Friday, November 11, 2011

My first coral acquisition


Finally decided to start adding some coral to my setup. I decided to go with some Green Star Polyps. I want that grassy looking effect that they give off once they start growing . I purchased these at Sandy's Pet Shop over in Louisville. KY. Couldn't beat it for 2/$15.

Infomation On These:


Scientific Name: Clavularia viridis
Classification: Soft Coral
Common Names: Green Star Polyps
Description:
Green Star polyps are small bright green polyps connected together by a rubbery purple colored mat. Open during the day, retracted at night or when disturbed.

Natural Environment:
? Many specimens are now captive propagated.

Care:
Hardiness: Green Star polyps are extremely hardy and can survive most reef tank conditions.

Lighting: Will tolerate fairly low light levels, but tend to develop brighter colors under higher intensity lighting. A picture above shows a colony that is lighter in color due to being raise in lower lighting conditions.

Water Current: Green Star polyps prefer moderate water motion.

Temperature: Does well within a range of at least 74º to 84º F.

Aggressiveness: High. Although the coral does not have a stinging capability, it's encrusting growth pattern can lead to rapid encroachment on its neighbors. Mat can be pruned with scissors if it starts to get out of hand. This is one of those corals that some hobbyist regret ever putting in their tank.

Feeding: Green Star polyps are photosynthetic and require no feeding. It is unknown if they will accept any prepared foods.

Supplements: No special requirement are noted. Normal acceptable water parameters seem to suit it just fine.

Tank Positioning: No special requirements other than keeping them out of forceful water flow. They will sometimes grow up the back glass forming a very attractive green backdrop.

Propagation:: Green Star polyps are easily propagated by cutting a section of the purple mat from the main colony using scissors or similar. This mat can be attached to a suitable substrate such as a piece of live rock usually with a rubber band. It will quickly attach to the rock and the rubber band can be removed.

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