mushroom leather coral

[bioscot]

My wife just got me a leather mushroom coral. I have a 50 gallon with 2 175 w mh bulbs. Is there anything I should know about these. The fish store told her to put him high in the tank and keep in direct flow of the current. Any additional opinions would be appreciated.

thanks

 

[SPC]

Posted by bioscot:
My wife just got me a leather mushroom coral.

-Species name?
Steve

 

[JKurtz]

Hi Scott.
Most leather corals make fairly hardy aquarium specimens and are generally considered good beginner corals. It will occasionally close up and develop a waxy coating, which it will shed within a few days. This is normal behavior for leather corals and no reason for concern unless it happens all the time--a possible indication that something is wrong with your water conditions or the location of the coral in the tank. Sometimes it takes a few moves to find the perfect location where your leather will be "happy."
Placing it in a higher current area will help the shedding process along. However, don't place your leather where it will receive the direct blast of a powerhead. It's been my experience that they don't appreciate this much current; moderate, indirect flow seems to be best.
Also, be aware that leathers are rather "toxic" and may release chemicals (called terpenoids) to inhibit the growth of neighboring inverts. If you notice a problem--such as your other corals refusing to open--and all of your water parameters are in good shape, the leather might be the cause.
Hope this helps!

Jeff

 

[cyberpanther]

I have many many soft corals, including many leathers, colts, etc., along with a few hard corals in my 75. I have noticed that the leathers do better a little lower in the tank. I have mine in the middle of the tank and have 2 250 watt MH and 2 110 watt vho's. I recently (last month) added these lights, upgrading from 4 110 watt vhos. Point here is the soft corals whish they were a little lower in the tank now then before.

 

[bioscot]

thanks guys your comments were very helpful. Mind is 2/3 up the tank with my 2 17w mh bulbs. I'll watch to see if he's happy or I'll move him down a bit.

thanks
again..