Caring for flower tree corals, often species of Scleronephthya or Dendronephthya, involves providing specific conditions suited to their non-photosynthetic nature and delicate structure.
Essential Care Requirements for Flower Tree Corals
Flower tree corals are stunning soft corals that do not rely on symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) for sustenance, meaning they are Non-Photosynthetic (NPS). This distinguishes their care needs significantly from photosynthetic corals.
Water Quality and Stability
Maintaining pristine and stable water conditions is paramount for the health of flower tree corals.
- Sensitivity: They are sensitive to changes in water quality and rapid shifts in parameters can cause significant stress.
- Stability: Consistency is key. Avoid large fluctuations in salinity, temperature, alkalinity, and calcium.
- Pristine Water: Keep nitrates and phosphates low through regular water changes, protein skimming, and potentially other nutrient export methods.
- Disease Susceptibility: Unstable or poor water quality can make them susceptible to stress and disease.
Water Flow and Placement
Proper water flow is critical for flower tree corals as it delivers food and removes waste.
- Moderate Flow: They prefer moderate water flow. This helps ensure they receive adequate food particles drifting in the water column.
- Avoid Excessive Turbulence: While they need flow, it's important to avoid excessive turbulence that can damage their delicate polyps. Too much flow can cause them to retract or even tear.
- Placement: Place them where they receive this moderate, dispersed flow, away from strong, direct powerhead output. Ensure there is adequate space around them to prevent them from being damaged by contact with rocks or other corals as they sway in the current.
Feeding
As NPS corals, flower tree corals must capture all their food directly from the water.
- Direct Feeding: They require regular feeding, typically broadcast feeding of small particulate foods.
- Food Types: Suitable foods include:
- Phytoplankton
- Zooplankton (e.g., rotifers, cyclopods)
- Specialized NPS coral foods
- Frequency: Feeding frequency depends on stocking density and tank parameters, but often ranges from daily to several times per week.
Lighting
Since they are non-photosynthetic, flower tree corals do not require intense lighting.
- Low to Moderate Light: Standard reef tank lighting is usually sufficient, but intense light is not necessary and might even be detrimental if it promotes algae growth around them.
- Placement: They can thrive in shaded areas of the tank, which also helps prevent nuisance algae from competing with them.
Avoiding Toxins
Certain elements and compounds can be highly toxic to flower tree corals.
- Copper Sensitivity: Scleronephthya corals are generally sensitive to elevated copper levels. Avoid using copper-based medications in the display tank.
- Other Toxins: Be mindful of introducing other potential toxins through unfiltered top-off water, contaminated equipment, or certain reef supplements.
Monitoring and Observation
Regularly observing your flower tree coral helps you detect issues early.
- Look for signs of stress such as prolonged polyp retraction, tissue recession, discoloration, or unusual growth on their surface (like algae).
- Ensure they are extending their polyps regularly, especially when food is introduced into the water.
Caring for flower tree corals requires dedication to maintaining stable, clean water, providing appropriate flow and regular feeding, and keeping the tank free of toxins.
