Tequila Sunrise Mushroom Coral

Price is per frag 1 Head Per Frag

Soft corals are generally more forgiving and adaptable than many hard corals, making them popular choices for beginner reef aquarists. They don’t build calcium carbonate skeletons like hard corals, which means they don’t need as much calcium or alkalinity, but still thrive best under stable conditions. Here are the ideal parameters for soft corals:

Water Parameters:

1. Temperature: 24-27°C (75-81°F)

2. pH: 8.1-8.4

3. Alkalinity: 7-11 dKH (soft corals are more tolerant of alkalinity fluctuations)

4. Calcium: 380-450 ppm (less critical than for hard corals but still important for overall reef health)

5. Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm

6. Nitrates: 5-15 ppm (soft corals can tolerate higher nitrate levels than hard corals)

7. Phosphates: 0.03-0.1 ppm (soft corals are more tolerant of phosphates but still prefer lower levels)

8. Salinity: 1.023-1.025 (specific gravity)

Lighting:

• Moderate: Soft corals generally prefer moderate lighting (PAR range: 50-150), though some species can tolerate low light.

• Photosynthetic soft corals (like Zoanthids, Leathers, and Mushrooms) rely on the zooxanthellae within their tissues, so they need moderate lighting to thrive.

Water Flow:

• Low to Moderate: Soft corals prefer low to moderate water flow. Too much flow can inhibit their ability to expand fully and feed, while too little can lead to detritus buildup.

• For example, Xenia and mushrooms like low flow, while leathers prefer moderate flow.

Placement:

• Soft corals should be placed in areas of moderate lighting and flow, depending on the species. They tend to be less aggressive but can grow quickly, so allow room for expansion.

Feeding:

• Soft corals are primarily photosynthetic but will benefit from occasional feedings of dissolved nutrients or small planktonic foods. Adding liquid coral food supplements can boost growth.

• Non-photosynthetic species (like Gorgonians) need regular feeding with microplankton or specialized coral food.

Nutrient Tolerance:

• Soft corals are more tolerant of higher nutrient levels (like nitrates and phosphates) than hard corals. However, maintaining a balanced nutrient level is still important for overall tank health.

Maintaining stable water parameters is key to the long-term success of soft corals, even though they are more adaptable than many other coral types. Regular water changes and consistent testing will ensure a healthy reef environment for your soft corals.