Goniopora Stokesi

[herman]

So I went to the LFS and saw this gorgeous Goniopora Stokesi still in the shipping bag just sitting there. Normally I would not have gotten this species because they are almost impossible to keep alive. But I think it has a better chance with me than at the LFS. For the first year its easy but after that it tends to slowly die. Does anyone here have any long term success with this species. (when I say long term I mean more than two years) Any advice is appreciated!!

Here is an article on advanced aquarist on them.

After acclimation still closed

Goniopora when open

I wish I knew how to take pics like some of you guys on the site!!!

 

[DEEPWATER]

Looks Nice Herman ,
I personally dont have any Experiance with them only because they are hard to keep;
Good luck ,
you deff have a better chance keeping that beauty then the LFS

 

[FRY]

very nice herman,good luck with it

frank

 

[loismustdie]

I thought the reason they were considered difficult to keep is becuase they actuall require "dirtier" water than those of us with SPS tanks are willing to keep. I believe in the wild, they are found in muddy, nutrient rich lagoons in seagrass beds.

 

[jawwad2004]

Yo, that is sooooo freaking nice, lol! I want one. Fish town had it, when I first got into the hobby. One of the guys wouldnt let me buy it cause my lighting was insufficient (NO lighting)

 

[herman]

I thought the reason they were considered difficult to keep is becuase they actuall require "dirtier" water than those of us with SPS tanks are willing to keep. I believe in the wild, they are found in muddy, nutrient rich lagoons in seagrass beds.

There is a link on the first post from advanced aquarist that describes some of the problems with this species. Yes, the Stokesi is also found in murky waters but also else where in the reef.

 

[ezee]

Herman,

I was just reading about them. What I read concurs with Chris' observation. They need a tank that is not as "clean" as others. A fuge supposedly helps. Here is the article I was reading http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-10/nftt/index.php.

The author has "apparently" had very much success keeping several types and shares his experiences and techniques.

I wish you the best with it!

E

 

[herman]

Thanks E!!!

 

[ezee]

Herman,

Absolutely my pleasure! I know how much of a priority it is for you to be informed about the species you purchase. I try to be the same way. Let us know how it goes!

E

 

[herman]

Will definitely do!!!

 

[Quang]

I wish I knew how to take pics like some of you guys on the site!!!

I'll be happy to be invited over and take a few shots of your tank for you. Not that I'm a pro or anything. :division: Good luck with the goniopora. :splitspin

 

[cali_reef]

Herman, I remember reading on RC about a person rearing one and it self frags new mini colonies after a while. The person used phyto and other plankton stuff from Liquid Life.

Many our link master cab find that long thread on RC for you.

 

[Josh]

Make sure it is not rocking around on the BB, since they prefer a sand bottom you should make sure they are stable.

What lighting do you have on it?

 

[DevIouS]

No-one wanted mine when I was selling

I bought it for the same reason. It was in Petland & I knew my tank was a better home.

Here's mine...
Only had it for a few months. Doesn't seem to accept any foods, but I never tried Liquid Life.

Herm, it doesn't like direct lighting.

 

[DevIouS]

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=520535&highlight=Goniopora

 

[herman]

Right now its on the bottom of the tank with a outcropping of rock over it. Its in a part of the tank whith lower flow so its very stable and the base does not move at all.

I just ordered three different types of phyto. Also some manganese and iron supplements.

The tank has two bulbs over it. One is a 250w Ushio 10k and the other is a 250w Phoenix 14k.

 

[herman]

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=520535&highlight=Goniopora

Great thread man! Thanks!! I just dont want this little dude to wither after a year. Well see how it goes.

 

[jhale]

that thread phil put up is the best one on RC for goni's.

they are tough. jennkerry were able to get almost dead goni's to come back to life. check out there research, and their web site they set up after they had enough of the bs on rc.

 

[herman]

I just finished reading that thread on RC. I cant believe that such a peaceful thread can turn to shits that quickly. Unbelievable!!!!

 

[jhale]

yes, but appriciate the fact they set up a web site to document their experiences and research they are doing.