Are Trumpet Corals Easy To Care For? Yes, trumpet coral care is easy. If you’re looking to get involved in the world of reef-keeping, trumpet coral is the perfect choice.
These corals don’t have the greatest amount of color, but they’re simple to care for and can be positioned in many different locations within the reef.
Even aquarists who haven’t had many experiences working with LPS will not have any issues with candy corals made of candy.
Trumpet corals, aka candy cane, are usually thought of as being a great beginner-friendly polyp stony species.
Continue reading to learn all you must know about trumpet coral care.
Find out if this coral is suitable for the saltwater tank you have!
Basic Information On Trumpet Coral Care
| The scientific name is: The Caulastrea | Name of the common: Trumpet Or Candy Cane Soral | Type of Coral: LPS Coral |
| Average size: 5 inches | The ideal spacing is 3-5″ | Complexity: Easy |
Read the remainder of this article to learn about the most important information, exact water parameters, and other tricks in relation to trumpet coral.
Name
Caulastrea furcata can be referred to by various names, including torch coral, trumpet coral, candy cane coral, bullseye coral, or simply Caulastrea coral.
The horn-shaped polyps of their horns give them an appearance reminiscent of a trumpet and give the brass instrument name and their name as a candy is derived from the alternating dark and light stripes that run along the edges of their polyps. The coral’s overall shape could resemble a target as well!
Caulastrea furcata is most often known as candy cane coral however it could be referred to by any of the above names. It is the largest multi-particle stony coral (LPS) species with an extremely hard calcium carbonate skeleton.
Natural habitat
Like all corals, the trumpet corals are derived from tropical waters that are found in the Indo-Pacific. They are believed to have populations that could stretch further westwards towards Thailand and away from the famed reefs that are found in Australia as well as Indonesia.
The beautiful corals can be found in deeper and more protected areas in the soft corals. Trumpet coral colonies can grow to be quite large if they stay out of the direct stream of currents and waves.
Certain varieties of candy coral might be named in honor of their region of collection. Because they are so simple to develop they are classified as aquacultured corals and have a name given to them in the majority of cases.
Identification
Trumpet corals are a pretty robust coral that is easy to recognize since they aren’t available in numerous varieties. There are two primary choices of colors for trumpet coral including purple and green as well as green.
The green trumpet coral is a uniform color, with a green center and green edges. Some varieties may be referred to as ‘neon’, and may feature more intense highlights.
Based on the lighting conditions depending on the lighting conditions, some shades of green may appear as light blue. The appearance of blue or green in your tank will largely depend on the water parameters and the lighting conditions.
The purple and green trumpet corals are a different color variety that adds excitement for the colonies. They have a green center, with a purple border Sometimes the green is located on ridges that are distinct from the edge, leading to their candy cane-like name.
Whatever color you choose that corals develop, they are exactly the same. A colony begins with a single, unicellular polyp which will eventually branch out through the hard calcium carbonate skeleton.
The coral will eventually develop into a compact collection composed of polyps that are fleshy. Based on the flow and lighting the colony can become very compact to ensure that there are no branches exposed. In other instances, the branches have enough space between them.
When the polyps have been closed the branches become clear to observe. The calcium carbonate beneath the polyp will also be more obvious.
The flesh must always cover these ridges. If it is beginning to recede enough to expose the skeleton’s white layer below the flesh, there’s an issue within the tank.
Placement in a Reef Tank
Trumpet coral isn’t a highly sensitive species. It is therefore possible to place it in any spot within the tank. But I suggest placing the coral closer to the base. Since trumpet corals don’t need more in terms of lighting, they’re an ideal candidate for placing towards the bottom. The need for high turbulence isn’t necessary either.
You can simply put this coral anywhere in the tank. If you adhere to the water parameters you have set with proper lighting, and other favorable conditions the trumpet coral will feel fantastic.
Be aware that although this coral may appear tranquil, it is important to be sure to keep it away. A few inches will make you smile, or cause headaches…
To avoid any unwanted effects To avoid any unwanted consequences, keep trumpet coral at least 3 to 5 inches from all other species. For the initial two months. Once the period of adaptation is over the fauna and flora inside your aquarium will become familiar with each other.
It can be manifested as well, at a lower distance and a more dense growth. If you see corals getting too close, or even growing over one, there’s no problem with that.
In that instance, there’s a question of beauty and aesthetics it is your choice to split or leave in the same way.
Trumpet coral is actually on my list of 15 types of coral suitable for beginners.
Trumpet coral tank requirements
The candy cane corals have been regarded to be among the easiest LPS corals you can find in saltwater aquariums. They don’t require any extra attention and can handle some changes in aquarium conditions. The trumpet coral care is easy as compared to other corals.
Lighting
Trumpet corals can be kept in an array of lights. Here’s how they change color due to lighting. (2 to four small images. Different colors)
If you don’t adhere to the general guidelines for successful coral-keeping, this species shouldn’t be hurt. It’s true that both $1000 LED T5 hybrids and $30 T5 models work well when it comes to trumpet corals. Lighting is not the main factor at the main thing.
