Emma Wilson
Mushroom corals, or corallimorphs, are a type of soft coral that is relatively easy to care for, making them a popular choice for reef aquariums. These corals are known for their ability to move, a phenomenon often referred to as walking. Mushroom corals will relocate themselves within an aquarium to find a more favourable environment, usually taking around one to two weeks to attach themselves to a new spot. If a mushroom coral has detached and is floating with the water current, aquarists recommend providing it with a container lined with rock rubble or crushed coral, creating an environment that encourages reattachment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons for detachment | Mushrooms detach when they are unhappy with their placement or water conditions. |
| Preventing detachment | Keep their desired preference of lighting and flow in mind when placing them in an aquarium. |
| Reattachment method | Poke some holes in a container and line the bottom with rock rubble or crushed coral, then put the mushroom in. Within a few days, it should attach itself. |
| Reattachment time | It takes around one to two weeks for mushroom corals to attach to rocks. |
| Tools required | A container, rock rubble or crushed coral, mesh or plastic wrap and a rubber band. |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms detach when they're unhappy
Mushrooms can detach from their rock or tile for a variety of reasons. One theory is that they detach when they are unhappy with their environment. This could be due to high flow, light levels, or competition from other mushrooms. For example, a mushroom may detach and move if it is being irritated or crowded by another mushroom that is growing over it.
Another factor that can cause mushrooms to detach is high phosphate levels. Mushroom coral can tolerate high levels of nitrates (over 25ppm) and phosphates (over 1 ppm), but if the phosphate levels get too high, they may detach. Similarly, if the light is too strong, they may immediately shrivel up and stay that way, or they may try to move away from the light by moving down or into a shaded area.
In some cases, mushrooms may detach due to pests or other tank inhabitants. For example, bristle worms or hermit crabs may bother mushrooms to the point that they detach. Additionally, if the mushroom is touching or growing onto another coral, such as a toadstool, it may be difficult to detach without damaging the other coral.
It is worth noting that some mushrooms may simply have a preference for a different location, and they may detach and move without any apparent issue with their previous environment. Detaching and moving can also be part of their reproductive strategy, as they may move to a new location before budding or splitting.
If you notice that your mushrooms are detaching, it is important to check your water parameters and tank conditions to ensure that there are no underlying issues causing their unhappiness. You may also need to take action to help the mushrooms reattach, such as providing a container with rock rubble or crushed coral for them to attach to, or placing them in an area with less flow or more shade.
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How to reattach a mushroom
Mushroom corals are one of the easiest types of soft coral to keep. They are known for their ability to adapt to a range of aquarium environments and conditions. If your mushroom coral has detached, there are several ways to encourage it to reattach. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:
Prepare a Suitable Container:
Poke some holes in a small container, such as a cup or a small PVC pipe. These holes will allow water circulation and light to reach the coral. Line the bottom of the container with rubble rock, crushed coral, or aragonite. These materials provide an ideal surface for the mushroom coral to attach to.
Place the Mushroom Coral:
Gently place the detached mushroom coral into the prepared container. Ensure that the container is not covered, as you want the coral to receive sufficient water flow and light. Place the container in an area of the tank with low water flow to minimize stress on the coral.
Encourage Attachment:
Mushroom corals typically attach to surfaces within a few days to a week. You can encourage attachment by providing a suitable environment and minimizing stress. Avoid placing the container in strong water currents, as this may cause the coral to continue moving. Instead, opt for a calm area of the tank.
Use of "Coral Glue":
While not always necessary, some hobbyists suggest using a small amount of "coral glue" to secure the mushroom coral to a desired surface, such as a frag plug or rubble rock. However, be cautious when using glue, especially with soft corals, as it may not work well for all varieties.
Monitor and Adjust:
Keep a close eye on your mushroom coral during the reattachment process. If it appears stressed or continues to detach, consider placing the container in an even lower flow area or covering it with mesh or fabric to reduce water flow. Remember that mushroom corals thrive in high-nutrient systems, so ensure adequate feeding with a variety of fish and coral foods.
By following these steps, you can successfully reattach your mushroom coral and provide it with a stable environment to thrive in your aquarium. Remember that patience is key, as it may take a few days to a week for the coral to securely attach itself.
