Red Branching Cyphastrea

The Red Branching Cyphastrea coral, scientifically known as Cyphastrea spp., is a hardy and attractive small polyp stony (SPS) coral that is relatively easy to care for compared to some other SPS corals. Here are care guidelines for the Red Branching Cyphastrea coral.

Lighting:

Red Branching Cyphastrea corals can thrive under a wide range of lighting conditions. They can adapt to moderate to high-intensity lighting. LED lights with a mixed spectrum of blue and white light are often suitable.

Water Parameters:

• Maintain stable and pristine water quality with minimal fluctuations in temperature, salinity, and water chemistry.
• Temperature: Keep it between 74°F to 80°F (23°C to 27°C).
• Salinity: Maintain a specific gravity of 1.024-1.026.
• pH: Maintain a pH level between 8.1 and 8.4.
• Alkalinity: Keep alkalinity (KH) levels within the range of 7-10 dKH.
• Calcium and Magnesium: Maintain calcium levels around 380-450 ppm and magnesium levels around 1250-1350 ppm.

Water Flow:

Red Branching Cyphastrea corals prefer moderate water flow. Provide gentle to moderate water movement in the tank, which helps them filter-feed and can prevent detritus buildup.

Feeding:

Cyphastrea corals are primarily photosynthetic, but they can benefit from supplemental feeding. They are filter feeders and can capture small particulate matter from the water column. You can occasionally provide them with phytoplankton or zooplankton.

Water Quality Maintenance:

Regular water changes are essential to replenish trace elements and remove excess nutrients. Aim for bi-weekly water changes of 10-15% of the total water volume.

Placement:

Place the Red Branching Cyphastrea in the middle to upper section of the tank, allowing it to receive moderate lighting and water flow.

Acclimation:

When introducing a Red Branching Cyphastrea to your tank, acclimate it carefully to your tank's lighting and water conditions to prevent shock.

Disease and Pests:

Inspect your corals regularly for signs of diseases or pests. Quarantine new corals and inspect existing ones to catch issues early. Cyphastrea corals are generally hardy and less susceptible to some common coral pests.

If your Red Branching Cyphastrea grows too large or needs pruning, you can frag it. Use proper tools and techniques to ensure the health of both the parent colony and the frag.

Patience:

While Red Branching Cyphastrea is more forgiving than some SPS corals, growth can still be slow. Be patient and consistent in your care to see the best results. Red Branching Cyphastrea corals are generally hardier and more forgiving than some other SPS corals, making them a suitable choice for reef aquarists looking to incorporate SPS corals into their tanks. Nonetheless, maintaining stable water parameters and good water quality is essential for their health and vibrancy.