spsfreak100
Active Member
Hello. I've been asked to do this weeks "COTW." This week, the coral is the Hydnophora.
In my opinion, the Hydnophora Rigida is among one of the hardiest small polyp Scleractinian corals. The Hydnophora Rigida is most commonly collected from Fiji and the Indian Ocean in areas of strong water movement and high amounts of lighting.
Many Aquarists as their first small polyp Scleractinian (SPS) coral often buy the Hydnophora. The Hydnophora is commonly sold with bright florescent green coloration. It's a very attractive coral, which can add lots of color to aquariums. The Hydnophora is a hardy species of SPS, which is able to live under a variety of conditions.
The Hydnophora Ridiga does best under strong amounts of lighting, preferably metal halides. I've kept a few species of Hydnophora under Power Compacts with only limited success. The coral lived, but did not show good growth or coloration. They will most likely survive under Power Compacts or VHO's, but they will probably not be thriving. When the Hydnophora doesn't get enough lighting, it will turn yellow. The yellow coloration is caused by increased amounts of zooxanthellae. The coral will try to produce as much zooxanthellae as it can to try to catch as much lighting as possible in order to live.
From my experience,
The Hydnophora loves strong currents and strong lighting. As with all scleractinian corals, the Hydnophora is Calcium Carbonate based. They will need a steady amount of calcium, preferably around 400-500ppm in order to grow at their best.
While the Hydnophora may be one of the easier-to-keep species of "SPS," it still requires a mature tank with stable water conditions. All parameters including Alkilinity, pH, Nitrate, Nitrite, Ammonia, Salinity, Calcium, Temperature, Phosphates, etc., should always be in check.
You may be asking, "Why Phosphates?" Phosphates will affect the growth of Scleractinian corals. Phosphates will stop the growth, and often make it impossible for the coral to continue to grow. Phosphates should be as low as possible, preferably 0ppm at all times.
The Hydnophora is an aggressive scleractinian. It's best placed at least 3-4" away from neighboring corals to avoid any aggression. The hydnophora is a very fast grower and is able to easily sting neighboring corals, with its long polyp-extension.
If you have a mature tank with stable water conditions, strong amounts of lighting and looking to venture into buying some Small Polyp Scleractinian (SPS) corals, the Hydnophora would be my first choice to buy, preferably a Captive Raised Hydnophora. Captive raised corals are much hardier than wild caught corals. Captive raised corals also grow much quicker, and are already adapted to life in the home aquarium. Captive Raised corals often do not require "as much" lighting than the wild caught species do.
Please share any other other information, experience or pictures you have on the Hydnophora I would love to hear others experiences with the coral, and possibly some pics
Cheers,
Graham
In my opinion, the Hydnophora Rigida is among one of the hardiest small polyp Scleractinian corals. The Hydnophora Rigida is most commonly collected from Fiji and the Indian Ocean in areas of strong water movement and high amounts of lighting.
Many Aquarists as their first small polyp Scleractinian (SPS) coral often buy the Hydnophora. The Hydnophora is commonly sold with bright florescent green coloration. It's a very attractive coral, which can add lots of color to aquariums. The Hydnophora is a hardy species of SPS, which is able to live under a variety of conditions.
The Hydnophora Ridiga does best under strong amounts of lighting, preferably metal halides. I've kept a few species of Hydnophora under Power Compacts with only limited success. The coral lived, but did not show good growth or coloration. They will most likely survive under Power Compacts or VHO's, but they will probably not be thriving. When the Hydnophora doesn't get enough lighting, it will turn yellow. The yellow coloration is caused by increased amounts of zooxanthellae. The coral will try to produce as much zooxanthellae as it can to try to catch as much lighting as possible in order to live.
From my experience,
The Hydnophora loves strong currents and strong lighting. As with all scleractinian corals, the Hydnophora is Calcium Carbonate based. They will need a steady amount of calcium, preferably around 400-500ppm in order to grow at their best.
While the Hydnophora may be one of the easier-to-keep species of "SPS," it still requires a mature tank with stable water conditions. All parameters including Alkilinity, pH, Nitrate, Nitrite, Ammonia, Salinity, Calcium, Temperature, Phosphates, etc., should always be in check.
You may be asking, "Why Phosphates?" Phosphates will affect the growth of Scleractinian corals. Phosphates will stop the growth, and often make it impossible for the coral to continue to grow. Phosphates should be as low as possible, preferably 0ppm at all times.
The Hydnophora is an aggressive scleractinian. It's best placed at least 3-4" away from neighboring corals to avoid any aggression. The hydnophora is a very fast grower and is able to easily sting neighboring corals, with its long polyp-extension.
If you have a mature tank with stable water conditions, strong amounts of lighting and looking to venture into buying some Small Polyp Scleractinian (SPS) corals, the Hydnophora would be my first choice to buy, preferably a Captive Raised Hydnophora. Captive raised corals are much hardier than wild caught corals. Captive raised corals also grow much quicker, and are already adapted to life in the home aquarium. Captive Raised corals often do not require "as much" lighting than the wild caught species do.
Please share any other other information, experience or pictures you have on the Hydnophora I would love to hear others experiences with the coral, and possibly some pics
Cheers,
Graham