Rhodactis mushroom question?

[helwrj28]

About a week ago I finally took the plunge for some soft coral!

Maybe I'm just being paranoid but my question.. are my coral (especially the Rhodactis mushroom) looking okay? See pics below in white light and blue light.

During peak time I have my ReefBreeders light at about 35-40% intensity and it's mounted about 12 inches from the surface. I have a power head mounted in the back right section of the tank so I'm not thinking flow or lights should be too much of an issue but I have noticed the mushroom shrinking up from time to time..

 

[Timfish]

Well, considering the tank I'd say the mushroom is doing ok. Your system looks very sterile. Check out these links on helping to establish healthy microbiomes:

Establishing a Healthy Microbiome in a New Aquarium Using Live Rock

Studying the effects of live rock in a newly established aquarium shows that high-quality live rock promotes the rapid establishment of an effective biological filter and a microbial community similar to those found in mature reef tanks.

www.reef2reef.com

"Coral Reefs in the Microbial Seas" This video compliments Rohwer's book of the same title (Paper back is ~$20, Kindle is ~$10), both deal with the conflicting roles of the different types of DOC in reef ecosystems. While there is overlap bewteen his book and the video both have information not covered by the other and together give a broader view of the complex relationships found in reef ecosystems

 

[vetteguy53081]

About a week ago I finally took the plunge for some soft coral!

Maybe I'm just being paranoid but my question.. are my coral (especially the Rhodactis mushroom) looking okay? See pics below in white light and blue light.

During peak time I have my ReefBreeders light at about 35-40% intensity and it's mounted about 12 inches from the surface. I have a power head mounted in the back right section of the tank so I'm not thinking flow or lights should be too much of an issue but I have noticed the mushroom shrinking up from time to time..

Too much light and they shrink and at times, attempt to move. Feed mysis 2X a week and provide both moderate light and water flow and assure nitrate and phosphate are not becoming elevated. Additionally, add occasionally: iron, stronium and manganese. (5-8 drops)

 

[helwrj28]

Well, considering the tank I'd say the mushroom is doing ok. Your system looks very sterile. Check out these links on helping to establish healthy microbiomes:

Establishing a Healthy Microbiome in a New Aquarium Using Live Rock

Studying the effects of live rock in a newly established aquarium shows that high-quality live rock promotes the rapid establishment of an effective biological filter and a microbial community similar to those found in mature reef tanks.

www.reef2reef.com

"Coral Reefs in the Microbial Seas" This video compliments Rohwer's book of the same title (Paper back is ~$20, Kindle is ~$10), both deal with the conflicting roles of the different types of DOC in reef ecosystems. While there is overlap bewteen his book and the video both have information not covered by the other and together give a broader view of the complex relationships found in reef ecosystems

Thanks for the information and I know it's a pretty sterile system, should be a different story once I move it to my DT but I'll look at your resource to assist my QT

 

[helwrj28]

Too much light and they shrink and at times, attempt to move. Feed mysis 2X a week and provide both moderate light and water flow and assure nitrate and phosphate are not becoming elevated. Additionally, add occasionally: iron, stronium and manganese. (5-8 drops)

Thanks for the information! What does the feeding response look like for the mushroom? I also have reef chili if that would work as well thanks

 

[Pistondog]

About a week ago I finally took the plunge for some soft coral!

Maybe I'm just being paranoid but my question.. are my coral (especially the Rhodactis mushroom) looking okay? See pics below in white light and blue light.

During peak time I have my ReefBreeders light at about 35-40% intensity and it's mounted about 12 inches from the surface. I have a power head mounted in the back right section of the tank so I'm not thinking flow or lights should be too much of an issue but I have noticed the mushroom shrinking up from time to time..

Rhodi's are pretty hardy once adjusted, low light is better than too much.
They seem to thrive in higher nutrient water, nitrate >= 10 ppm, phosphate above 0.07.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Thanks for the information! What does the feeding response look like for the mushroom? I also have reef chili if that would work as well thanks

While they accept powdered foods, mysis or brine (meaty is best) They may cup when hungry but make it a point every 3 days.

This is cupping:

 

[helwrj28]

While they accept powdered foods, mysis or brine (meaty is best) They may cup when hungry but make it a point every 3 days.

This is cupping:

Thank you! I did see it invert like that a bit when I tried to feed it the other night! I'll be sure to try mysis next time

 

[helwrj28]

I just adjusted the powerhead and now the mushroom is laying more flat to the point of almost covering the whole frag plug.. I'm assuming this is a better sign compared to it curling/shrinking?