Common Names

Carnation Coral, Kenya Tree Coral, Tree Coral

Description

With the exception of carnation coral Nephtheidae corals are very easy to care for being almost bullet proof. They grow very quickly and can spread just as fast. The colors of Nephtheidae corals are pretty basic. They tend to come from a more nutrient rich environment so prefer a not so clean system.

Care Level: Easy to Difficult

Placement: Bottom

Lighting: Moderate

Flow: Moderate

Conditions: 68°-83°, s.g. 1.023-1.025, Phosphates 0, Cal 400-450, dKH 8-11, Mag 1200-1350, Sr 8-10

Conditions & Placement

Nephtheidae do not need strong lighting but do need good turbulent water.

Feeding

While Nephtheidae do have a symbiotic relationship with the algae zooxanthellae that lives in their tissue for photosynthesis they rely a good part on outside food for survival. They will feed on dissolved organic matter in the water column and prefer more nutrient rich environments. The carnation coral in particular requires almost exclusively frequent direct feedings. They can be fed microplankton such as marine snow, phytoplankton or similar foods.

Maintenance

Stable tank conditions are needed to keep Nephtheidae. Water changes of 20% a month or bi-weekly water changes of at least 10% are suggested. Nephtheidae does better with trace elements being added especially iodine and strontium.

Warnings

Do not expose Nephtheidae corals to fresh water when topping of your aquarium this can stress the coral and may eventually kill it.

Signs of Problems