purple sea whip

[spoiledcats]

I need some help with my purple sea whip. Does anyone have experience with photosynthetic gorgonians? I bought it about a week ago, and the flesh is coming off the base of the coral. I don't know if this is from stress or a parasite, or what. The polyps are extended, but I don't know how to stop the skin receding. Where it is receding is where I held it to glue it onto the rock. So if I cut it, I'm afraid that wherever I hold it to glue again will do the same thing. Is it possible this thing will live, or is it doomed?I've never had a gorgonian before, but everything I've read about this type says it's easy, just needs good light and good flow, both of which I think I've supplied. Please help-I'd hate to lose this thing, it's so pretty.

[tom obrecht]

What did you use to cement the piece onto the rock? I know from past experience that epoxy will irritate the flesh. I've had good luck by taking a razor blade and removing a portion of the flesh down to the rod and then epoxy onto a plug or rock. In time the flesh should grow back if conditions are favorable.

[spoiledcats]

I used that green stick that you mush up till it turns white. I forget what the stuff is called, but it looks like white clay when it's mushed up. The flesh seems to have stopped receding, but I don't know. Polyp extension is good.