks now along with additions of pods. All the inhabitants seem to love it.

Roggio · Dec 16, 2017

XNavyDiver said:
I've been dosing phyto for a couple of weeks now along with additions of pods. All the inhabitants seem to love it.

Yeah, it really helps mature the tank. My pod and amphipod populations are enormous. There’s definitely some brands that are more concentrated than others.

XNavyDiver · Dec 16, 2017

Roggio said:
Yeah, it really helps mature the tank. My pod and amphipod populations are enormous. There’s definitely some brands that are more concentrated than others.

What brand would you recommend?

Roggio · Dec 16, 2017

XNavyDiver said:
What brand would you recommend?

I’ll have to look when I get home but I believe it’s impirtant to go with a live culture. I recently ordered from one of the sponsors on here. I’m very happy with the service but I was suprised how diluted the product was. I’ll probably go through a 16 oz bottle of the sponsors in three weeks. The last 8oz bottle I had lasted two months. Huge contrast

XNavyDiver · Dec 16, 2017

Roggio said:
I’ll have to look when I get home but I believe it’s impirtant to go with a live culture. I recently ordered from one of the sponsors on here. I’m very happy with the service but I was suprised how diluted the product was. I’ll probably go through a 16 oz bottle of the sponsors in three weeks. The last 8oz bottle I had lasted two months. Huge contrast

The only pods I've ordered were from Algae Barn, but if you know of a better supplier I'd love to hear it.