Birds Nest Large (WYSIWYG)

• Appearance:

  • Growth Form: The most striking feature of Bird's Nest coral is its branching structure, which consists of delicate, thin, and wiry branches that spread out from a central stem. The branches are often small and compact, forming a dense bush or nest-like shape, giving the coral its distinctive look.
  • Coloration: Bird's Nest corals are commonly green, pink, purple, or brown, though the color can vary depending on the species and lighting conditions. Under high-intensity lighting, some species may take on brighter hues or even fluoresce. The branches are often covered with small polyps that extend when the coral is fully open, contributing to its fluffy appearance.
  • Polyps: The polyps of Bird's Nest corals are small, but when fully extended, they give the coral a fuzzy or plush look. They are usually a light color (often white or cream) in contrast to the coral's skeletal structure. The polyps are retracted during the day, and the coral appears more skeletal, but they open up at night or under certain flow conditions.

• Species: The most common species of Bird's Nest coral in the aquarium trade is Seriatopora hystrix, which is known for its fast growth and colorful appearance. Other species include Seriatopora caliendrum and Seriatopora guttatus.

Care Guide for Bird's Nest Coral:

Bird's Nest corals are moderately easy to care for, making them a good choice for reef keepers who have some experience with SPS corals. They require stable water conditions, high-quality lighting, and moderate flow to thrive. Here’s how to care for Bird's Nest coral effectively:

1. Lighting:

• Moderate to High Light: Bird's Nest corals require moderate to high-intensity lighting to thrive and maintain their vibrant colors. They are photosynthetic and rely on zooxanthellae algae within their tissues for energy through photosynthesis.
• Recommended PAR: A range of 200–350 PAR is ideal for Bird's Nest corals, with the highest light intensity typically found in the upper portion of the tank.
• Lighting Spectrum: A 14,000K to 20,000K spectrum is recommended for enhancing both growth and coloration. A mix of white and blue light is perfect to simulate natural reef conditions, promoting healthy photosynthesis.
• Positioning: Place Bird's Nest coral in the upper to middle levels of the aquarium to ensure it receives sufficient light. While they can tolerate moderate light, they will do best with strong lighting, especially if you want them to show off their best coloration.

2. Water Parameters:

Bird's Nest corals are sensitive to water quality, so maintaining stable water conditions is critical.

• Salinity: Maintain a salinity of 1.023–1.025 specific gravity (SG). Consistency is important to avoid stressing the coral.
• pH: Keep the pH level between 8.1–8.4. Sudden changes in pH can stress the coral and lead to issues like bleaching.
• Alkalinity: Maintain alkalinity levels between 8–12 dKH. Acropora and Bird's Nest corals are sensitive to fluctuations in alkalinity, which can affect their growth and skeletal development.
• Calcium: A calcium level between 400–450 ppm is ideal for supporting healthy growth. This is especially important for SPS corals that rely heavily on calcium for their skeletons.
• Magnesium: Magnesium should be maintained between 1250–1350 ppm. Magnesium helps stabilize calcium and alkalinity, which are essential for coral growth.
• Temperature: Keep the tank temperature between 76°F and 80°F (24°C–27°C) for optimal growth.
• Nitrates and Phosphates: Keep nitrate levels below 10 ppm and phosphate levels below 0.03 ppm. Elevated nutrients can lead to algae growth and poor coloration in SPS corals.

3. Water Flow:

• Moderate Flow: Bird's Nest corals thrive in moderate water flow. Too much flow can cause physical damage to the delicate branches, while too little flow can lead to the buildup of debris or insufficient nutrient exchange.
• Turbulent Flow: The flow should be turbulent or random, mimicking natural reef conditions. This helps to bring in fresh nutrients and remove waste while preventing the coral from getting "smothered" by detritus.
• Avoid Laminar Flow: Direct, constant flow from one direction (like a jet stream) can damage the coral. Ensure the flow is varied to promote healthy extension of the polyps and good tissue health.

4. Placement in the Tank:

• Positioning: Place Bird's Nest coral in the upper to middle parts of the aquarium where it can receive moderate to high light. Ensure that it is not in direct, intense flow but in an area with good overall flow.
• Space Requirements: Provide adequate space between Bird's Nest coral and other corals, as they can become aggressive and may sting nearby corals, especially if there is contact. Overcrowding can also hinder growth.
• Substrate: Bird's Nest corals are usually mounted on live rock or frag plugs. You can use a coral-safe adhesive to attach them if they are being mounted on a flat surface. Ensure the coral is stable and secure to avoid it toppling over during water flow.

5. Feeding:

• Photosynthesis: Bird's Nest corals rely primarily on zooxanthellae algae in their tissues for energy, so they do not require heavy feeding.
• Supplemental Feeding: You can feed Bird's Nest corals occasionally with zooplankton, phytoplankton, or coral-specific foods. This can help promote growth and enhance coloration, especially in low-nutrient environments.
• Amino Acids: Some hobbyists also use amino acid supplements to help boost growth and coloration, especially for SPS corals like Bird's Nest.

6. Maintenance:

• Regular Water Testing: To ensure optimal conditions for Bird's Nest coral, regularly test for calcium, alkalinity, nitrate, phosphate, and magnesium. Keep these parameters within the recommended ranges for optimal coral health.
• Water Changes: Regular water changes (about 10–20% per week) help to maintain water quality and prevent nutrient buildup. This is important to avoid nutrient imbalances that can affect the coral's health.
• Algae Control: Since Bird's Nest corals are relatively sensitive to algae competition, keep nutrient levels low and consider a clean-up crew (snails, tangs, etc.) to help control unwanted algae.

7. Common Issues & Troubleshooting:

• Slow Growth or Poor Coloration: If your Bird's Nest coral is not growing or showing its best colors, check the light intensity, water quality, and nutrient levels. Insufficient light or high nutrient levels can cause poor growth and dull coloration.
• Shrinking or Tissue Loss: If the coral begins to shrink or lose tissue, it could be a sign of poor water quality, poor flow, or too much light. Assess and adjust the tank parameters accordingly.
• Pests: Bird's Nest corals can occasionally be affected by pests like Aiptasia, flatworms, or red bugs. Inspect the coral regularly and treat as needed with coral dips or other appropriate treatments.

Conclusion:

Bird's Nest coral (Seriatopora spp.) is a beautiful and fast-growing SPS coral that makes a stunning addition to a reef aquarium. With its delicate branching structure and vibrant colors, it is a favorite among hobbyists who enjoy the challenge of keeping SPS corals. While relatively easy to care for compared to other SPS species, Bird's Nest corals still require stable water conditions, **