Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
By Bob Goemans
Likely Reef Tank Suitable
Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable
Range: Indo-Pacific Ocean
Natural Environment: Found in shallow to moderate depths along upper reef edges.
General Husbandry: Shows up in the trade quite frequently and this photosynthetic green or brown encrusting soft coral is very popular and easy to maintain.
Under the right conditions it can spread at a rate of about one-inch (2.5 cm) per month or more. As it spreads, one can see tiny pin points of white in the purple looking layer of matter that slowly extends outward and over the adjoining surface of rock or even the sides of the aquarium. These "points of white" quickly develop into new polyps in the coming weeks as the expansion continues.
Requires good water movement to keep the cluster of polyps free of detritus. Can overgrow corals and kill them. In fact, I've had it completely cover a small leather coral within a few months. Color is greatly enhanced under lights that are high in the blue spectrum. Growth seems slowed when calcium levels fall below natural seawater levels and alkalinity falls below 3.0 meq/l.
Taxonomy:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cnidaria
Class: Anthozoa
Subclass: Octocorallia
Order: Anlcyonacea
Suborder: Stolonifera
Family: Tubiporidae
Genus: Pachyclavularia
FYI:
Experience Level: Beginner
Diet: Photosynthetic/Absorption of nutrients
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium
Coral Safe:Yes
Fish Safe: Yes
Invertebrate Safe: Yes
Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+
Aquarium Hardiness: Moderate
Calcium (Ca): 380 - 430 mg/l
Alkalinity: >3.0 meq/l
Phosphate (PO4): <0.05 mg/l
Magnesium (Mg): approx. 1350 mg/l (relate to specific gravity)
Strontium (Sr) 8 - 10 mg/l
Temperature Range: 72 - 82°F (22 - 27°C)
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Lighting: PAR 400+
Water Movement: WM 2 - 3
Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025
pH: 8.0 - 8.4
Iodine/Trace Elements Monitor/as necessary to maintain quality seawater.
