Posted by SilverSeahorse on February 01, 2003 at 17:05:42:
In Reply to: Re: Cunji (Sea Squirts). How do you care for them? Any ideas? posted by Buddy on February 01, 2003 at 07:47:14:
Thanks for replying Buddy. I am a little confused though. The information that you have seems to contradict with the environment that tunicates normally live in. I believe that you have done your research but this seems really strange to me.
Firstly, Cunji are found in the high wave zone environment at the beach. They are found on the rocky shores and spend part of there time completely submerged and the other half exposed (dependant on the tides).
Secondly, due to this location they would experience extremely high water flow! This is part of the reason that Tunicates store water, to make sure they due not dry out during low tide. The rock is currently in a 215 gallon tank and I was considering adding another powerhead to increase the water flow.
Thirdly, because they are so close to the surface of the water, they are exposed to very high levels of light. Especially in Australia. We have had 47 degree days here recently (116.6F) and so these animals have been exposed to extremly high levels of light, especially UV. Even without those extreme days, being so high in the water coloum would mean they are exposed to high levels of light.
I know that they are filter feeders so I have added some of the reef nutrients that I feed my corals, christmas tree rocks (etc) to the tank. So we agree on that one ;-)
I also agree with the cooler temperatures. I have my tank currently set at 24 degrees (75.2F). There is nothing in it except the live rock at the moment. (and sand etc!!)
I guess I will keep having to look for some more information!
Thanks Buddy
::I just bought some new live rock for my new aquarium. I have discovered that it has 2 cunji or seasquirts on it. I was just wondering if there is anything special I have to do to care for them? So far I have just been watching them open and close. They are kinda neat!
::Thanks!!
:
: They are kinda neat, but just like the fellow with the orange sea rod, they too are found in deeper waters. There are some 80 species of sea squirt, they are filter feeders, dissolved and fine particulate organic matter, bacteria, photosynthetic. Years ago i look into it if i`ll be able to maintain a sea squirt, and the bottom line is, no matter what you read you not be able to maintain them for long, im sorry to say, but you will need a special tank for them, with very low lighting and cooler water, and understand, this also means none the light from the day hours, its hard to explain this, but these marine animals require little to no lighting. Not all reef life can be maintain in an home aquarium.
: ><{{{{"> Buddy
