Laura Smith
Mushroom corals are a great choice for reef aquarium owners due to their ease of care, vibrant colours, and overall coolness factor. They are a type of anemone, and thus do not have a calcium carbonate skeleton. This means that they do not require extreme maintenance of calcium and alkalinity. They are also not very susceptible to coral diseases. When it comes to acclimating mushroom corals, it is important to provide them with low to moderate water flow and light. They receive many of their nutrients through a symbiotic relationship with a photosynthetic algae called zooxanthellae, and also filter-feed on nutrients in the water column.
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What You'll Learn
Aim for low to moderate water flow
Mushroom corals will move around your aquarium to find more favourable conditions. If the water flow is too high, they will detach from their base and float around in the water flow until they find a more suitable location.
Mushroom corals are found in most temperate and tropical marine ecosystems because they do not need much water flow to survive. However, these environments must be nutrient-rich.
Ricordea mushrooms, which are often wild-caught, can be more demanding when it comes to their water flow requirements. They thrive in moderate flow with a high amount of nutrients available.
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Provide low to moderate lighting
Providing low to moderate lighting for mushroom corals is essential for their health and well-being. Intense lighting can cause coral bleaching, which some corals may not recover from. Therefore, it is important to understand the lighting requirements for your specific mushroom coral species.
The lighting intensity for mushroom corals is typically measured in PAR (Photosynthetic Available Radiation). A light intensity of 50-150 PAR is considered low to moderate lighting, which is suitable for most mushroom corals. Some mushroom corals, like the Rhodactis genus, exhibit adaptability to a range of lighting conditions, with some species flourishing under lower lighting conditions and others requiring lighting closer to 150 PAR for optimal growth.
To provide the recommended 8-10 hours of lighting per day for mushroom corals, you can use T5HO lights or LED lights with a moon-lighting setting. These lights can be left on for the entire duration without causing stress to the corals. However, it is important to note that mushroom corals require time during the night when the lights are off to reduce their oxygen levels before the lighting fixture is turned back on.
Placement of the mushroom corals in the tank is also crucial when providing low to moderate lighting. Mushroom corals should be placed near the bottom of the tank where they will receive indirect lighting and shade. They can be positioned directly on the substrate or attached to a rock or frag plug, ensuring enough space between them and other corals to avoid any potential conflict or damage.
By following these guidelines and providing consistent lighting within the low to moderate range, you can promote the healthy growth and well-being of your mushroom corals while preventing issues such as coral bleaching.
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Ensure water salinity matches
Mushroom corals are sensitive to changes in water parameters, including salinity. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the water salinity in your aquarium matches that of the coral's previous environment. Here are some steps and tips to help you achieve that:
- Understand the importance of salinity: Salinity refers to the amount of dissolved salts in the water, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of your mushroom corals. Rapid or significant changes in salinity levels can cause stress and even death in these delicate creatures.
- Measure and match salinity levels: Use a reliable refractometer to measure the salinity of the water in your aquarium. Compare this reading to the salinity level of the coral's current water, which you can obtain from the supplier or previous owner. Adjust the salinity of your aquarium water gradually, if necessary, to match the coral's current conditions.
- Acclimate new corals gradually: When introducing new mushroom corals to your aquarium, it is essential to acclimate them slowly. Follow established acclimation procedures, such as floating the coral in its sealed bag to equalise temperature, then slowly introducing small amounts of tank water to the bag over time (known as "drip acclimation"). This process allows the coral to adjust to the new water chemistry, including salinity, at a comfortable pace.
- Maintain stable salinity: Regularly test and maintain the salinity levels in your aquarium to ensure they remain stable. Minor fluctuations are normal, but drastic or frequent changes can be harmful. Remember that water changes, evaporation, and topping off the tank can all impact salinity, so take appropriate steps to manage these factors effectively.
- Monitor the behaviour of your corals: Keep a close eye on your mushroom corals' behaviour and appearance. If they appear stressed, discoloured, or start shrinking, it may indicate an issue with water salinity or other parameters. Take corrective actions as needed, such as adjusting salinity levels back to the optimal range or addressing other potential water quality issues.
