*Please Note These Are Sold Per Head*
Candy Cane Coral, also known as Caulastrea furcata, is a popular choice among marine aquarium enthusiasts due to its vibrant coloration and relatively easy care. Here’s a detailed guide to help you keep your Candy Cane Coral healthy and thriving:
Description
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Appearance: Candy Cane Coral gets its name from its distinctive, colorful appearance. It typically features bright green or orange oral discs with contrasting white or pale tentacles. When fully expanded, the coral resembles the striped pattern of a candy cane.
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Structure: This coral has a branching structure with individual polyps that extend from a central skeleton. The polyps can be quite large compared to other corals, making them a striking addition to a reef tank.
Care Requirements
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Lighting:
- Intensity: Candy Cane Coral prefers moderate to low lighting. Too much light can lead to bleaching, while too little can slow its growth.
- Type: LED or fluorescent lighting with a color spectrum that mimics natural light is ideal.
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Water Flow:
- Strength: This coral thrives in low to moderate water flow. Strong currents can cause damage to the polyps and prevent them from fully expanding.
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Water Conditions:
- Temperature: Maintain a temperature range of 72-78°F (22-26°C).
- Salinity: Keep salinity between 1.023 and 1.025 specific gravity.
- pH: Aim for a pH range of 8.1-8.4.
- Calcium: Maintain calcium levels between 400-450 ppm.
- Alkalinity: Keep alkalinity at 8-12 dKH.
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Feeding:
- Diet: Candy Cane Coral is a filter feeder and can benefit from supplemental feeding. Offer small, meaty foods like plankton, brine shrimp, or coral-specific foods.
- Frequency: Feed once or twice a week.
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Placement:
- Position: Place the coral on a stable surface in the aquarium where it can receive indirect light. Ensure it has enough space to expand its polyps without interference from other corals or tank inhabitants.
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Maintenance:
- Pruning: Regularly check for and remove any dead or dying sections to prevent them from affecting the healthy parts of the coral.
- Water Quality: Perform regular water changes (10-20% weekly) and monitor water parameters to ensure a stable environment.
Additional Tips
- Compatibility: Candy Cane Coral is generally peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive corals and fish. Avoid placing it near aggressive corals that might sting or overshadow it.
- Propagation: This coral can be propagated by fragmentation. Carefully cut a healthy branch or polyp and attach it to a new substrate, ensuring it’s secured until it attaches and grows.
By providing the right environment and care, your Candy Cane Coral can become a vibrant and eye-catching feature in your reef tank.