I was wondering if anybody had experience with this? What kind of experience did you have? Any advice for keeping it? I read the section about it in Natural Reef Aquariums by John Tullock and was interested in keeping it. Any feedback would be appreciated.
Christmas Tree Rock
- Thread starter CDT
- Start date
The better question is can you care for the coral (montipora, usually). The christmas tree worms burrow into the living coral. While they don't often kill the coral, if the coral dies, they will as well. So you need to be able to provide lots of light, stable calcium and filter foods. If this is a tank with active fish, you won't see the worms out during the day--they need sedate tanks with few or no fish in order to come out during the day. If you currently have successful small polyped stony corals in your tank, I'd say you're good to go. Otherwise, bring the tank up to meet their needs or avoid them.
HTH
HTH
Actually, the host coral is almost always in the genus Poritidae, or in other words, almost always an encrusting Porites. As stated above, it is a small polyped scleractinian. While the tube worms may not be difficult to keep, the host coral is. As with all small polyped scleractinians, they should be under strong amounts of lighting (Halides), along with strong amounts of current. Since they are calcareous, they need a stable calcium and alkalinity level, along with a mature aquarium.
Graham
I always find it interesting that they are sold as xmas tree "rocks," rather than "corals with worms," or some such. It's a wonderful thing to see, and I would guess that few of the worms or corals are sold to people who understand their care.
I agree with both OG and PH.
One small elaboration. While it is true that porites is an "SPS," it is one of the hardier of the group. If you are successfully keeping stony corals, then this one should not be a problem. If you are not set up for stony corals, then don't try it.
The biggest problem I have with the whole thing is that these are parts of coral heads that have been whacked off the reef. As a diver, I feel terribly guilty when I even touch the reef. As an aquarist, I have made a point of purchasing or trading for tank-raised frags.
Anyway, if you're not set up for stonies, pass it up. It would be worth a try if you have succeeded with frags (which tend to be more forgiving). Inland Aquatics has some captive-reared porites if you want to try your hand.
I agree with both OG and PH.
One small elaboration. While it is true that porites is an "SPS," it is one of the hardier of the group. If you are successfully keeping stony corals, then this one should not be a problem. If you are not set up for stony corals, then don't try it.
The biggest problem I have with the whole thing is that these are parts of coral heads that have been whacked off the reef. As a diver, I feel terribly guilty when I even touch the reef. As an aquarist, I have made a point of purchasing or trading for tank-raised frags.
Anyway, if you're not set up for stonies, pass it up. It would be worth a try if you have succeeded with frags (which tend to be more forgiving). Inland Aquatics has some captive-reared porites if you want to try your hand.