Laura Smith
Mushroom corals can be stubborn and may refuse to attach to the bottom of an aquarium. To encourage attachment, one can place the mushroom coral in a cup with a piece of live rock (LR) inside to hold it in place. The cup should have holes drilled in it to allow for some flow. One can also place the coral in a plastic box with rubble, to which the coral will attach in a few days. The rubble can then be stuck to the desired location.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Placement | Place in a cup with a piece of LR inside to hold it in place. |
| Place rubble in a cup and cover with an old fish net. | |
| Place in a plastic box with rubble. | |
| Place over a small stack of rocks in an area with low flow. | |
| Place in an area of the tank with very low flow. | |
| Place in a small plastic strainer with rubble. | |
| Attachment | Drill holes in the cup to allow some flow. |
| Attach corners with zip ties or rubber bands. | |
| Attach with coral glue. | |
| Attach with a needle and thread. | |
| Time | Takes 3 days to a week or two to attach. |
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What You'll Learn
Use coral glue
Coral glue can be used to attach mushroom coral. However, it is important to note that glue does not work well for soft corals as they are too slimy for the glue to hold. Therefore, super glue should only be used on hard corals.
To attach mushroom coral using super glue, dry the underside of the coral with a tissue or paper towel and place a blob of super glue gel in the centre of the underside. Then, hold the coral onto the rock for 10 seconds or more, depending on the type of super glue used. For super glue, hold for 10 seconds, whereas for IC glue, hold for 30 seconds. Press down and hold firmly, and consider giving it a minor twist while holding it in place. After placing the glued coral onto the rock, ensure that it is secure by giving it a firm wave to make sure it doesn't move.
In addition to super glue, you can use epoxy putty, such as two-part reef epoxy, to attach mushroom coral. Apply a generous amount of epoxy putty onto the rock, press the coral onto the epoxy, and hold it in place for 15-30 seconds.
If you are using coral glue, it is important to follow the specific instructions for that product.
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Place in a cup with a piece of live rock
To attach a mushroom coral, one method is to place it in a cup with a piece of live rock. This method can be successful, although it may take some time and patience. Here is a step-by-step guide:
First, prepare the cup by adding a layer of crushed coral, sand, or small rock rubble to the bottom. This provides a surface for the mushroom coral to attach to. You can also add a piece of live rock to the cup, which will serve as a stable base for the coral. Place the cup in a low-flow area of the tank, as mushrooms prefer a calmer environment.
Next, carefully introduce the mushroom coral into the cup. You can use a small net or your hands to gently place the coral onto the live rock. It is important to be gentle and avoid damaging the coral. Once placed, you may need to help the coral by stretching it out and ensuring it is not folded or bunched up.
After placing the coral, it may take a few days to several weeks for it to attach itself to the live rock. During this time, you may need to prevent the coral from floating away or being knocked loose by other tank inhabitants. Some people use temporary measures such as rubber bands or netting to hold the coral in place until it attaches. Others have suggested creating a small basket or using a cup with a wider opening to reduce the need for these measures.
While waiting for attachment, it is crucial to maintain water quality and stability. Regularly check the water parameters, such as pH and nutrient levels, to ensure they remain within the optimal range for coral health.
Once the mushroom coral has attached itself to the live rock, you can carefully remove any temporary restraints and return the cup to the tank. The coral will continue to grow and thrive in its new home.
This method of attaching mushroom coral can be effective, but it requires time and patience. Each coral is unique, and some may take longer to attach than others. It is important to closely monitor the coral's progress and be prepared to make adjustments as needed.
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Use a needle and thread to attach to a rock
One way to attach a mushroom coral to a rock is to use a needle and thread. This method is more secure than using glue, which may not stick to the coral due to its sliminess.
To start, place the mushroom coral in the desired spot on the rock. Then, insert a needle through the lower part of the coral's stem, being careful not to pierce the mouth. You can also angle the needle near the mouth so that it exits out through the stem. This will help the coral adhere more quickly.
Next, cut a small piece of rubber band, about 1/4 inch long, and slide it over the needle. Push and wiggle the needle into the rock to secure the coral in place. Once the needle is holding the coral firmly against the rock, slide the rubber band down to further secure the coral. Within a week, the coral should naturally adhere to the rock. At this point, you can remove the needle and rubber band by wiggling the needle loose and pulling it out.
This method provides a secure way to attach mushroom coral to a rock without the use of nets or strings, which some may find unsightly. It is also safe for the coral and will not harm it.
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Put rubble in a plastic box
To attach a mushroom coral, you can put rubble in a plastic box. This method is useful when the coral is floating in the tank or has detached from the rock. The plastic box should be placed in a low-flow area of the tank. The coral will attach itself to the rubble within a week or two.
To set up the plastic box, first, select a suitable container. A plastic food container with a lid can be used. If the container does not have holes, use a drill to create them. Drill holes on each side and the bottom of the container to allow water flow. Ensure the holes on the bottom are smaller than the rubble to prevent it from escaping. Clean up the rough edges of the holes with sandpaper and wash the container to remove any plastic particles.
Next, add the rubble to the box. Rubble rock is a good option, but other substrates like large sand or gravel can also be used. Put a single layer of rubble on the bottom of the box. Rinse the rubble rock before adding it to remove any visible organic matter.
Once the box is prepared, place it in a low-flow area of the tank. You can also use plastic bird netting to cover the box temporarily if the coral is trying to float away. The coral should attach to the rubble within a few weeks. After it has attached, you can mount the coral and the rubble rock in your display tank or onto a frag plug.
Some people also suggest using a small plastic strainer for plants and putting rubble in it with the unattached mushrooms. This method provides a similar low-flow environment for the coral to attach.
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Place in an area with low flow
When attaching a mushroom coral, it is important to place it in an area with low flow. One way to do this is to put the coral in a container with a piece of live rock (LR) inside to hold it in place. Make sure the container has holes drilled in it to allow for some water flow. You can use a small plastic vessel or cup with holes in it and fill it with rubble rock or aragonite rubble for the coral to attach to. Place the container in a low-flow area of the tank and the coral should attach in a few days to a week.
Another method is to use a small plastic basket or strainer with holes poked around the top. Cover the basket with sand and then place a couple of small rocks inside for the mushrooms to attach to. Hang the basket at the edge of the water in a low-flow area. This method may take around four days for the mushrooms to attach.
If you don't have room for a container in the tank, you can use a net breeder that hangs from the top. Place a bunch of aragonite rocks inside and set it in a low-flow area. You can also try placing the mushroom coral on a rock or frag plug in a low-flow area and turning off the flow to give it a chance to adhere.
It may take some time and experimentation to find the ideal location for your mushroom coral, but with patience and the right techniques, you can successfully attach it to your tank.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use coral glue to attach the coral to a rock or plug. You can also put rubble in a cup, cover it with an old fishnet, and set the cup in a low-flow area. The coral should attach within a week or two.
Mushroom corals typically take around one to two weeks to attach, although some people have reported reattachment in as little as three days.
There are several ways to attach a mushroom coral. Some people use glue, while others use a needle and thread to attach the coral to a rock. Still, others use a plastic cup or box with holes drilled in the sides to allow for some flow.
