Plate Coral Red and Green (WYSIWYG)

Plate Coral is 1 1/2 Inches

“Plate coral” generally refers to species from the genus Fungia or Heliofungia, known for their round or oval shapes and ability to move along the sand bed. Here’s a care guide tailored to common Fungia plate corals (excluding Heliofungia, which requires slightly different care):

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: 30 gallons or larger recommended.

• Placement:

• Place on a sandy substrate to avoid damage to the coral’s delicate underside.

• Avoid positioning it on sharp rocks. Fungia corals can inflate to move slightly if disturbed or covered by sand.

Lighting

• Type: Moderate to high lighting (LED, T5, or metal halides).

• Intensity: PAR levels between 100-200.

• Tips: Gradually acclimate to brighter lighting to avoid stress and bleaching.

Water Flow

• Flow Type: Moderate and indirect flow is ideal.

• Tips: Avoid direct blasts of water, which can irritate the coral. A varied flow pattern will help prevent detritus from settling on the coral’s surface.

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

• Fungia corals are photosynthetic but benefit from supplemental feeding.

• Food Types:

• Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or finely chopped seafood.

• Reef nutrition supplements, such as coral powders or liquid foods.

• Frequency: Feed once or twice a week.

• Tips: Target-feed by placing food on its surface or near the mouth when tentacles are extended.

Behavior and Placement Tips

• Aggressiveness: Low. They rarely sting nearby corals but can be stung by others.

• Movement: These corals can inflate slightly to “bounce” across the substrate if disturbed.

• Tip: Maintain space around it to allow for natural movement and prevent contact with aggressive corals.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

• Regular water changes (10-20% monthly) help maintain water quality.

• Keep an eye out for:

• Tissue recession: A sign of poor water quality or stress.

• Algae growth: Can occur if detritus accumulates on the coral. Use gentle water flow or a turkey baster to keep it clean.

• Handling: Handle with care—only pick it up from the sides to avoid damaging the delicate tissue on the underside.

By providing stable water conditions, moderate lighting, and occasional feeding, Fungia plate corals can thrive and make a visually dynamic addition to your reef tank.