new xmas tree worm rock , anyone else have one, advise?

[piscies75]

bought from a fellow reefer , 12x 10 x 5 , slow opening . presently have in high flow , at the top near the mh's in my 180 gallon. cannot find much on the internet about them. here it is when I purchased it.

 

[Unarce]

The coral base of XMAS rock is A. porites, so you'll want to maintain cal/alk levels. You'll get mixed reviews on light level and current over the internet, but moderate is best in both cases for this particular growth form. You'll want to feed the fan worms phytoplankton regularly. Occasionaly, Peppermint Shrimp, Cleaner Shrimp, and Arrow Crabs have been known to go after the fan worms.

 

[Anonymous]

I would say high light for the coral, and moderate flow for the worm. Occasion phytoplankton as reefnutz says, and ditto the part about predators like arrow crabs.

Some shrimp may be blamed for the death of an already dismised worm when they go after the dead body, since I have never see shrimp that can kill a healthy worm. Nothing more seriously that causing the worm to withdrawn into the hole for a few minutes, but arrow crab may not be as harmless.

From the appearance of the worm and coral, it is in very good health. Make sure the coral does not get darken, since it is a indication of insufficient light level. All in all, it is a very slow grower. I have one that is more than 5 yrs old, and it is about the same size.

 

[J.Howard]

I've had mine for about 6 or 7 months. It sits on another rock just off the bottom of my 24" deep tank w/2-3" sand bed. I use a combination of VHO and MH and it is quite healthy. The flow in this area is moderate in pressure, but heavy with volume. Both the worms and polyps of the porites respond well to plankton. I use both DT's and Liquid Life alternately.
I have a pair of peps which live in the general area of the rock and have never seen any sign of aggression...yet. I had some in a 20 that would regularly drag a Hawaiian feather duster into a corner to mess with it though.
I think these corals are unique and never see them very much...all in all I say you have a good find.

 

[fishgills]

Hi, i've had mine over a year, it likes moderate flow and mine is 8 inches from my pc's high up, but i don't think it matters, and dt's make it happy.
_________________
Mercedes OC500LE

 

[Anonymous]

Very few SPS corals have been shown to injest phytoplankton to any significant degree. When you say DT's makes it "happy", what are you basing this comment on?

Jim

 

[Anonymous]

The phyto is for the worm.

 

[Anonymous]

Ahh..that makes sense.

Jim