Please read these threads in regards to azooxanthellate gorgonian feeding:
This one was already linked, so read through it if you haven't. It will answer your question on feedings.....and has really good information from Anthony -
Gorgonian Pruchasing Question
Rotifers and Gorgonian Care
how the hell do you pay for this, when i didnt pay.
Im confused, i dont mean to sound rud or anything but you guys really gotta think out side the box.
just cause i picked something with out knowin its scintific name its in's and out's what it crap smells like doesnt make that a bad choice. Keep in mine Im busting my azz welding buildings fixing cars that people constintly "do stuff like this knowing better" and others have to deal with it.
Let me first explain that people seem to be posting very strong feelings with good reasons. We are discussing living organisms, not a car or something that isn't alive, so there are strong feelings about being conscientious. These organisms were taken from the ocean and put into our care, so we owe it to them to be responsible about our purchases. We should try and know what the organisms needs are the best we can prior to purchase. If we don't take the time to research, we are putting that particular organism at risk, as well as other livestock. For example, a Sea Apple is very beautiful. It is sitting at the store for a long time, and you've been eyeing it for weeks.....no one is buying it and it is really really cheap. You may buy it, bring it home not knowing anything about it, and boom.....something happens to it in your tank and EVERYTHING dies....fish and all. You ask about it, and find out that they are very poisonous when stressed. Researching before buying is not only for your own benefit, but for those in your care. Being a conscientious aquarist is something we can do to be responsible reefkeepers. Providing the best environment for what we have, and knowing when to pass on things we can't take care of makes us conscientious. It is our responsibility to show restraint for doomed species, so they will stop being imported.
Well I wholly agree that it is ideal to research a piece before buying it, both for the safety of the speciman as well as your pocketbook. There's also those exceptional cases where a piece just isn't really viable to keep in captivity but the industry keeps importing them. Those are the things we really need to get the word out on because if we could inform everyone they would stop shipping them.
I completely agree with this.
Here is a quote from Anthony Calfo that says it pretty well in regards to azooxthellate gorgonians:
Anthony Calfo said:
The worst thing anyone could do here is "save" this coral by buying it. It will still die in your tank most likely (much) sooner rather than later... and it will only spur the dealer to order another. Worse... perhaps more than one collected will have to die in transit to successfully import a healthy replacement.
Even if the gorg you have in your tank was free, it is still promoting the store to bring more in. Now that you have it, I'm glad you are taking the time to find out how to care for it properly (as opposed to wondering why it died later on). Read the links I posted. Try not to take the criticisms posted previously too harshly. It isn't anything personal, but merely conscientious hobbyists trying to help you understand the responsibility we take on as aquarists. Please take what has been posted into consideration the next time you are at the fish store. The beautiful piece that has caught your eye may still be there after you go home and research it. Ask the store what it is. YOU do your research, don't count on the store to tell you all of its needs, and whether or not your system can support it. You are ultimately the one responsible for its care, so by researching you can determine if your set-up is right. Perhaps the store will allow you to put a deposit on an item, so you can go home and check it out. If it is sold when you come back (if they won't take a deposit), then perhapds they can get another one in, or call you when another one is shipped.
Hope this helps clear some things up
