Answers and more answers from some helpful web sites, you may have read already. First one on coral compatibility:
AquariumFish.com :: Aquarium Fish International :: The monthly magazine for both novice and expert aquarium hobbyists.
Second source on chosing coral:
AquariumFish.com :: Aquarium Fish International :: The monthly magazine for both novice and expert aquarium hobbyists.
This second source says stay away from the Dendronephthya coral as they are almost impossible to maintain. The carnation coral would fall into that category. Even though they are the most colorful and beautiful soft corals, they are also the most difficult to keep. They seem to need strong alternating currents. Dim light better as bright illumination may be harmful. Need to be fed heavily as they lack zoozanthellae. Benefit from phytoplankton additions; do best in tanks with well- developed sand bed infauna that produces small invertebrae larvae.
After a water change, they will often bud up, Sit it on the bottom, in between two power heads so it gets both currents from opposite directions. If it buds up and exposes its white polyps, turn off filter and skimmer and target feed phytoplankton with a turkey baster. Mine has lasted about 4 months so far. Current is important.