Page 1 of 2
setting up a gorgonian tank
Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2025 10:05 pm
by shellzone
Thinking about setting up a gorgonian tank but not sure where to start. Got a 40-gallon breeder, gonna run a protein skimmer and LED lights. Any tips on flow and placement?
Re: setting up a gorgonian tank
Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2025 11:26 pm
by Veloce
Gorgonians need moderate flow, not too strong or they'll get damaged. I'd suggest starting with a couple of powerheads on opposite sides. What's your lighting schedule like?
Re: setting up a gorgonian tank
Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2025 11:50 pm
by Terrafox
shellzone wrote: ↑Tue Jun 03, 2025 10:05 pm
Thinking about setting up a gorgonian tank but not sure where to start. Got a 40-gallon breeder, gonna run a protein skimmer and LED lights. Any tips on flow and placement?
You're on the right track with the skimmer. Gorgonians are filter feeders, so you'll need to dose phytoplankton regularly. Also, keep an eye on nitrates, they're pretty sensitive.
Re: setting up a gorgonian tank
Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2025 12:32 am
by Journeyman
I've had luck with Purple Ribbon Gorgonians in my tank. They're pretty chill but need stable params. What salt mix are you using?
Re: setting up a gorgonian tank
Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2025 1:13 am
by eagle9r
Gorgonians are awesome but tricky. You'll want to aim for 78-80°F, salinity around 1.025. I'd also recommend a refugium to help with nutrient control. What's your plan for filtration?
Re: setting up a gorgonian tank
Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2025 1:37 am
by Whiteron
Veloce wrote: ↑Tue Jun 03, 2025 11:26 pm
Gorgonians need moderate flow, not too strong or they'll get damaged. I'd suggest starting with a couple of powerheads on opposite sides. What's your lighting schedule like?
Yep, flow's key. I've got mine on a wavemaker set to pulse every 5 seconds. They seem to dig the random movement.
Re: setting up a gorgonian tank
Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2025 2:09 am
by Flaremax
Dude, gorgonians are sketchy if you don't feed 'em right. Gonna need to dose phyto like Terrafox said. Also, watch out for bristleworms, they'll mess with your gorgs.
Re: setting up a gorgonian tank
Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2025 3:24 am
by Halse
eagle9r wrote: ↑Wed Jun 04, 2025 1:13 am
Gorgonians are awesome but tricky. You'll want to aim for 78-80°F, salinity around 1.025. I'd also recommend a refugium to help with nutrient control. What's your plan for filtration?
Totally agree on the refugium. I run chaeto in mine and it's been a game-changer for nutrient export. Also, what's your calcium level at? Gorgs need stable alk too.
Re: setting up a gorgonian tank
Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2025 4:52 am
by daxon
Gorgonians are dope but finicky. I'd start with a hardy species like the Yellow Finger Gorgonian. They're more forgiving while you dial in your system. What's your substrate gonna be?
Re: setting up a gorgonian tank
Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2025 6:47 am
by Terrafox
No prob! Keep us posted on how it goes. And don't forget to test your magnesium levels too, they're often overlooked but super important for gorgs.