The Ugly Reef

01/12/2024

Acroporas - coming to TFP tomorrow along with a mixed bag of LPS and some big chunks of montiporas

12/30/2023

Astraeosmilia/Caulastrea connata
(Another candy cane/trumpet variety)

This coral has puffy heads that grow on the ends of stony stalks, heads will grow two mouths and eventually separate as they multiply. They usually come in a variety of two toned shades but can also be a single green or blueish color.
Other species of astraeosmilia/caulastrea look similar, can be difficult to tell apart, and can sting each other if placed too close.

- best in low to moderate light
- best in low to moderate, indirect flow
- needs stable water parameters near to natural sea water

Good choice for beginner LPS (large polyp stony) coral

12/30/2023

Protopalythoas
(Button polyps, palys)

Protopalythoas are some of the easiest corals to keep, they come in various color patterns, and are very “forgiving” when it comes to water quality. Protopalythoas must be handled with care as they do contain a toxin that can cause complications if ingested or becomes airborne. Protopalythoas do not have a bony structure but will often take up particles of substrate to incorporate in their leathery base.

- these “soft” coral lack a bony structure
- best kept under low to moderate lighting
- best if kept in moderate water flow
- best kept in water parameters nearing natural sea water
- more tolerant of changes in water conditions than “stony” corals

Protopalythoa are an excellent beginner coral

12/30/2023

Acropora sp.

Acropora come in every color and combinations of colors imaginable and have various growth habits. Some grow slender and tall while others are bushy or plating with short branches. They can be some of the most challenging coral to keep. Acropora require the most stable water parameters and are very sensitive to changes in their environment. When they are healthy they are some of the fastest growing coral in the aquarium.

- they need strong variable flow
- they need moderate to strong lighting
- they require the most stable of water parameters
- they do best in low phosphate and nitrate environments
- best if kept in parameters nearing natural sea water

Acropora are not recomended for beginners as these SPS (small polyp stony) coral are challenging to keep.

12/27/2023

Caulastrea furcata
(candycane coral, trumpet coral)

This coral has puffy heads that grow on the ends of stony stalks, heads will grow two mouths and eventually separate as they multiply. They come in a variety of green to bluish shades.
Bright neon green (sometimes called ‘Kryptonite’), light mint green, or a combination of the two.
Other species of caulastrea look similar but can sting each other if placed too close.

- best in low to moderate light
- best in low to moderate, indirect flow
- needs stable water parameters near to natural sea water

Good choice for beginner LPS (large polyp stony) coral

12/27/2023

Montipora spongodes:

Bright neon green in color with contrasting brown polyps. The edges of new growth can be a vivid purple. This variety of Montipora can display a combination of plating and branching habits sending irregular shaped spires upward from the wavy and sometimes layered plates.

- best with moderate to high light
- best with moderate to high fluctuating flow
- needs stable water parameters nearing that of natural sea water

Good beginner SPS (small polyp stony) coral

12/20/2023