This species is known to be unpredictable to exposure. I’ve conducted some research on the ideal PAR range, which is 75-150 PAR.
They are best suited to light levels that are moderate and with moderate movement in the water. They thrive when they have photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) between 75 and 150.
This range is the perfect place to grow and the color. I wouldn’t suggest overdoing this area.
This typically means that they will be placed on the middle and lower parts of the rocks, based on the lighting in the reef tank.
To get a higher intensity of light the rockwork must gradually be acclimated, and then move upwards on the rockwork or else they may get a bleaching effect from too high levels of light.
If we talk about spectrum, I’d suggest sticking in those in the 420 to 460 nm range. This is a good choice in the case of most species.
Trumpet coral included. For sources, all of them should be of good quality. This includes T5 Halides and T5 LEDs. The only thing to bear in your mind is “Don’t overdo” Even this easygoing and undemanding species may be afflicted with death due to the abrasive lighting.
Personally, I stick to T5 and expose corals for about 60 percent of the time. Typically, I blend 8 hours of total relaxation (in complete darkness) and 16 hours of exposure. The blue spectrum spectrum plus the white.
Based on the opinions of 279 reef-keepers choice is mixing white and blue. Although 50\50 is a great ratio to think about, however, I prefer 55\45 with a little bit of blue.
Trumpet coral water parameters
Other than the flow and lighting they require stable parameters for their tank although they are quite intolerant of novice mistakes.
Here are the most important factors that must be tested regularly and monitored:
- Temperature: 75-82deg F (23.9-27.8deg C)
- pH: 8.0-8.4
- Salinity: 1.022-1.026 or 35 ppt
- Alkalinity: 8.0-12.0 dKH
- Calcium: 350-450 ppm
- Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm
The most important thing is that calcium, alkalinity as well and magnesium levels must always be weighed against one another.
Poor water = inevitable stress. This could result in an increase in bleaching as well as death.
The quality of water is a general term. To clarify, we’ll talk about Calcium alkalinity pH, temperature, and flow of water. Each of these variables can influence the overall condition of your reef tank.
Calcium
Trumpet coral prefers 350-450 ppm of calcium. Some enthusiasts leverage 370ppm. It is possible to profit from it, beginning with the lowest 370 ppm before gradually raising it up to 45 ppm.
In general, you can just five ppm each day or 10 ppm once a week. It’s crucial not to exceed each week’s ppm.
Take a break if you need to (caught an unattractive impression of trumpet corals for instance). Two or three days will be enough time for your coral to get adjusted.
Alkalinity
Alkalinity: 8.0-12.0 dKH. It is recommended to range from 420-450 ppm in your trumpet. Alkalinity follows the same rules as calcium. Maintain a balanced balance by adjusting slowly and beginning with the lowest value. I like to start at an initial 420 ppm slowly increasing until I get to an acceptable level.
How can I tell if the ppm is safe? Keep an eye on your coral. If it looks healthyYou’re doing fantastic.
pH (Power Of Hydrogen)
Do you think that water is made up of hydrogen and oxygen? You’re right. But, water also has a crucial parameter, which is pH.
This is a major issue in terms of maintaining reefs. The best pH is 8.0-8.4 for the trumpet coral. A few swings between 8 and 8.5 are fine (although not ideal).
What if your pH has broken? Here’s a quick trick:
Baking soda is a great ingredient to increase pH. White acid and juice from lemons lower it down. Along with pH-lowering chemicals. Whatever method you choose to change pH — take it gradual and gradual method.
This is the most important aspect. The change in the pH of 7 8.5 in the case of trumpet corals is exactly the same similar to jumping into a sand pit before climbing out, then running over hot coals.
The changes may not cause immediate death to the coral however the stress… creates serious issues.
Make sure to schedule a couple of water changes. The larger ones will require about 25% of the water needed to change, whereas smaller ones require 10 percent. Think about a part-time change every week.
But such a method shouldn’t be used in a way that is abusive. Water changes are not an answer to all problems. Animals need a break, so don’t alter the water frequently.
Temperature and Flow
Extreme heat could cause death to the coral, and temperatures that are too cold can cause damage to the tissue, in the form of shrinking. The normal range for trumpet coral is 75-82 degrees F (23.9-27.8deg Celsius)
Concerning the flow of water for water circulation, set your device to moderate. The excessive turbulence harms tissues and adds excessive stress to coral. A lack of water flow could result in inflammation, pests, and even pollution.
Tips to consider: If you have multiple species, you should consider changing them in order to achieve the right balance. Certain species might require a high flow of water so place them in the areas that are most active within the tank. The more passive corals could benefit from being positioned behind rocks or using other corals that body-block other species that are passive.
Things you should feed your trumpet coral
Candy cane corals thrive when supplemented with food however they obtain the majority of their needs from photosynthesis and the wastes of fish.
