Flower Pot Coral Care: How to Keep Your Reef Tank Beautiful

Flower pot coral, also known as Goniopora, is a popular choice among reef tank enthusiasts. These beautiful corals have a unique appearance and can add color and texture to your aquarium. However, they require specific care to thrive in captivity. In this article, we will go over everything you need to know about flower pot coral care.

Lighting and Placement

Lighting plays a crucial role in the health and growth of your flower pot coral. These corals require moderate lighting, so make sure your aquarium has appropriate lighting levels. High-intensity lighting can damage or even kill your coral.

When it comes to placement, flower pot corals prefer moderate water flow. Avoid placing them in areas with strong currents, as this can cause stress and prevent proper feeding. They also prefer to be placed on the sand bed rather than on rocks or other hard surfaces.

Water Parameters

Maintaining proper water parameters is essential for the health of your flower pot coral. These corals prefer alkaline water with a pH between 8.1 and 8.4. The ideal temperature range is between 75°F and 80°F, and salinity should be kept between 1.023 and 1.025.

It's also important to test and maintain proper levels of calcium, magnesium, and other trace elements. Flower pot corals require regular water changes to keep these levels in check.

Feeding

Feeding your flower pot coral is essential for its growth and health. These corals are photosynthetic, meaning they obtain some of their nutrition through photosynthesis. However, they also require supplemental feeding.

Feed your flower pot coral a variety of small meaty foods, such as brine shrimp or mysis shrimp. You can also target-feed them with specialized coral food. Be sure not to overfeed, as this can lead to poor water quality and harm your coral.

Water Flow

As previously mentioned, flower pot corals prefer moderate water flow. This is because they rely on water movement to capture food particles. Too much or too little flow can prevent proper feeding and cause stress.

Make sure your aquarium has adequate filtration to maintain water quality and avoid stagnant water. You can also use powerheads or a wavemaker to create gentle water movement.

Coral Fragging

Fragging, or the process of cutting a coral into smaller pieces, is a common practice among reef tank enthusiasts. Flower pot corals can be fragged, but it should only be by experienced hobbyists.

If you do decide to frag your flower pot coral, make sure you use proper tools and techniques. The newly fragged pieces will require special care and attention to ensure they survive and grow.

Common Diseases

Like all corals, flower pot corals are susceptible to diseases. The most common disease affecting these corals is brown jelly disease. This is caused by a bacterial infection and can be fatal if left untreated.

Other diseases that can affect flower pot corals include black band disease and white band disease. These diseases can spread quickly and should be treated as soon as possible.

Tank Mates

When selecting tank mates for your flower pot coral, choose peaceful fish and invertebrates. Aggressive tank mates can damage or even kill your coral.

Additionally, avoid placing your flower pot coral near other corals that may sting or compete for space. Give your coral enough room to grow and thrive on its own.

Coral Compatibility

Flower pot corals are generally compatible with other soft and stony corals. However, they should not be placed near other Goniopora species, as they may fight for territory.

Acclimation

Proper acclimation is essential when introducing new flower pot corals to your aquarium. The coral should be drip acclimated for at least 1-2 hours to ensure it adjusts to the new environment.

During acclimation, monitor the water temperature and salinity to avoid any sudden changes that could stress or harm your coral.

Coral Dip

Before introducing a new flower pot coral to your aquarium, it's important to give it a coral dip. This involves soaking the coral in a solution that kills any parasites or harmful bacteria.

Coral dips are essential for preventing the spread of diseases in your aquarium. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and rinse the coral thoroughly after dipping.

Growth Rate

Flower pot corals have a moderate growth rate compared to other corals. It can take several months or even years for them to reach their full size.

To encourage growth, make sure your coral has adequate lighting, water flow, and nutrition. Regular water changes and maintaining proper water parameters will also help your coral grow and thrive.

Reproduction

Flower pot corals reproduce sexually by releasing eggs and sperm into the water column. They can also reproduce asexually through budding, where a new colony forms from the parent coral.

Reproduction can be encouraged by maintaining proper water parameters and providing adequate nutrition. However, breeding these corals in captivity can be challenging and requires specialized knowledge and equipment.

Common Mistakes

One common mistake among beginner reef tank enthusiasts is adding too many corals too quickly. This can lead to poor water quality and overcrowding, which can harm your flower pot coral.

Another mistake is placing your coral in an area with too much or too little water flow. Make sure you research the specific needs of your coral before placing it in your aquarium.

Proper flower pot coral care is essential for keeping your reef tank beautiful and healthy. Remember to maintain appropriate lighting, water parameters, and feeding habits. Avoid common mistakes and monitor for diseases or other issues.

With the right care, your flower pot coral can thrive in captivity and add color and texture to your aquarium.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How often should I feed my flower pot coral?

A: Flower pot corals should be fed small meaty foods 2-3 times per week.

Q2. Can flower pot corals be kept in a nano tank?

A: Yes, flower pot corals can be kept in a nano tank as long as the tank has appropriate lighting and water flow.

Q3. What is the ideal water flow rate for flower pot corals?

A: Flower pot corals prefer moderate water flow of around 5-10 times per hour.

Q4. Can flower pot corals sting other corals?

A: Flower pot corals do not have stinging cells and are generally compatible with other soft and stony corals.

Q5. Can brown jelly disease be cured?

A: Brown jelly disease can be treated with antibiotics if caught early. However, it can be fatal if left untreated.

Q6. How can I encourage growth in my flower pot coral?

A: To encourage growth, make sure your coral has adequate lighting, water flow, and nutrition. Regular water changes and maintaining proper water parameters will also help your coral grow and thrive.

Q7. Can flower pot corals be fragged?

A: Yes, flower pot corals can be fragged, but it should only be by experienced hobbyists.

Q8. What is the ideal temperature range for flower pot corals?

A: Flower pot corals prefer a temperature range of 75°F to 80°F.

Q9. How can I prevent brown jelly disease in my flower pot coral?

A: Brown jelly disease can be prevented by maintaining proper water quality, avoiding overcrowding, and providing adequate nutrition.

Q10. Can flower pot corals be kept with aggressive tank mates?

A: No, flower pot corals should be kept with peaceful fish and invertebrates to avoid damage or stress.