Blue and Yellow Favites (WYSIWYG)

(WYSIWYG)

Price is per frag,

Favia coral, also known as brain coral due to its distinctive appearance, is a popular Large Polyp Stony (LPS) coral that is relatively hardy and suitable for both beginner and experienced reef keepers. Favia corals come in various vibrant colors, often with striking patterns, and make a great addition to reef tanks. Here’s a detailed guide to caring for Favia coral:

Water Parameters:

1. Temperature: 24-27°C (75-81°F)

2. pH: 8.1-8.4

3. Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH (aim for stable alkalinity)

4. Calcium: 400-450 ppm (important for skeleton development)

5. Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm

6. Nitrates: 1-10 ppm (low to moderate levels)

7. Phosphates: < 0.03 ppm

8. Salinity: 1.024-1.026 (specific gravity)

Lighting:

• Moderate to Low: Favia corals thrive under moderate to low lighting conditions (PAR range: 50-150). They don’t require intense lighting and can suffer from bleaching if exposed to too much light.

• Place them in areas with indirect or shaded light. If using stronger lighting, position the coral lower in the tank or gradually acclimate them to avoid stress.

Water Flow:

• Moderate to Low Flow: Favia corals prefer moderate to low water flow. Too much flow can prevent the polyps from extending fully and can cause damage to the coral’s tissue.

• Ensure a gentle water movement that helps with nutrient exchange but avoids high flow areas that may cause the coral to retract.

Placement:

• Low to Mid-Level: Place Favia corals on the sand bed or in the middle to lower regions of the tank, depending on the strength of your lighting. They are encrusting corals and will spread across the rock or substrate they are placed on.

• Favia corals have relatively short sweeper tentacles, but they are aggressive and can sting nearby corals. Leave a good amount of space between them and other corals to avoid aggression.

Feeding:

• Supplemental Feeding: Although Favia corals derive some energy from photosynthesis, they benefit from supplemental feeding. Target feed them small meaty foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or specialized coral food.

• Feed at night when their tentacles are extended, about once or twice a week. Use a pipette or turkey baster to gently place food near the polyps.

Stability and Tank Maintenance:

• Stable Water Conditions: Favia corals do best in tanks with stable water parameters. They are relatively hardy but can suffer from tissue recession if exposed to sudden changes in water chemistry, particularly alkalinity and calcium levels.

• Regular Water Changes: Keeping up with regular water changes helps maintain water quality and nutrient levels. While Favia corals are tolerant of low to moderate nutrient levels, high nitrates and phosphates should be avoided.

Growth and Propagation:

• Moderate Growth Rate: Favia corals are slow to moderate growers. They encrust and spread over time, and with regular feeding, they can expand their colony size.

• Fragging: Favia corals can be fragged by cutting through the skeleton between polyps. Use coral cutters or a diamond blade saw to ensure clean cuts, and place each frag in an area with suitable conditions for growth.

Challenges:

• Aggression: Although their sweeper tentacles are relatively short, Favia corals are aggressive and will sting nearby corals. Be sure to provide adequate space between them and other corals to avoid any issues.

• Tissue Recession: If stressed due to poor water quality, lack of nutrients, or being stung by other corals, Favia corals can suffer from tissue recession. Regularly monitoring their health and ensuring stable conditions will help prevent this.

Compatibility:

• Aggressive Coral: As mentioned, Favia corals are aggressive and should not be placed too close to other corals. They can sting neighboring corals, especially at night when their sweeper tentacles extend.

• Compatible Tankmates: Favia corals do well in mixed reefs with other non-aggressive corals, as long as there’s enough space between them. They are also compatible with most fish and invertebrates as long as the animals don’t disturb the coral.

Tips for Success:

• Acclimation: When introducing a Favia coral to your tank, take your time to acclimate it to the new environment, especially the lighting and water flow. This helps reduce stress and ensures a smooth transition.

• Pest Management: Watch for pests like flatworms, nudibranchs, or algae that can affect Favia corals. Regular maintenance and monitoring will help keep these issues at bay.

With proper care—moderate lighting, gentle water flow, stable water conditions, and supplemental feeding—Favia corals can thrive in a reef tank. They add beautiful colors and texture to the aquarium and are relatively hardy, making them a great choice for aquarists of all levels.