Blushing Star Coral Care

[CloudReefer]

Hi all! Just got a super lucky bit of rock from Tampa Bay Saltwater. It's got a nice Blushing Star Coral on it. The only problem is my tank is still new. Cycled 3 weeks ago new. I wasn't planning on adding corals for quite awhile and am concerned that my immature tank will be too unstable to keep it alive. I didn't even intend to turn my lights on for another few weeks.

It's got great polyp extension, especially if I hit the tank with phyto.

Any tips on caring for this coral in such a new tank? I have high flow, high lighting (currently under about 100 par while it adapts) and the water quality is good.

Also I used filters on my phone to get that pic. It's a lot prettier in person.

Thanks!

 

[1112-425XL]

No advice, but that's cool!

 

[paragrouper]

Hi all! Just got a super lucky bit of rock from Tampa Bay Saltwater. It's got a nice Blushing Star Coral on it. The only problem is my tank is still new. Cycled 3 weeks ago new. I wasn't planning on adding corals for quite awhile and am concerned that my immature tank will be too unstable to keep it alive. I didn't even intend to turn my lights on for another few weeks.

It's got great polyp extension, especially if I hit the tank with phyto.

Any tips on caring for this coral in such a new tank? I have high flow, high lighting (currently under about 100 par while it adapts) and the water quality is good.

Also I used filters on my phone to get that pic. It's a lot prettier in person.

Thanks!

I just got the same, from the same place. They told me low light, decent flow. Absent any other information that’s what I’m going to go with.

 

[paragrouper]

 

[CloudReefer]

I just got the same, from the same place. They told me low light, decent flow. Absent any other information that’s what I’m going to go with.

Low light eh? That explains why the polyps in the shadows have so much more color than the parts exposed to my lights. When they messaged me back about it they didn't mention lighting requirements.

Do you know how deep they gather their rocks at? My blushing star is under about 175 par right now and while it's got decent polyp extension, it's slowly losing color under lighting.

I really wish there were more information on the care requirements for this coral. I might get mine under a lot more shade now that you've added your experience.

 

[CloudReefer]

That's awesome!

You know these are endangered right? Especially with what's going on in the Florida oceans right now I feel a huge responsibility to make sure this coral thrives.

 

[paragrouper]

That's awesome!

You know these are endangered right? Especially with what's going on in the Florida oceans right now I feel a huge responsibility to make sure this coral thrives.

Yes, I tried looking up care guidelines and there was nothing, but there were plenty of Florida State and Federal information sites that had a wealth of information regarding conservation information.

I have it in an observation tank right now under less than 50 Par. It has very good extension. I also have a power head in the tank and, while it is not in the direct path, it has good flow. To start with, I’m going to replicate that in my display tank when I put it in.

 

[CloudReefer]

Yes, I tried looking up care guidelines and there was nothing, but there were plenty of Florida State and Federal information sites that had a wealth of information regarding conservation information.

I have it in an observation tank right now under less than 50 Par. It has very good extension. I also have a power head in the tank and, while it is not in the direct path, it has good flow. To start with, I’m going to replicate that in my display tank when I put it in.

I don't think this coral needs or likes a lot of flow. Since I didn't have much information I have been trying it in different spots in my tank, for at least 2 weeks in each spot so it has time to adapt. I have found it has the best extension in moderate flow, what you might put your average LPS in. I'm using two XF330 gyres and the coral closes up at anything higher than 30%-40% if it's in the direct path of the current.

I'm going to turn down my lights and find a shaded area for my coral and see how it does. I'm super stoked to have had your experiences confirm my suspicions about the lighting!

Also, my coral loves to eat and has seemed to really open up after a good target feeding.