Big Cats Eye Bubble Coral Green (WYSIWYG)

Bubble coral (Plerogyra sinuosa) is a large polyp stony (LPS) coral known for its distinctive bubble-like vesicles. While it’s a stunning addition to reef aquariums, it requires careful attention to placement, water quality, and feeding. Here’s a complete care guide:

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: 30 gallons or more. Larger tanks are preferred to give the coral space to expand and avoid crowding.

• Placement:

• Place in areas with low to moderate light and low to moderate water flow.

• Avoid sharp rocks or other corals that could damage its delicate bubbles.

Lighting

• Type: Moderate lighting (LED, T5, or metal halide).

• Intensity: PAR levels around 75-150 are ideal.

• Tips: Acclimate the coral to lighting changes slowly to prevent bleaching. Direct exposure to strong light can cause retraction of the bubbles.

Water Flow

• Flow Type: Low to moderate, indirect flow.

• Tips: Avoid strong currents that can tear the bubble tissue. Gentle, varied flow helps prevent detritus buildup on the coral.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 76-82°F (24-28°C)

• pH: 8.1-8.4

• Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH

• Calcium: 400-450 ppm

• Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm

• Salinity: 1.024-1.026 SG

Feeding

• Bubble corals are photosynthetic but benefit from occasional feeding.

• Food Types: Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or small pieces of chopped seafood.

• Frequency: Feed once or twice per week.

• Feeding Tips: Use a turkey baster or coral feeder to gently place food near the coral’s tentacles, which are typically extended at night.

Aggressiveness and Behavior

• Aggressiveness: Moderate to high. Bubble corals extend sweeper tentacles at night that can sting and damage nearby corals.

• Placement Tips: Keep at least 6-8 inches of space between the bubble coral and other corals to prevent stinging.

Maintenance and Care Tips

• Regular water changes (10-20% every 2-4 weeks) help maintain stable water conditions.

• Pest Prevention: Inspect regularly for pests like flatworms and algae, which can harm the coral.

• Handling: Be very careful when moving the coral, as the delicate bubbles can tear. Only handle it from the base or skeleton.

• Watch for Recession: Tissue recession could indicate stress from poor water quality, excessive light, or insufficient flow.

With stable water parameters, gentle flow, and occasional feeding, Bubble coral can thrive in reef tanks, providing a unique, flowing appearance with its soft, bubble-like vesicles.