pagoda cup (turbinaria mesenterina)

[new reefer in michigan]

I just got some corals from an online place today. I got a pagoda cup because I read they were hardy and easy to keep. Then I read that the turbinarria mesenterina was very hard to keep. Anyone having success with this coral? Do you feed it? Does it need intense lighting? Also, mine seems to be o.k. but it is producing a lot of mucus, is this normal? Thanks to all who respond.

 

[Super Len]

T.mesenterina isn't as hardy as T.peltata, but it's not terribly difficult to keep either. In general, it requires more light then T.peltata, and moderate to strong currents. You can feed fine particulate foods to its small polyps in the range of 100-1500um (golden pearls would be a good choice), but it's not necessary provided proper lighting, regular feedings for your fish, and an healthy, established population of infauna.

The slimer is a normal response to stress, and should disappear by tomorrow.

Good luck.