What’s your opinion on gorgonians?

[Subtropic Reefer]

Hey y’all, I personally love gorgonians but don’t see a lot in the hobby. I know the non photosynthetic ones are rare because well their hard to keep, but what about the photosynthetic ones? I have a few different species in my tank. Do you have any? Why are they uncommon? Do you like them, think their ok, or dislike them?

 

[Fishfreak2009]

I love gorgonians! I started a thread on this a couple months ago actually! I snorkel with them a few times a week while I'm at school in St Kitts, and currently have 1 photosynthetic gorgonian in my 75 gallon mixed reef, with 4 more varieties on the way to my house tomorrow.

 

[Eagle_Steve]

I can’t live without them. 7’ mangrove lagoon s it all lol.

 

[tynewell1]

I can’t live without them. 7’ mangrove lagoon s it all lol.

Absolutely beautiful tank

 

[chizer]

I think they look great. I like the movement they can add.

 

[Mflores888]

Live Plants has some gorgeous gorgonias that are photosynthetic, cheap and very large sizes.

 

[Fishfreak2009]

Live Plants has some gorgeous gorgonias that are photosynthetic, cheap and very large sizes.

That's where my 4 coming tomorrow are coming from! Always been happy with whatever I have ordered from there! I have a few sponges, some macro, and Nassarius snails coming in as well from them

 

[Clown2020]

I voted meh, not because I dislike them but I think they need the right tank to look their best. In the mangrove tank above they are stunning

but I have yet to find one that would look at home amongst my zoa, scoly hammer etc in a 32 gallon.

But if such a gorgonian exists i would love to know and try to find one

 

[Fishfreak2009]

I voted meh, not because I dislike them but I think they need the right tank to look their best. In the mangrove tank above they are stunning

but I have yet to find one that would look at home amongst my zoa, scoly hammer etc in a 32 gallon.

But if such a gorgonian exists i would love to know and try to find one

Using a couple pics off Google. And yes, I know the one is a gorgonian dedicated tank, but still gorgeous so had to share it.

 

[Clown2020]

Using a couple pics off Google. And yes, I know the one is a gorgonian dedicated tank, but still gorgeous so had to share it.

Now I’m more convinced to try one. If I came across one like your first pic, would definitely be adding it to my tank

 

[Zionas]

I know there are photosynthetic ones but are they easy to keep like your average Mushrooms, Leathers, GSPs and Xenia?

 

[Fishfreak2009]

I know there are photosynthetic ones but are they easy to keep like your average Mushrooms, Leathers, GSPs and Xenia?

Yes. Just like bright light and high flow. Honestly, pretty similar to SPS but can take much more variation in water quality. Here in St Kitts, you can find them right by the boat launches in some pretty dirty water, but also in perfectly clear water. And the amount of flow they take is insane. I've watched them be completely bent over in both directions being pulled by the current and waves, and also still grow in relatively calm water. Here they grow with a variety of sponges, Porites, Favias, lots of Millepora (Fire coral), and various brain corals. Occasionally with elkhorn coral, but elkhorn is almost entirely gone here now from pollution. Slowly coming back though!

 

[Bars]

Gorgonians are awesome! Unfortunately different varieties are hard to come by, so I just keep on fragging my standard issue pink gorgonian and spreading it all throughout the tank lol. I'm hoping to find a nice sea fan eventually.

 

[Fishfreak2009]

Gorgonians are awesome! Unfortunately different varieties are hard to come by, so I just keep on fragging my standard issue pink gorgonian and spreading it all throughout the tank lol. I'm hoping to find a nice sea fan eventually.

Definitely check out Gulf Coast Ecosystems! (live-plants.com) They have a huge variety of photosynthetic gorgs including a purple sea fan!

 

[Subtropic Reefer]

I know there are photosynthetic ones but are they easy to keep like your average Mushrooms, Leathers, GSPs and Xenia?

yes

 

[dk2nt9]

Love NPS gongonians, dislike photosynthetic ones, dull and drab, and grow too tall.

Diodogorgia is frequently available in my area, both colors, it is possible to keep it in a specialized setup, they grow well. Small polyps NPS gorgonians require more high tech setup, still a lot of people keep or kept this kind of NPS tanks, with full description of their setups posted online. As with other filter feeders.

 

[Trouble1375]

I have 4 different gorgonians in my 125 gallon mixed reef. They sit about mid-way up the tank in front my of gyres and are very happy. My cardinal and my filefish like to hang out in the branches.

 

[Eagle_Steve]

Love NPS gongonians, dislike photosynthetic ones, dull and drab, and grow too tall.

Diodogorgia is frequently available in my area, both colors, it is possible to keep it in a specialized setup, they grow well. Small polyps NPS gorgonians require more high tech setup, still a lot of people keep or kept this kind of NPS tanks, with full description of their setups posted online. As with other filter feeders.

NPS gorgs are fun, for sure. Little more work, but still very easy IMO.

Just an example of two of the easy ones I have.

 

[NoahLikesFish]

i want to get some indo pacific gorgonians when i set up my mouthbrooder tank.

 

[dennis romano]

Here is my gorgonian/NPS tank