Polyp info pls

yamanjazz

yamanjazz

The Wizard of OZ
Mar 9, 2005
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I when tp the lfs and there have just imported some polyps but i dont know much about them. What are there names and how are they kept?
I have seen this one open up it seems to be ok:

But this one hasnt opened up and i was told it open green "flowers":) :

As you all know im new to the polyp thing so i havent purchased them yet. i would like the help of experts, so i came to you guys. Thanks in advance:)
 
Looks like you have some button polyps (zoanthids), and star polyps. Both are great first "corals". IME star polyps thrive on neglect, button polyps like flow and lots of light. Chances are if the polyps are larger with long tenticles they want food, if they are small with short tenticles they want light. Those look like the light loving variety (the polyps/zoanthids).
 
Thanks for the info reefrash:) i will probably go and pick them up some time today but im still not sure about the star polyp. it hasnt opened its "stars" and doesnt look happy. by looking at the photos i took and added up on my first post would you say its "ok to buy" or "stay away" ?
 
Star polyps are moody. They do tend to stay closed for a few days in some people's tanks. If you do get the star polyps keep them on the bottom away from other rocks. They tend to spread like crazy.
 
"They tend to spread like crazy."

(sigh) I wish mine would...
 
I think Skippy hit it on the head, if you hear someone complain about star polyp 83% of the time it's growing out of control stinging everything in sight. People who love it, it's probably growing slow or not growing and they wish it would get its butt going on the growth tip. I'm one of the former people, who has tried everything short of a nuclear bomb to manage a population. In my maintenance tanks there are always star polyps, as they are pretty easy, and grow rapidly. If your water quality is good, and you've got good lighting a specimin in reasonable shape will bounce back. That being said I would buy the best piece possible of course. One thing to look for are growth areas around the edges of the coral, they look fleshy with little spots/bumps where the actual polyp is forming they tend to take off as they tend to be healthier and in a growth pattern. Good luck, be patient and buy a GOOD piece, star polyp is everywhere, and you shouldn't have to compromise for a second rate piece.
 
Hi all and thanks for the feedback:) i dont know what id do without you guys. ive been having internet problems :pc: so i havent had chance to read the forums untill now. This may sound weird but im happy that the star polyps grow and spread fast. i love them! before i buy any id like to ask for recomendations for lighting. i know that metal halide lights are the "best" things out there but im a bit short on money right now and the prices here in cyprus are out of this world. So i was wondering IF there are any other alternatives. my tank is approx: 21inch deep. I was told that compact fluorescent light bulbs at 6000kelvin are good but i dont want to risk killing anything so i thought id ask first.
Thanks in advance.
 
I don't know what type of lighting is availabe to you in OZ :huh: , but you might want to look into T-5 lighting I'm quickly becoming a convert. You don't get as appealing of a color (yum Phenox 14ks), but the light just seems to spread and cover everything, and IMO T-5 has a nicer yum factor than PCs. The bulbs last longer and don't cost too much to run.
 
T5, PC, Fluros they can all work, maybe you could save up a bit longer for a MH, check ebay for em, the sell them dirt cheap.
 
In the long run, you should do mh to start with, imo. You will eventually decide to do harder corals which require mh. The money you spend now could have just as easily be spent on mh if you save your dollars a few more weeks.
 
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