Green Flower Pot - Goniopora (1 Viewer)

[robert_hollis]

So, I did a stupid thing the other day, and picked up a new coral without researching it first. Sorry, I'm new, and ignorant.

Anyhow, I picked up a green flower pot coral, and now I'm worried. I was told it was an easy coral to keep, but my searches on the web have shown that to be a lie. I guess I'm a sucker.

So, the coral has been in my tank for all of 5 days, and has been looking good. But today when I checked my tank, the body of the coral is totally swollen. Up until now, the arms have been stretching out, and waving, but the body has been small. Today, the arms are stretched out, but the body is very swollen, making the arms look a bit stubby.

What on Earth causes it to swell like that? I've done a quick google search, but not found an answer. Is this bad?

Also, any hint on keeping this thing alive would be much appreciated.

I'm a total newb, and if I don't get some positive feedback ASAP, I will try to find an experienced person to take it as I don't wish for it to die.

Right now, I'm mentally cursing myself, and the guy who sold me this coral...

Thanks,

-Rob

 

[rxonco]

They're a crap shoot. Some do fine, others don't. On average, most won't live past a year mark.

 

[RR-MAN]

In the last 7 years I have tried 2 different times but failed both times to keep one alive for more than 6 months in a established tank.

 

[Slayer311]

I got lucky, almost killed mine due to it getting stung by a mushroom, but ever since then it has been doing great. Granted it is placed downstream of were my 9 tangs eat from their nori clip and they love to get excited and POOP all over it . It looks narly but does wonders for finicky corals that need a lot of food such as the flower pots.

 

[robert_hollis]

Well, I guess I'll just do my best for it, and enjoy it as long as I can, and never buy another one, if it dies.

Just so many conflicting reports on the internet about these...

 

[Tnconcept]

I did the exact same thing when I first stared and still mad at myself for it now. for not researching. .. They are pretty hard to care for, when mine died I used his shell for a frag rock....lol

 

[robert_hollis]

Mine's still kicking. Still a very pretty coral, too.

 

[trb]

I think the one I got as a package tank close out deal is biting the dust. The outer 2-3 rows are basically dead, and it hasn't been opening up very much recently.

 

[FISHSTICK]

Keep food in the water and watch your DKH. If your DKH starts to drop the coral will shrink. If your tank is to clean (not enough food) it will die. it doesn't like alot of flow either.

 

[trb]

Keep food in the water and watch your DKH. If your DKH starts to drop the coral will shrink. If your tank is to clean (not enough food) it will die. it doesn't like alot of flow either.

I only test for nitrates, and I wonder if my tank is "too clean". LOL! I'm careful as to how much I feed due to hair algae I had before. My skimmer just makes some very light green tea, if anything at all, when it is working.

 

[gocanes]

they are eazy to take care of just make sure that you have plankton in the water. I feed mine once a week.