Plate Coral, Long Tentacle

[aneely]

I have tried for the last year to keep a Plate Coral, Long Tentacle in my reef tank. Every time I put one in my tank it dies within seven days, I have place it at the bottom of my tank; I have also tried mid-level and even high. I currently have an Elegance Coral, Brain Coral, Torch Coral, they are doing fine. An Aqua Controller controls my system, with items like a denitrator, calcium reactor, chiller, skimmer, ozoner. I use Kalkwater for evaporated water replacement, so what could I be doing wrong, any suggestions, thanks.

[soni]

I have tried for the last year to keep a Plate Coral, Long Tentacle in my reef tank. Every time I put one in my tank it dies within seven days, I have place it at the bottom of my tank; I have also tried mid-level and even high. I currently have an Elegance Coral, Brain Coral, Torch Coral, they are doing fine. An Aqua Controller controls my system, with items like a denitrator, calcium reactor, chiller, skimmer, ozoner. I use Kalkwater for evaporated water replacement, so what could I be doing wrong, any suggestions, thanks.

very low water flow.

[dougc]

I have mine on the bottom of the tank in a front corner of the tank, which has the least flow of anywhere in the tank. These corals can easily get damaged in transit and do not typically recover if injured. The trick may be to get a good one in the first place.

[afishybusiness]

Long tentacled plate corals have a very thin film that covers the bottom of their skeleton. For this reason, they shouldn't be placed on live rock or on crushed coral. Oolitic sand would be best. You said you've tried them on the bottom. Is your substrate course or soft?

[dougc]

Mine is sitting on a bed of rubble. It has been there for several months and does not seem to be harmed by it.

[afishybusiness]

Cool! Some people get away with it, and some don't. I have read that they should be on sand. I too have kept them on rock, but I think they do better on sand.

[saltjunkie]

it is dying due to air contact..........
either the fish store or the collector, or yourself have bagged or unbagged the speciman while not keeping it underwater...........
any air on or around will kille it..........



also... if you have bubbbles in your tank.. it will kill it.......... an air bubble under the coral will do it in......