How to care for Blastomussa in a Reef Tank

Blastomussa (LPS) are a beautiful and colorful coral species that can add vibrant and striking colors to your reef tank. They are relatively easy to care for, making them a great choice for both experienced and novice hobbyists. However, proper care is essential to keep them healthy and thriving in your tank. In this blog, we will discuss some essential tips for caring for Blastomussa in a reef tank.

Water Quality:

Blastomussa requires stable water parameters for optimal growth and health. Maintaining stable water quality is critical, and you should regularly test your water for pH, alkalinity, nitrate, and phosphate levels. Keep the pH between 8.0 and 8.4, alkalinity between 7 and 11 dKH, nitrate levels below 10 ppm, and phosphate levels below 0.1 ppm. You can use high-quality reef supplements to maintain stable water parameters.

Lighting:

Blastomussa prefers moderate to high lighting levels, and you should provide them with appropriate lighting to promote their growth and vibrant colors. You can use LED lights, metal halides, or T5 fluorescent bulbs. However, make sure to acclimate them slowly to avoid bleaching and stress.

Water Flow:

Blastomussa prefer moderate water flow, and you should ensure that the water flow in your tank is not too strong or too weak. The ideal water flow is between 10 and 20 times the volume of your tank per hour. You can use powerheads or wavemakers to create adequate water flow in your tank.

Feeding:

Blastomussa is photosynthetic and obtains the majority of their nutrition through photosynthesis. However, they also require supplemental feedings to thrive. You can feed them with small pieces of meaty foods, such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, or finely chopped krill, twice a week.

Placement:

Blastomussa prefers to be placed in the lower half of your tank, where they can receive adequate lighting and moderate water flow. You should avoid placing them in direct flow or high-light areas to prevent stress and bleaching.

Maintenance:

Regular maintenance is critical to keep your Blastomussa healthy and thriving. You should perform weekly water changes of 10% to 20% of the total volume of your tank. Also, clean the equipment and remove any debris or detritus that accumulates in your tank.

In conclusion, Blastomussa is a beautiful and hardy coral species that can add stunning colors to your reef tank. However, proper care and maintenance are crucial to keep them healthy and thriving. You should provide them with stable water quality, appropriate lighting and water flow, supplemental feedings, and proper placement. With the right care, you can enjoy the beauty of Blastomussa in your reef tank for many years.