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Cutting the rock to remove a mushroom
To remove a mushroom from a rock, you can carefully cut it off using a sharp knife, such as an Exacto knife. This method can be tricky if the mushroom is attached to another coral, like a toadstool. If you are nervous about cutting the rock, you can try to detach the mushroom without cutting by following these steps:
First, prepare a container by poking some holes in it and lining the bottom with rock rubble or crushed coral. Place the mushroom in the container without covering it. Within a few days, the mushroom should attach itself to the new surface. If the mushroom floats out, try moving the container to a part of the tank with less water flow or cover it with mesh.
If the mushroom continues to detach and float, there may be an issue with your tank conditions. Mushrooms typically only detach and move to a new location if they are unhappy with their current environment. Check your water parameters to ensure they are optimal for mushroom coral health.
Additionally, consider if there is something in the local environment that the mushroom does not like. For example, it could be the water flow or crowding from other corals or objects in the tank. Try reducing the water flow or creating more space around the mushroom to see if that prevents it from detaching again.
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Using a container to help reattach
If your mushroom coral has detached from its rock, you can use a container to help it reattach. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Prepare the Container
Start by poking some holes in the container to allow for water circulation and gas exchange. The container should be large enough to comfortably accommodate the mushroom coral without being too spacious. You don't want the mushroom to be able to float around too much within the container.
Line the Container
Line the bottom of the container with rock rubble or crushed coral. This provides an ideal surface for the mushroom coral to attach to. Avoid using sharp or abrasive materials that could damage the delicate coral tissue.
Place the Mushroom Coral
Gently place the mushroom coral into the prepared container. Do not cover the container, as the mushroom needs access to light and water flow. Place the container in an area of the tank with less water flow to minimize disturbance.
Monitor and Adjust
Over the next few days, monitor the mushroom coral's progress. If the mushroom floats out of the container, try covering it with mesh or plastic wrap secured with a rubber band. Alternatively, you can place a rock inside the container to weigh it down gently. Ensure that your water parameters are optimal, as mushrooms detaching from their rocks could indicate an issue with water quality or water flow.
Encouraging Attachment
Mushroom corals typically take around one to two weeks to securely attach to a new surface. During this time, provide adequate lighting and minimize strong water currents that might dislodge the coral before it has a chance to attach. You can also try placing the container in a different part of the tank where the water flow is less intense.
Remember, detaching and reattaching mushroom corals is a natural process, and with a little patience and the right environment, your mushroom coral will soon settle into its new spot.
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How to prevent mushrooms from detaching
Mushroom corals, or corallimorphs, are soft corals that can move via benthic locomotion. They are solitary animals from the Fungiidae family and can move both in the wild and inside aquariums. While mushroom corals can detach and reattach themselves, there are ways to prevent them from detaching in the first place.
Firstly, it is important to understand that mushroom corals move when they are uncomfortable in their current location. Therefore, it is crucial to provide them with their desired preference of lighting and flow when adding them to an aquarium. Most mushroom species prefer low-light areas as exposure to high light can bleach and damage them. In terms of flow, mushroom corals should be placed in areas of low to moderate flow ranges.
Secondly, it is important to ensure that the mushroom coral has enough space and is not crowded. Mushroom corals can detach and move when they feel crowded or when there is too much current. Providing them with adequate space and reducing strong currents can help prevent detachment.
Additionally, it is recommended to feed mushroom corals regularly as they happily accept most fish and coral foods. A well-fed mushroom coral is less likely to detach in search of food.
It is worth noting that while mushroom corals can detach and move, they should not be disturbed or interfered with during this process unless they need help turning right-side up. If a mushroom coral is detached and floating, you can encourage it to reattach by providing a suitable surface, such as a container lined with rock rubble or crushed coral.
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Frequently asked questions
Use an exacto knife to carefully cut the mushroom coral from the rock.
Poke some holes in a container and line the bottom with rock rubble or crushed coral, then place the mushroom coral inside. It should attach itself within a few days.
Mushroom corals are capable of benthic locomotion, meaning they can move themselves to find a more favourable area in the ocean or aquarium. They may detach from rock if they are unhappy with their placement.
Keep their desired preferences of lighting and flow in mind when adding them to your aquarium.
