problems

[bassist6108]

My encrusting gorgonian (is that right Andy?) hasn't 'opened' or extended its little fingers in a few days... the only change in the tank was that I started using the egg-crate 'lid' on Sunday. This did cut down on the light in the tank - could this be enough to irritate the gorgonian? Everything else in the tank looks fine.

Also, has anybody used the mesh covering option? If so, what kind of mesh do you use?

Thanks,
Andrea

[BenjieC]

Did you use white egg crate? According to a study reported by Anthony Calfo, the use of white egg crate actually increase the effective light in the tank by taking all stray rays that would normally go out of the tank and directing them down into the tank.

Now is your gorgonian primarily photosynthetic or a filter feeder? If it's a filter feeder it may not be getting enough food. If is photosynthetic then if might be getting too much light, like when you switch from PC lights to MH or T5's. So, depending on which type you have you might try feeding more or shading the area w/ window screening.

[SHowald72]

The type Andy has is non-photosynthetic but it does react to lighting. Current, temp. alk. and water quality changes will all effect it as well. It is very hardy stuff and can withstand alot changes as it will adapt to its enviroment. Becareful with that stuff because it can overrun your tank when it is happy.

[bassist6108]

Thanks for the input. I don't believe that eggcrate can increase the light into the tank. While it may not reduce it much, white plastic has little reflective capabilities. But, I haven't read any studies on it. ; )

Thanks for the input. Maybe it'd like it better higher in the tank - I have only PC lighting.

Does anybody else have info on the mesh some use as a covering?

[Rod Buehler]

do you have a picture of the gorg?

[bassist6108]

Rod, I don't have one yet. I'll try and snap one tonight and post tomorrow.

[ahuxman58]

Thats odd that your having problems with it , i can throw a piece of it in the bottom of my tub and out of the ight and it opens , i have found that i cant kill it unless i leave it out of the water for an extended period of time , its really tough stuff. Here is two pics , two different exposures of the same piece.http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t47/ahuxman58/Picture-082.jpg 2 http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t47/ahuxman58/Picture-081.jpg

[bassist6108]

Well, last night I came home and it was all happy again, so I'm not sure if maybe I was just seeing it at the wrong times of the day. My crabs do have a tendancy to walk on it - so they may have irritated it. Or maybe it was just adjusting to the light?

Anyway, here's what it looks like when it's all pulled in and unhappy:
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s319/bassist6108/Picture040.jpg


Also, I wanted to show off the beautiful hammer I got from Andy, too (ignore the cyano in the background :) ):
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s319/bassist6108/Picture037-1.jpg

Thanks everybody for your input!

[Rod Buehler]

Thats Briarium (spelling?). It is a photosynthetic coral (as opposed to non photosynthetic) . In fact it loves a lot of light, but can still do well under lower lighting conditions. I have seen it stay closed up for a few days, and then bounce back. Be carefull of placement, because the stuff can, and will overgrow many things.