Help with leather coral requirements

[aquaguy]

My leather coral (Sarcophyton sp) has been closed this last week, and I think he is not receiving enough light, I have two power compacts in my system ( Actinic and Daylight 65 watts each), this coral is right at the top of my live rock (10 inches far from the light source) . could you tell me please what is the leather coral light requirements? Thank you guys.

 

[Ben1]

I have kept many different leathers in different lighting situations NO, VHO, PC flourecents and under MH's. IMO different leathers do better in different situations and grow differently under different lighting. FWIW I think most leathers would be fine in your current lighting, as long as this isnt over a 100 gallon tank or something.

All leather typically shed a "skin" to rid them selfs of algea that biulds up un thier surface. IME The better current you have the less they do this. Increase the current and your leather should shed faster. If it slups way over thats anouther storie. Most leathers wont slump way over unless they are unhappy and need some attention.

HTH

 

[esmithiii]

Aquaguy- how wide is the tank? Is there a reflector behind the lighting?

IME your lighting should be plenty for this coral. Are all your water parameters in check? How long have you had the coral? How long has the tank been set up?

Give it at least another week before you start worrying.

Ernie

 

[Cudaman]

It isn't lighting for your tank...it is the "skin" issue that the other posts list. This is simple...take your finger and gently rub the entire surface area of the coral. You will see a dusty residue come off of the surface...this is normal. Wait 24 hours and that leather will magically come right back to life and look healthier than ever. You just artificially helped a very natural process for these guys. I know it sounds simple...but ultimately so is nature, we just make it complicated by always fussing in our tanks.