Hi sherri, I just sent the Admin. a message. You will get better responses if you pst this under general reef keeping discussion. This forum is used primarily to identify weird things.. This will be automatically moved for you shortly..
Oculina are filter feeders, of course, and should do well on a mixture of microfauna and microflora. I would feed a mixture of Rotifeast, DT phytoplankton, Cyclopeeze, and perhaps Golden Pearls. They are photosynthetic, so make sure you provide them the light energy they need.
As with many gorgonians, Oculina will shed parts of its skin to rid itself of algae and bacterial growth. During this time, that part will stay closed. That is probably what you are seeing, but it could be other reasons such as localized and temporary discomfort/damage.
I spot feed twice a week with cyclo-peeze or oyster eggs mixed with phytofeast and tankwater using a syringe. I turn off the flow pumps but leave the skimmer on. My alkalinity has been low so I am wondering if that could cause it to lose color. Parts of it are very brown while other parts have turned white. I got it from Richard at Tampa Bay Saltwater and he said all of the corals he sent me are low light. I guess the gulf is kind of murky and dirty -- he said nitrates there are 35 to 40 PPM. It's actually my gorgonian that is shedding -- not the Oculina...
