Rusty Gorgonian
Gorgonia sp
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Water parameters
Water parameters are being added.
About Rusty Gorgonian
General information
In general, sea fans that comes from the genus Pterogorgia have rigid structures that are mainly composed of a calcite compound and gorgonin which is a type of hard protein. Their blade-like branches are usually flattened with numerous tiny polyps encased in a flexible net like skeletal structure.
As for the Rusty Gorgonian, they are predominantly colored brown on the branch and yellow on the polyps. This are the water parameters in cultivating Rusty Gorgonian:
- Calcium: 400 – 450 ppm
- Alkalinity: 2.86 – 4.29 MEQ/L (8 – 12 dKH)
- Phosphates: 0
- Magnesium: 1200 – 1350
- Strontium: 8 – 10
- Temperature: 72° – 78° F (22° – 26° C)
- Salinity / Specific Gravity: 1.023 – 1.025
- pH: 8.1 – 8.4
Diet & nutrition
The Rusty Gorgonian are classified as zooxanthellate. This means that they get their primary nutrition from the symbiotic zooxanthellae living within their tissues. However, on top of this, we still recommend you do supplemental feeding by adding mysis and brine shrimp in the water.
Determining sex
A mature tank is highly recommended in propagating Rusty Gorgonian. They should be set at the middle or bottom portion of the tank. You can use gel glue or any underwater adhesive to securely fasten their position.
Breeding & spawning
The Rusty Gorgonian requires moderate lighting and moderate to strong waterflow.
Diseases
The Rusty Gorgonian is prone to cyanobacteria infestation, especially if there is minimal waterflow. In case of an algal infestation, you can clean them by removing the algae with a soft brush.
Origination
The Rusty Gorgonian can be found in the waters of the Indo-Pacific Ocean and in the Atlantic Ocean, especially in the USA and Canada.
Cautions
Although the Rusty Gorgonian has a peaceful behaviour, proper spacing should observed in relation to corals with an aggresive or semi-aggresive behaviour.
Acclimation process
Rusty Gorgonian is purely marine. So, therefore, salinity must be maintained thoroughly at 1.023 to 1.025 specific gravity.
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