setting up a gorgonian tank

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shellzone
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 1:58 pm

setting up a gorgonian tank

Post 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?
Veloce
Posts: 15
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2024 4:00 pm

Re: setting up a gorgonian tank

Post 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?
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Terrafox
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:37 am

Re: setting up a gorgonian tank

Post 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.
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Journeyman
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Re: setting up a gorgonian tank

Post 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?
eagle9r
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 9:48 pm

Re: setting up a gorgonian tank

Post 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?
Whiteron
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:29 pm

Re: setting up a gorgonian tank

Post 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.
Flaremax
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Joined: Sat Jun 01, 2024 4:49 am

Re: setting up a gorgonian tank

Post 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.
Halse
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Joined: Wed May 04, 2022 2:58 am

Re: setting up a gorgonian tank

Post 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.
daxon
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:43 pm

Re: setting up a gorgonian tank

Post 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?
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Terrafox
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Re: setting up a gorgonian tank

Post 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.
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