Yellow Tonga Leather

[Mitchell]

My first species will be my favorite leather, the Yellow Tonga Leather.

Yellow Tonga Leather - Sarcophyton elegans

Family: Alcyoniidae
Origin: Tonga
Color: Yellow
Ideal Supplements: Iodine, Strontium, Trace Elements
Reef Compatible: Yes
Tank Conditions: 72-78ºF; sg 1.023-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4
Water Flow: Moderate to Strong
Light: Medium to High
Dominance: Peaceful
Placement: Medium
Care Level: Medium



This leather lives in the Tonga Is. , in clear shallow waters at the reef's crest.

It is a brilliant yellow coral that needs strong illumination to maintain it's color. Also required is a strong current. This species does not ship too well and may not be recomended for the beginner.

[Andy]

Wow Mitch. That's stunning. Is this leather in your tank? Are they readily available. How expensive are they? Do they grow rapidly.

Andy

[Mitchell]

Is this leather in your tank?

I wish. I have a small one in my tank, about 3"


Are they readily available

Well up until now our selection of LFS besides for Big Al's is next to nill.
One store has about 3 more of these leathers.


How expensive are they

Not cheap. Prices I have seen are over $100 and up to $150.


Do they grow rapidly.

From what I understand they are a moderate grower once established.

[reefnut]

Hi Mitch,
A real beauty to be sure.
Ideal Supplements: Iodine, Strontium, Trace Elements

Do you guys add supplements to your reefs or do you just get what the corals need from water changes and leave it at that?

Reefnut

[ajx22]

Originally posted by reefnut
Hi Mitch,
A real beauty to be sure.
Ideal Supplements: Iodine, Strontium, Trace Elements

Do you guys add supplements to your reefs or do you just get what the corals need from water changes and leave it at that?

Reefnut

I personally add an assortment (depending on the coral) of Seachem liquid additives.

Presently, I dose Reef Complete (Calcium/Strontium/Magnesium) on Saturday, Reef Carbonate (Alk) on Sunday and Reef Iodine daily (10-drops in my 110Gal). The calcuim reactor will be going into service this weekend...so I will start to dose only the separate Magnesium & Strontium - or I may try out the combo of dosing the Reef Plus & Reef Trace to see if the added trace components will benefit the reef.

Anyone else?? I would like to know who is having success with what!

[Andy]

I run a Precision Marine calcium reactor filled with CaribSea ARM on my 280. That takes care of Ca, alkalinity, strontium and Magnesium (Ca at 400-450 ppm and alkalinity at 10-11 dKH). No additives except for the odd time I soak my mysis shrimp in Seachem Reef Plus or Selcon. On my 20, I add Seachem Reef Carbonate to my top-off water and dose Reef Complete a few times a week. This tank contains SPS, xenia, anthelia, GSP and a clam.

[stephane]

I run a kalkwaser reactor
and no aditive other than food