They can be targeted-fed or broadcast-fed with a variety of coral foods and meaty foods like brine, mysis, or zooplankton shrimp. Trumpet corals have sweeper tentacles which can be utilized to capture food or sting other corals. This we’ll look at in a moment.
Corals are known to spread their feeding tentacles in the evening However, they are not able to emerge whenever they see food particles getting into the column of water.
As a result the hobbyists usually offer the corals a taste test their corals prior to supplying an entire meal to encourage them to grow and be ready to eat.
Although additional food can assist your trumpet coral in growing at first once established, the corals will produce two or more polyps every month, without extra nutrition.
Trumpet coral tank mates
Trumpet corals can be kept in reef-safe areas with any type of Invertebrates or fish. They are quite tough and their long branches make it a challenge for Hermit crabs who are the hardest of climbers to make it.
Due to the numerous PAR levels, the corals have been kept in a variety of conditions and can be effectively kept in LPS, soft coral coral, or SPS coral setups. Make sure you make sure you leave plenty of space between each candy cane and the one that is over.
Do trumpet corals sting?
They do hurt however they’re rarely an issue.
Candy cane corals have very small sweeper tentacles when compared to the different LPS reef species of coral. But, they can still sting nearby coral colonies and inflict damage.
The general rule is that it’s advised to give a decent amount of space around each coral that you add to your tank, to allow for potential growth and agressivity.
Fragging trumpet corals
Trumpet coral care is easy. They are easy to keep and are easy to fragment.
If you’re not used to cutting, the entire idea of applying the sharp edge of your coral may be a bit daunting. However, trumpet corals are very accepting of the procedure.
Use the bone cutter or an electric saw, to slice through the calcium carbonate branches in the polyp. Utilize Superglue (cyanoacrylate) to secure the frag onto a plug, then dip it into the iodine solution or another solution for coral recovery (optional) and place it on a frag rack, or the sandy aquarium’s substrate.
In this procedure, it is important to ensure that you don’t damage the skeleton. Fragging can be carried out inside or outside of the tank as long as you have a stronghold and a precise cut is possible.
After a few days, the colony as well as the new frags are expected to be developed and ready to form more polyps.
FAQs
Are bigger tanks easier to take care of?
The bigger the aquarium, the less maintenance is required! In simple terms, the margin of error for a 10-gallon fish tank is extremely small. The majority of small tanks are overstocked and underfed. This causes rapid accumulation of waste which is then a requirement for your attention and time.
What size fish tank is easiest to maintain?
10 gallons is a great starting point, however, 20 to 30 gallons (and over) could be the perfect tank for the beginner with a budget. It’s crucial to take into consideration your budget.
Are smaller fish tanks harder to maintain?
Smaller aquariums are often more challenging to keep than larger ones and aren’t ideal for beginners. They are generally much more steady in large aquariums and when things begin to become problematic there is more time to rectify the issue. Aquariums that range from 20 or 55 gallons in size are great for beginners to aquarists.
Are fish happier in a bigger tank?
The more space fish are allowed to roam, the more happy and healthier they’ll be. The needs of fish vary so consult a specialist or read a good book on fish to figure out the requirements of your fish. The most common rule of thumb is to offer 3 gallons of water per centimeter of the fish.
Do fish prefer taller or wider tanks?
The majority of fish require space to move laterally (side to side) and this is quite restricted in a tall and narrow tank. This is particularly true when plants and other ornaments are added. This leaves very small spaces in a tank that is tall. The wide tanks offer an open space from side to side, which your fish will enjoy.
Conclusion: Trumpet Coral Care
Trumpet corals might not offer the most color or movement in your aquarium, however, they’re an excellent species to fill in the empty space or add to an aquarium for beginners. They’re very eager to eat and extremely easy to frag.
Overall, trumpet coral falls far from the “fancy” range. There are three reasons this coral is a good option for beginners:
- It allows you to conduct experiments. The coral won’t be damaged severely by putting on the wrong amount of calcium, alkalinity, or other. In any case, they will not suffer as badly as other animals.
- They aren’t as active as other LPS corals. While spacing is essential for every coral, the aggressive ones need plenty of space (because of their capacity to expand their sweeper tentacles in order to eliminate neighboring corals). This isn’t the case with trumpet corals. They can be kept in a small tank that is ideal for those who are just beginning.
- It’s likely that you won’t have any issues caused by lighting. Trumpet corals can easily adjust to virtually every lightning (that does not mean that you have to ignore general reef-keeping advice concerning lightning). The colors can change from vibrant and vibrant under one kind of light yet appear dull and dull under a different kind of lighting. Candy canes are extremely uniform in their appearance. As I’ve previously mentioned the name drama queen is not a reference to this species.
Trumpet coral has to be observed and appreciated, just like the serpent inside a clear cage.
If you have questions about trumpet coral care or other corals for beginners that are easy to learn about or have experienced fishing a large colony of sugar cane coral don’t hesitate to post your comments below!
