Coral Care Info Blastomussa

Natural Habitat and Location in the Wild

Blastomussa is native to the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and the Great Barrier Reef. It is commonly found in sheltered reef slopes and lagoons, where it grows in low-light conditions with moderate water movement. This coral thrives in nutrient-rich environments, making it more forgiving in home aquariums than some other LPS species.

Why Choose Blastomussa for Your Reef Tank?

• Peaceful and Reef-Safe – Compatible with most corals and reef inhabitants.
• Low Light Requirement – Thrives in shaded areas, making it adaptable to different setups.
• Hardy and Beginner-Friendly – Can tolerate minor fluctuations in water parameters.
• Moderate Growth Rate – Expands steadily without overwhelming the tank.

Optimal Water Parameters

Maintaining stable conditions ensures the best health and coloration for Blastomussa:

Weekly water changes (10-15%) help maintain stability and nutrient balance.

Tank Size and Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons or larger.
• Placement: Prefers low to mid-levels of the tank, ideally in shaded or indirect lighting areas.
• Substrate Considerations: Can be placed on rockwork or the sand bed, but ensure stable positioning.

Lighting Requirements

Blastomussa prefers low to moderate lighting, making it ideal for shaded areas in reef tanks.

• PAR Range: 50-150 PAR
• Lighting Type: LED, T5, or hybrid setups with adjustable intensity.
• Lighting Schedule: 8-10 hours per day, with a gradual ramp-up and ramp-down to reduce stress.

Water Flow and Circulation

• Moderate, indirect flow keeps detritus from settling while allowing proper polyp expansion.
• Avoid strong, direct currents, which can cause polyps to retract.
• Randomized flow patterns help mimic natural reef conditions.

Feeding and Nutrition

Blastomussa benefits from both photosynthesis and supplemental feeding.

• Preferred Foods: Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, reef roids, and marine pellets.
• Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times per week enhances growth and coloration.
• Best Feeding Method: Target feeding ensures nutrients are absorbed efficiently.

Tank Mates and Compatibility

• Safe Companions: Clownfish, gobies, blennies, shrimp, and snails.
• Caution With: Other LPS corals—Blastos are non-aggressive, but they need space to expand.
• Avoid: Aggressive fish such as certain angelfish and butterflyfish that may nip at the polyps.

Growth Rate and Propagation

• Moderate growth rate, with polyps budding off to form colonies.
• Fragging Method: Use a bone cutter or coral saw to separate healthy polyps.

Common Diseases and How to Prevent Them

• Brown Jelly Disease – A bacterial infection requiring iodine dips and improved water quality.
• Tissue Recession – Often caused by unstable parameters or excessive water flow.
• Algae Overgrowth – Can smother the coral if excess nutrients are present.

Handling and Acclimation

• Drip acclimation is recommended to gradually adjust the coral to new water conditions.
• Avoid excessive handling, as its fleshy polyps are delicate.

Maintenance and Cleaning

• Perform weekly water changes (10-15%) to maintain water quality.
• Remove detritus buildup around the coral to prevent bacterial infections.

Signs of Stress and How to Address Them

• Shrunken or closed polyps – May indicate poor water quality, excessive flow, or inadequate lighting.
• Faded or bleached coloration – Reduce light intensity and increase feeding.
• Receding tissue – Ensure stable water conditions and provide supplemental feeding.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Bleaching – Caused by excessive light exposure; move to a lower-light area.
• Pest Infestation – Inspect regularly for flatworms, nudibranchs, or parasitic snails.
• Slow Growth – Increase target feeding and ensure stable alkalinity and calcium levels.