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Class Anthozoa
Subclass Octocorallia
Order Alcyonacea
Family Alcyoniidae
Genus Sinularia

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Sinularia are one of my favorite soft corals. There are several different kinds of Sinularia commonly available, and each is colorful with an interesting shape. The most familiar kind of Sinularia is probably Sinularia dura, commonly known as the cabbage Sinularia.

This Sinularia grows in a shape much like a pinkish cabbage. The flesh is translucent and may have a greenish tint. Often there will be a row of polyps on the very edges of the "leaf."

Other types of Sinularia grow in finger shapes or even in a shape like a cauliflower head. The shapes and colors can be highly variable, but in this genus, they are always beautiful.

I have recently propagated a lot of a gorgeous and rare kind of Sinularia. This green Sinularia grows in a shape like a weeping willow tree. The color is an unearthly, glowing green.

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These Sinularia grow very quickly, and are pretty adaptable; I have them in several different systems here, and each one is doing fine. This particular species tends to prefer fairly strong current and light, and will look best in a combination of white and blue actinic VHO lights.

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These corals have specialized cells called Amebocytes, which produce calcium carbonate spicules. A spicule is like a little spine that grows in the inside of the coral lending it support. Calcium carbonate is the same material that SPS corals use to produce skeletons, although Sinularia are not directly related to SPS.

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Because of these spicules, Sinularia are easy to propagate. The spicules make the coral tougher than most other soft corals. They can be sewed onto plugs, or the bridal veil netting method can be used. However, the method that I have found easiest is simply to rubber band them onto GARF plugs.

First procure a handful of these thin, black rubber bands.

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Next, cut a Sinularia into small pieces. Each piece should be big enough to have at least 1 "fork" and 2 branches. Put these pieces in a dish of water, and the parent colony can go back into the tank.

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Attach each piece to a plug with a thin rubber band. You should choose plugs that are flat on top (but textured enough to make it easy for the coral to hold onto). Other material, like pieces of rubble, could conceivably be used for attachment sites.

These plugs should be placed into an area with limited current until they attach; otherwise they might get blown off the plug. In about a month, the green sinularia will be attached firmly to the plug.

You can either take the rubber band off then or wait until the rubber band dissolves in the seawater . These Sinularia grow so quickly, that in no time you should be able to cut your cuttings again, producing more coral!

FOR THE LAST 5 YEARS WE HAVE WORKED VERY HARD TO PURCHASE, TRADE, AND SAVE AS MANY TYPES OF CORALS AS WE CAN.


IF YOU WANT TO PURCHASE SOME OF SALLY JO'S GREAT NEW CUTTINGS PLEASE CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-600-6163

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We will continue to provide the most current data on reef farming for both education and profit.

Sometimes I forget how fun it can be to watch the Reef Janitorstm as they go about their duties. It is important to have the mixture of crabs and snails custom picked for your reef aquarium. Both Leonel and Brian are experts in algae control. You can be sure that they will choose the right mixture from GARF's extensive collection of algae eaters.

The GARF staff knows that each aquarium is different and they will ask about the size, lighting, and age of your reef. Summer is the most important time to add extra janitorstm because there is more light and the reef will be a bit warmer. When you order any Reef Janitor pactm you can pick a free coral or two pounds of GARF's FAMOUS GRUNGE LIVE SAND ACTIVATOR Reef Janitors tm or call toll free 800-600-6163.


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For us to fill your order, please enter your name, E-mail and phone numbers and WE WILL CALL YOU SO YOU CAN CHOOSE FROM THE MANY CORALS WE GROW FOR OUR RESEARCH We will also get a shipping date. We will check your mailing address and payment information. Thank you!! Alternatively, you may also print out and either mail or fax your order to 208-344-6189

REEF JANITOR ORDER FORM

GREAT GARF SPECIAL - WITH EACH ORDER YOU CAN PICK ONE AVAILABLE CORAL FOR FREE

We will custom mix your Reef JanitorsTM
from our great mix of algae eating snails and hermits. Red Leg Hermit Crabs for -- $2.98 each
algae eating snails for -- $2.98 each
Garf GrungeTM live sand activator for -- $5.00 per lb.

30 GALLON REEF Forty five reef janitors for only $1.00 each.
-- $45.00, plus shipping and handling
50 GALLON REEF Eighty two reef janitors for only $1.00 each
-- $82.00, plus shipping and handling
100 GALLON REEF One hundred fifty reef janitors for only $1.00 each.
-- $150.00, plus shipping and handling

For us to fill your order, please enter your name, E-mail and phone numbers and we will call you to take down the size of your aquarium so we can help you order the proper mixture of reef janitors and Garf Grunge. We will ask for your mailing address and payment information. Thank you!! Alternatively, you may also print out and either mail or fax your order to 208-344-6189

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REEF JANITORS ALGAE CONTROL CENTRAL

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Many of the rare corals are offered to our members for 2 years before they are put on sale. We will soon have an E-mail list that will list the rarest color forms of sps corals and soft corals such as Xenia and Mushrooms.