Remember, stability and gradual change are key when it comes to water salinity and mushroom corals. By ensuring that the salinity levels in your aquarium match the coral's previous environment, you provide them with the best chance to thrive and showcase their vibrant colours and unique shapes.
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Remove from shipping bags promptly
When acclimating mushroom coral, it is important to remove the coral from its shipping bag as soon as possible. This is because any ammonia in the bags can become toxic once you off-gas the CO2 and introduce oxygen. Therefore, you should float the bag to temperature without opening it, and then get the coral out of the water it was shipped in as soon as possible.
The coral should be placed permanently in the tank where it will open up. It is recommended to use the water from the shipping bag to dip the coral, and then once it has been rinsed with water from the tank, it can be placed inside.
If the mushroom coral has detached its foot during shipping, there are a lot of DIY methods to get it to reattach. One method is to use a mushroom box by Zen Reef. You fill it with live rock rubble, put the top on, and put it into your tank. The key to getting mushrooms to reattach is to have some flow, and this box allows for that with all the tiny slits.
When removing mushroom spawn from a shipping box, it is important to do so promptly to prevent any delays in the cultivation process. The top of the bag should be carefully unfolded to create an air space, ensuring the filter patch is unobstructed for proper respiration of the organism.
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Feed with microplankton or filter-feeding invertebrate food
When it comes to feeding mushroom coral with microplankton or filter-feeding invertebrate food, there are a few important considerations and practices to keep in mind. Firstly, it's essential to understand that mushroom corals are part of the sessile invertebrate group, which means they have specific nutritional requirements that can vary depending on the species. Therefore, it's crucial to research the particular needs of the mushroom coral species you are caring for.
Sessile invertebrates like mushroom coral are filter feeders, which means they capture their food from the water. They require liquid foods and feed on phytoplankton, zooplankton, and microplankton, such as copepods. Microplankton, including copepods, are particularly abundant in reef environments and play a significant role in the natural diet of corals. By providing microplankton or phytoplankton in their diet, you are mimicking their natural food sources and contributing to their overall health.
Target feeding, also known as direct feeding, is a common practice when feeding mushroom coral. This involves using a pipette or dropper to squeeze liquid food directly towards the coral. This method ensures that the coral receives the necessary nutrition and reduces the risk of overfeeding, which can negatively impact water quality. It is important to follow the recommendations on target feeding provided by the food manufacturer to ensure you are providing the appropriate amount.
In addition to microplankton and phytoplankton, some larger polyped corals may also benefit from occasional feeding of mysis shrimp. This can be done by placing the shrimp directly in the tank, allowing the coral to feed on it. However, it is important to note that too much water flow can stress mushroom corals, so a low to medium water flow is generally recommended.
When acclimating new mushroom corals to your tank, it's crucial to follow proper procedures to ensure their health and safety. This includes matching the water temperature of the coral's current environment with that of your tank and gradually introducing them to the new water through a process called drip acclimation. By taking the time to properly acclimate your mushroom corals and providing them with the appropriate microplankton or filter-feeding invertebrate food, you can promote their health and growth in your saltwater aquarium.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom coral thrives in low to moderate lighting conditions. A range of 75-150 PAR is ideal, with some species preferring lower lighting than others. For example, Rhodactis does well at low lighting, while Discosoma can tolerate higher lighting levels of up to 150 PAR.
Mushroom coral prefers low to moderate water flow. Too much water movement, especially direct flow, can damage the coral's tissue and affect its ability to capture food.
Mushroom coral captures nutrients from the water and benefits from a healthy amount of food. Additional foods such as microplankton or filter-feeding invertebrate foods can be provided.
When acclimating shipped mushroom coral, it is important to first float the bag to match the temperature of the tank water without opening the bag. Once the temperature is matched, remove the coral from the bag and rinse it with water from your tank before placing it in the desired location.
