Chili Coral

[vegasadam]

Hi all I was wondering if I could get some advice on a chili coral i have. Since it doesnt need light should it be placed lower in the tank? Will Light do any harm to the coral? And finally should I target feed or can I Just dose food throught the sump? Thanks for all the help.

Adam

 

[OrionGirl]

I feel obligated to let you know that these have a truly depressing record for survival--I know of 2 people that have kept them alive for more than 1 year.

Otherwise--best bet is to find a cave, and HANG it--they don't stand up like colts. Provide moderate flow, target feed with phyto/zoo plankton every 2-3 days. While high light won't kill, it can bleach them.

 

[mogurnda]

In the few cases I know where chili corals have survived, the person had a large upstream refugium. Dosing plankton occasionally will probably just stave off starvation for a while.

 

[vegasadam]

Wow thanks for the reply and the depressing news. It is such a nice coral and the fact in needs low light made it seem optimal. Anway I am kinda mad that my LFS sold it to me since she is so conservative even to the point where she says no to me for a lot of things. Again thanks

Adam

 

[mogurnda]

Well, it could be worse. At least I know people who have kept chili corals alive here. If you had said dendronephthea (which has similar habits and requirements) I'd say it was outright doomed.

Are you running any kind of refugium?

 

[vegasadam]

No i am not running a refugium and to add insult to injury I am a newbie. The good news is I love the hobby and take very good care of my tank so hopefully that and some good luck will help it thrive.

Adam

 

[mogurnda]

The key will be lots of food, which is antithetical to normal reefkeeping practice. My understanding is that they like zooplankton and flotsam, so maybe some small herds of peppermints/scarlet cleaner shrimp would help. Other possibilities include Eric Borneman's coral food recipe.

I've tried keeping it, but I'll ask the folks here what's working.