The Softie Revolution - Soft coral, gorgonian, macro, LPS focused builds

[Astinus]

So Beautiful!

[TJR-RN]

Hey everyone, amazing tanks. You are all such an inspiration, I cannot wait until my tank matures as some of these. Anyways, this is my first softie, I loved the colors and shape.

[Astinus]

Nice find

[FlowerMama]

What is it? looks like yellow.

[TJR-RN]

Not sure what it is, it came on a rock with a Kenya and green mushroom. The body is a nice bright yellow and the polyps range from a pink/purple to tan.

[Lawnman]

Most recent picture

[Sharbuckle]

New torch addition today

 

[Hammerstone]

Most recent picture

i am jealous!!?

[FlowerMama]

Fuzzy wuzzy!

[Hammerstone]

i am jealous!!?

and how do you know which wouldn't attack which and such. Experience?

[jedimasterben]

Not sure what it is, it came on a rock with a Kenya and green mushroom. The body is a nice bright yellow and the polyps range from a pink/purple to tan.

Looks like it could be a Stereonephthea. They are at least partially photosynthetic, but I would make sure to keep powdered foods or artemia nauplii in the tank pretty often.

[TJR-RN]

Thanks, that is Definitely what it is. After looking at some pictures, it seems to be what Live Aquaria calls "Lemon Tree Coral", I have reef chili but didn't plan on using it yet as I don't have much to feed, could I use that? Btw, beautiful tank Lawn.

[spectra]

Its a softie with a surprise.........

[FlowerMama]

good lookin' softie!

[spectra]

good lookin' softie!

 

Thanks but I like the basket star

[FlowerMama]

Ah ok, I just thought it was some macro- how extra nice! Are they hard to keep?

[spectra]

Have had it for about3 months I think and no issues so far. It moves around and hosts different corals but no issues so far.

[Pjanssen]

Carnation Corals- Are they really that hard to keep? They are all so beautiful, but everything I read tells me "Expert Aquarist Only!" What makes them so difficult? Is a colt coral a reasonable substitute?

[ReefWeeds]

Carnation Corals- Are they really that hard to keep? They are all so beautiful, but everything I read tells me "Expert Aquarist Only!" What makes them so difficult? Is a colt coral a reasonable substitute?

 

Yes, they are very difficult. They need constant food in the water column. For an easier alternative, look for a photosynthetic stereonepthia (stereonepthya). They will require additional filter feedings, but are easier to keep.

[Pjanssen]

Considering this. Really looking for something besides green or pinkish. Also thinking about yellow fiji leather. Open for suggestions.

p-47001-lemon-tree by Penny, on Flickr

[ReefWeeds]

Considering this. Really looking for something besides green or pinkish. Also thinking about yellow fiji leather. Open for suggestions.

p-47001-lemon-tree by Penny, on Flickr

 

I ordered that same thing from Live Aquaria. I will say, I was definitely disappointed in the size of the "frag". it was a half inch fully extended. I've had it for about 4 or 5 months and it is about an inch tall now. Personally, I'd go for a fiji yellow leather. OR scour the LFS for some steronepthia. They may have some!

 

And I'm a fan of Live Aquaria in general, but I was disappointed in that particular order.

[Pjanssen]

Thanks for the input Stella. Just doing some research right now. Really want a carnation , But I guess that's a no-no . I love the fiji yellows when I see pictures of them, but at the LFS the colors are always disappointing (more tan than yellow). Also been warned that a lot of the really yellow ones are actually dyed and will rapidly lose their color. Makes me hesitant until I can be more confident in what I'm getting.

[ReefWeeds]

Thanks for the input Stella. Just doing some research right now. Really want a carnation , But I guess that's a no-no . I love the fiji yellows when I see pictures of them, but at the LFS the colors are always disappointing (more tan than yellow). Also been warned that a lot of the really yellow ones are actually dyed and will rapidly lose their color. Makes me hesitant until I can be more confident in what I'm getting.

 

I hadn't heard about them being dyed! I got one from Glenn at Coral Gardens Aquaculture and it is very yellow. I do have it in high light though and I think they like high light in order to keep their yellow color. Here's a photo of mine. I think I've had it about 3 months now:

 

[Pjanssen]

 

I hadn't heard about them being dyed! I got one from Glenn at Coral Gardens Aquaculture and it is very yellow. I do have it in high light though and I think they like high light in order to keep their yellow color. Here's a photo of mine. I think I've had it about 3 months now:

 

 

Nice. I'll check out coral gardens. What is the pink one you have below it?

[ReefWeeds]

 

Nice. I'll check out coral gardens. What is the pink one you have below it?

 

It's actually a yellow polyp sinularia that I got from Live Aquaria but I don't see any yellow polyps

 

I do like the pink color though.