Who keeps Gorgonians?

[treesprite]

I am contemplating the idea of keeping gorgonians (photosynthetic), but don't know anything about them. I could research all over the internet but would like to hear from people who are actually keeping them.

 

Can anyone tell me about their experiences with these creatures?

Are they safe to have in a tank with hard corals or will they put toxins in the water?

Which ones are your favorites and why?

[Sugar Magnolia]

We were discussing this the other day. http://www.wamas.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=29187

 

I have a tan/brown gorgonian that's been with me for over 5 years. It's one of my favorite corals in my tank. No toxins that I'm aware of, but it can easily lose a battle vs sps.

[mogurnda]

I've kept at least 6 species, and find most to be hardy, but some are easier than others. There's a species of Pseudoplexaura (porous sea rod) that has spread aroung the club and is extremely hardy and fast growing. I have also had luck with Eunicea (candelabra or warty sea rod), and purple frilly (maybe pseudopterogorgia).

 

My success with Muricea (spiny sea rod) and pterogorgia (sea blade) has been lower. They will live for years but never really thrive for me. Lancer seems to have had better luck with them.

 

In my hands, some gorgonians can get

[davjbeas]

I can cut you a frag of my purple gorgonia

 

David B.

[treesprite]

Thanks for the info

 

I can cut you a frag of my purple gorgonia

 

David B.

That would be awesome, thanks

[Hilary]

I have a piece of David's gorgonia that has absolutely thrived - great polyp extension, it's tripled in size and encrused at the base. My fan hasn't done very well, but all other varieties that I've tried are happy. All of mine are in areas of good flow, and I squirt some sponge/gorgonia food at them once a week or so.