Scolys: Can They Actually Thrive Long-Term?

[dyno]

Hello everyone,

What’s the longest you’ve been able to successfully keep an Aussie Scoly alive?

I’m beginning to wonder if they can actually be kept successfully for years like other corals. Even with great water quality, regular feedings, and plenty of distance from other stinging corals, my Scolys will do great and feed really well, and then slowly start receding, exposing their skeleton. Some will hang on like this for months, but eventually perish.

My CA and Alk are on point using All For Reef, and my reef tanks are 3–5 years old.

For those of you who have successfully kept Scolys for years, what’s your secret? Any pointers or things I might be missing?

 

[flashsmith]

Maybe 6 months for me has been the longest I’ve had one survive. Same with torches or hammers. I’ve completely given up on any kind of meat coral altogether. The spend isn’t worth it to me. I tried for 3-4 years to get one to thrive and survive long term. I’m sure there are people who have had success though. I don’t know anyone that has had long term success with scoly.

 

[xiaoxiy]

I've had my scoly for a couple of years and have even fragged it. Seems to be as hardy as any other LPS.

 

[The Ugly Phase]

Are Acanthophyllia the same? do they just die?

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I had a scolie for years then sold it to makes space for other corals. I agree with above, they are just as easy as other lps.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Most of the people I know who have LPS-focused tanks with scolys don't seem to have any issues with them.

 

[dyno]

Maybe 6 months for me has been the longest I’ve had one survive. Same with torches or hammers. I’ve completely given up on any kind of meat coral altogether. The spend isn’t worth it to me. I tried for 3-4 years to get one to thrive and survive long term. I’m sure there are people who have had success though. I don’t know anyone that has had long term success with scoly.

Thanks for sharing, glad its not just me with the bad luck! I don’t think i’ve heard of anyone successfully keeping them long term! Had a little better luck with Cynarina.

 

[Costareefer]

Those with bad luck. What exactly happens what are the signs?

 

[dyno]

I had a scolie for years then sold it to makes space for other corals. I agree with above, they are just as easy as other lps.

Was it one of the crazy colored Aussie ones?
How often did you feed? What about lighting, was it in a medium to shaded area?

 

[dyno]

Those with bad luck. What exactly happens what are the signs?

Slightly exposed skeleton and then they just keep receding.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Was it one of the crazy colored Aussie ones?
How often did you feed? What about lighting, was it in a medium to shaded area?

No it was a red one, I don't know if it was Australian or what. I don't feed my corals, the scoly was on the sandbed under a metal halide light so it got pretty good light. I had it for over 2 years then sold it to make space.