branching hammer coral questions

ynotme4886

ynotme4886

Member
I just bought 2, I'd guess you would call them bunches or branches of hammer coral and have a few questions.
Here is a quick pic from this morning....sorry for the bit of glare.

What type of tank height should this be set at.... I currently have it in the middle of the tank about 6in off of the bottom of my 92 corner. The lighting is 2-150w halides (14k ushios) in a 36in long fixture that is as centered as you can get on a corner tank. Is this too high or to low for this type of coral.
Also for flow...I have it at just enough to jostle the hammers slightly....I am trying not to blast it with a lot of current.
How much flow should I give it?
Is there a way to possibly trim the branch.... The one piece has a large stem that is about 6in long and is hard to work around and get to stand upright.
Also how large can this actually get and can it be fragged safely... the left piece has 7 full heads...10-12 sprouts of which 4 of them I can see little hammers forming
The right piece has 6 full heads with 4 sprouts with the start of little hammers as well. I have a feeling this thing is going to get huge.
Last quick question...the branches now have some coraline algae growing on them....I'm assuming this is ok and wont hurt it any?
Thanks so much for all your help.
I bought it locally from a guy for $50 for both pieces....I think I got a pretty good deal.
 
mx#28

mx#28

Active Member
Originally Posted by ynotme4886
http:///forum/post/2779185
I just bought 2, I'd guess you would call them bunches or branches of hammer coral and have a few questions.
Here is a quick pic from this morning....sorry for the bit of glare.

What type of tank height should this be set at.... I currently have it in the middle of the tank about 6in off of the bottom of my 92 corner. The lighting is 2-150w halides (14k ushios) in a 36in long fixture that is as centered as you can get on a corner tank. Is this too high or to low for this type of coral.
This is an acceptable place for a hammer coral - as long as it is acclimated to that strength of lighting
Also for flow...I have it at just enough to jostle the hammers slightly....I am trying not to blast it with a lot of current.
How much flow should I give it?
Yes, low flow. It's okay for the polyps to GENTLY waive in the current, but high flow can tear tissue and lead to the demise of the coral
Is there a way to possibly trim the branch.... The one piece has a large stem that is about 6in long and is hard to work around and get to stand upright.
Very likely, post a clear photo and circle the area you are talking about in the fragging technique section.
Also how large can this actually get and can it be fragged safely... the left piece has 7 full heads...10-12 sprouts of which 4 of them I can see little hammers forming
The right piece has 6 full heads with 4 sprouts with the start of little hammers as well. I have a feeling this thing is going to get huge.
They'll get as large as you'll let them! I've seen an aquarium specimen that totally filled a 120 gallon tank! The branching varieties are easy to frag - just wait until the heads are completely split (so that you don't damage any tissue) and cut them off.
Last quick question...the branches now have some coraline algae growing on them....I'm assuming this is ok and wont hurt it any?
No worries
Thanks so much for all your help.
I bought it locally from a guy for $50 for both pieces....I think I got a pretty good deal.
A great deal
Definitely one of my favorite corals.
 
ynotme4886

ynotme4886

Member
Thanks for the info....it is much appreciated.
What and how do you feed your hammer... I have some marine snow and phytoplankton liquid around the house.
Do you spot feed it and if so...how and with what and how often
Thanks again
 
mx#28

mx#28

Active Member
Originally Posted by ynotme4886
http:///forum/post/2779956
Thanks for the info....it is much appreciated.
What and how do you feed your hammer... I have some marine snow and phytoplankton liquid around the house.
Do you spot feed it and if so...how and with what and how often
Thanks again
Marine snow and phytoplankton are really of no use for this coral. They'll get the majority of what they need from photosynthesis, but can be spot feed with mysis shrimp or small pieces of shrimp, clam, squid, oyesters, etc, etc.
Twice a week is often enough if they're hungry. Don't be surprised, though, if they won't eat at all - mine never do in a lighting situation similar to yours.
 
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