Advice on first coral purchase please!

[tarpons]

I've seen a beautiful palythoa coral I'd love to purchase, but I'm not sure if it is a good choice. I don't know more than the fact that it is a palythoa. I have power compacts and strong current.

I've read that these are fairly aggressive and multiply rapidly. Is that generally a 'bad' thing?

I've also read that it produces a neurotoxin that affects humans. If it suffers in my tank, will it kill off everything with this toxin?

If you've got any info to share, I'm anxious. IF it is appropriate, I'd love to snatch it up before it disappears!

By the way, what about mushrooms? Are they generally good for beginners?

Thanks!
Candy

 

[SnowManSnow]

Hi Candy,

The Paly is just another kind of zoanthid, and would probably make you a nice first coral Zoas aren't very light hungry, and will do well under a variety of lighting situations. As far as spreading goes I don't think they will spread uncontrolably. For isntance, If you buy say.. 6 polyps.. in 6 monts you MAY have 20 polyps if your conditions are IDEAL. They aren't going to OVERTAKE your tank or anything.
Some of these zoas do house palytoxin, used by natives for poison darts! BUT, If you're careful you'll be fine. Just don't handle them with open wounds on your hands. They won't release any toxin unless they are damaged either (like if you rip one by accident in a rock slide )

My first coral was a a bunch of zoo polyps good first choice IMO

As far as shrooms go... PERSOnALLY, I stay away from them (although I do like ricordia). The shrooms can eventually take over your tank.

Hope this helps!!!

B

 

[Anonymous]

I've seen a beautiful palythoa coral I'd love to purchase, but I'm not sure if it is a good choice. I don't know more than the fact that it is a palythoa. I have power compacts and strong current.

Should do fine.

I've read that these are fairly aggressive and multiply rapidly. Is that generally a 'bad' thing?

That just means they can rapidly take over an area of your tank if they are doing well. This is only a problem if you have a very full reef tank and no room for them to spread. Should they be competing with a close neighbor for space, they will probably win the battle.

I've also read that it produces a neurotoxin that affects humans. If it suffers in my tank, will it kill off everything with this toxin?

They do not cause problems in the tank. You want to be careful when you handle them, ideally you would wear gloves and be sure to wash your hands after handling them, especially if you tear them. While acclimating it to your tank be sure that no kids or pets can have access to them. In the tank they are fine. Basically, take extra care that none of the "goo" from them gets in anyone's mouth!

If you've got any info to share, I'm anxious. IF it is appropriate, I'd love to snatch it up before it disappears!

They will probably take little bits of food like brine shrimp once in the tank.

By the way, what about mushrooms? Are they generally good for beginners?

Thanks!
Candy

Mushrooms are a great beginner coral.

 

[tarpons]

Thank you guys. I think I'll jump on them then!

Candy