My first LPS

[Nemoose]

My reef tank is softie dominant with xenia, cabbage leather and GSP. They are all isolated in live rock and I have plenty of room either high or low for other stuff. I am looking to try my first LPS. i saw a nice frag labeled as candy coral at my LFS for only $12.99. My research says it is low-moderate lighting. Will it do ok under t-5 lighting? I am going to upgrade to LED but it will be awhile. I have a feather duster so i am already feeding Kent microvert. And, I dose as needed with Kent Purple Tech. Is there anything else I need to know about this coral? any special needs i haven't thought off? Thanks for the help.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

You should be just fine with this coral. You really don't need the purple up either. You just need to make sure your water parameters are in check.

 

[Loki]

Do you have a picture of it? Is it a candy cane coral?

Like this maybe?

I have had mixed results with them. The one in the picture I have had for almost a year with no growth.


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[Nemoose]

Yes that is what it is. And , the frag has more polyps than that one and they only want 12.99?

 

[Russellaqua]

Candy cane corals (Caulastrea sp.) are good beginner LPS. Your lighting will be fine for it. They can be very slow growers though. There are a few different colors out there, including pale blue, various green shades, and a maroon with green mouth variety. An occasional spot feeding with tiny bits of mysis will be beneficial, though probably not really needed. They will extend their feeding tentacles primarily after the lights are off and will usually only take food then.

 

[always reefin]

T5's will be fine

 

[jomatty]

I have had good luck with my candy cane ever since i put it in a lower flow area

 

[logansreef]

mine have been good growers for me. I have them in higher light with medium flow going over them, not right at them. Once and a great while ill spot feed but not too often.
One of my first corals and one of the easiest. They can adapt to lower light also but the bright yellow ones will lose a little of their color low.