Candy Cane

[ph33nyx]

I have a candy cane (about 10 heads) in my 12g nano and it looked great for the first few months. Now it just doesn't look happy. I've done all the water test and everything looks good. Could lighting be an issue? I'm running 2x24w pc (1 full actinic 1 50\50).
TIA

 

[Waddi]

Where abouts in your tank is it? What kind of flow?
And can you see it skeleton through its skin?

 

[ph33nyx]

It's on the bottom. For flow I'm using the stock pump (JBJ 12g nano) and a Koralia nano. And yes it does appear that I can see the skeleton through the skin.

 

[Sir Alex]

Flow and lighting are a little low, particularly the flow. I suggest putting it in a high flow spot close to the top.

 

[Waddi]

Yep as Alex said somewhere in middle upward and moderate to high flow, but dont put it directly in the powerheads way.

 

[Sir Alex]

but dont put it directly in the powerheads way.

I've got one of the nanos in my 110 (you can thank my father for that :grumble:) and it put's off so little flow that I doubt it would be to much for an sps, even right next to it...

 

[ph33nyx]

Ok....so move it closer to the top. I've been looking at adding a 70w viper k-2 light. Would that help as well?

 

[phastroh]

Geesh I have mine resting on the bottom and it is fat and juicy. The part that cracked off with 4 heads is up higher with more flow and isn't any better.

I have 3 1250Powerheads in my 80Gal so it is hard to find a spot with low flo even if I looked. I mean there are calm areas but no dead ones. Have one blowing across the front of the bow, one pointing toward the back at a down angle and then one the blows ripples across the top. The fish love it, they take turns like a slide.

I hope that is enough for my 220. I still have a 550GPH for salt mixing and a Korilla Nano in my sump but with all the extra pumps I may strategically place them in the big tank for cross currents.

 

[Waddi]

You want it to have some flow, bu not to rip any flesh off or inhibit it from inflating its skin to its full amount. And just because its a PC light and not very strong with my penetration it needs to be near the top.
As for the new light, that would be a good choice! I have heard some good reviews about the viper lights you clip on the back, but you may need a fan to stop the water from overheating.

 

[BL1]

Candy canes aren't SPS, they prefer low to moderate flow. And low to more moderate lighting. In your tank it would probably need to be higher since they aren't the strongest lights.

 

[Sir Alex]

Candy canes aren't SPS, they prefer low to moderate flow. And low to more moderate lighting. In your tank it would probably need to be higher since they aren't the strongest lights.

Oh, I was thinking about a different coral. :shock:

 

[ph33nyx]

Thanks all...
I've moved him closer to the top for now. And I have a 70w k2 viper on the way.

 

[ph33nyx]

I'm happy to report that my candy canes are doing much better at the top of the tank. And the viper should be in tomorrow.

 

[BL1]

That's good to hear!

Make sure to acclimate any of the corals you have when adding the new light, and I would consider moving the CC back down to the bottom.