The hammer coral (Euphyllia ancora) is a favorite with tank lovers because of its flowing tentacles and sensational look. It is also easy to care for! With hammer-shaped tips of eye-searing horizon blue and pink, the coral sways and dances in the sea water like no other. But, to keep it in the stage of development that results from successful transplanting, you must pay particular attention to its proper care. This guide goes over everything you need to know to ensure this beautiful coral remains healthy and happy.

Getting to know hammer coral

Hammer coral in Canada is a large-polyp stony (LPS) coral that hails from the Indo-Pacific region. Semi-aggressive, it has the potential to sting neighboring corals with its tentacles, if they enter its space. Correct positioning within your tropical aquarium is vital to avoid unnecessary conflicts with other corals.

Behaviorally, hammer coral brings dynamic motion to your aquarium. This is a quite peaceful creature in the calm water of your home seas! Its tentacles sway back and forth with the water current, imitating movements we observed in anemones. In addition to adding charm to your tank’s visual appearance, this feature also provides shelter for some reef-dwelling fish, such as clownfish that may gather among the coral’s now-protective tentacles.

The Right Conditions for Hammer Coral un Your Tank

If you want your hammer coral to thrive and bloom, you must keep a stable water environment for it. The conditions we suggest include:

-Lighting: Moderate to high lighting. LED lights that have adjustable intensity enable you to achieve the best conditions for your corals. While hammer coral can adapt to unequal levels and spaces of lumination (a situation which often results from dense reefs or tall trees nearby elementary schools), too much direct light will bleach it and too little will make it stunt its growth.

-Water Flow: A gentle flow is best otherwise, while retracts from too much water current stress the coral, too little flow allows detritus to collect around the base of the coral colony.

-Water Parameters:

· Temperature: 75°-80°F

· Salinity: 1.025 specific gravity

· pH: 8.1-8.4

· Calcium: 400-450 ppm

· Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH

· Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm

Consistency in water quality is the key to avoiding stress and when in search of growth.

Feeding Hammer Coral

Hammer coral in Canada is mainly photosynthetic, with much of its energy coming from the light it gets through its symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae algae. However, supplementary feeding can speed up this growth and brighten its colors. Feeding small pieces of meat or pellets such as Mysis shrimp once or twice weekly can keep it at its best.

Common Problems and Solutions

Coral Bleaching: If the hammer coral looks pale, then this could be due to too much light or unsteady water parameters. Correct the lighting and check on the tank's chemistry.

Brown Jelly Disease: This bacteria infection can quickly affect the coral. Isolate the diseased coral and use a coral dip solution.

Tentacle Retraction: Stress from insufficient water flow, quarrelsome tank mates or unstable parameters and other similar causes can all lead to the problem. Check on the coral's location and environment.

Hammer coral placement tips

Choose a place where the tentacles of hammer coral will not touch other corals. Positioning it mid-level in the tank usually works best as that provides good lighting and flow without making the coral overwhelmed.

Conclusion

With the proper lighting, water flow and supplemental feeding, Hammer coral in Canada can be a spectacular part of any reef aquarium. Both its bright colors and its beautiful movements make it the focal point in a tank. No matter whether you're adding to your existing collection or just starting out fresh, this article will help you care for hammer coral in such a way that it flowers your reef and enriches your life.

Kevin Astle is the author of this article. To know more details about Best Signature Corals in Canada please visit our website: fraggarage.ca