Bubble Coral Care Guide

The Bubble Coral, characterized by its elegant, bubble-like corallites, is a stunning and relatively peaceful addition to a saltwater aquarium. To ensure optimal health and display, it's important to pay attention to its requirements in terms of tank setup, care process, and feeding habits.

Tank Setup

Bubble Corals require a stable and well-established marine environment. It is recommended to house them in a moderate-sized aquarium with a minimum volume of 30 gallons. Ensure your tank provides low to moderate water movement; strong currents may damage the coral's delicate polyps. The lighting should be moderate, as excessive lighting can lead to tissue damage.

Ensure water parameters are stable, with a pH of 8.1 to 8.4, a temperature of 72 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit, and a salinity of 1.023 to 1.025. It is essential to maintain pristine water quality, with regular testing and water changes, as Bubble Corals are moderately sensitive to changes in water chemistry.

Care Process

Due to their moderate maintenance level, Bubble Corals require consistent care. Regular inspection and cleaning of the coral's vicinity are necessary to prevent algae and debris buildup, which can smother the polyps. Placement of the Bubble Coral should allow sufficient space from other corals or aggressive tank mates, as they are moderately territorial.

Use activated carbon filtration to remove toxins and impurities from the water. Monitor calcium and alkalinity levels diligently to support the coral's skeletal growth.

Feeding

While Bubble Corals are adept at photosynthesis through their symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae algae, they benefit significantly from supplemental feeding. Target feed the coral with meaty foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, or finely chopped seafood. Feeding should occur once or twice weekly during their expanded phase, typically in the evening when the coral's feeding tentacles are extended.

Additional Considerations

Bubble Corals are classified as "Least Concern" in terms of conservation status; however, ensuring a stress-free environment is crucial for their longevity and color retention. Always quarantine new tank additions to prevent introducing diseases or parasites. Keep an eye on any physical changes in the coral, as these may indicate stress or poor water quality.

This coral is very peaceful with low aggression levels, but care must be taken to avoid placing them near highly aggressive or territorial species that may damage their inflated polyps.