Ricordea coral are delicate and require special attention compared to other mushroom coral. Aquarium lighting plays a major role in Ricordea Mushroom Coral care. Ricordea Florida and Ricordea Yuma both have slightly different
tolerances in aquarium lighting, especially Metal Halide, VHO, Power Compact Actinic or 20k lights. Some reef aquarists would argue that Metal Halides output too much light. Too much reef lighting, especially VHO and MH lighting will melt Ricordea Yuma. Acknowledging the potential problems, I have found Metal Halide lights, used properly, provide the best source of energy. Years of success using Metal Halide lighting with Ricordea Mushroom Coral reef tanks lead me to recommend them.
Because of the delicate properties of Ricordea Mushroom Coral I suggest, when possible, that you build a Ricordea only reef tank system. Chemical toxins emitted by Ricordea daily, particularly after propagation, are theoretically less harmful to other Ricordea than other types of live coral. When handling SPS or LPS during propagation make sure to thoroughly rinse your hands prior to working with Ricordea, Ricordea tissue is very fragile.
A small tear can lead to bacterial infection. Infection will literally dissolve live mushroom coral in a matter of days. As with all live coral water movement and circulation are essential. I set up small containers in my mushroom coral systems. The containers are perforated to aid the water movement while helping to limit the live coral from being swept to far away.
When propagating Ricordea it is often necessary to attach the Ricordea polyps to substrate. Substrate rubble can be glued to disks and the polyp foot naturally attach to the substrate rubble. Never apply any adhesive directly on to the Ricordea (or any other mushroom coral) flesh.
24 Jul 2008 at 3:19am
Detroit Science Center (IMAX Dome Theatre): Films at the IMAX, "Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk," "Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs," "Dolphins" and "Coral Reef Adventure." Call for daily times. 5020 John R, Det...
23 Jul 2008 at 1:05pm
Crown-of-thorns starfish, which can devastate coral reefs, are less common in Australian no-fishing zones
21 Jul 2008 at 4:15pm
Marine species show dismal survival rates when the predatory lionfish swim into their ecosystem, an Oregon State University study indicates.The study found when lionfish entered an area, survival rates other reef fish...
23 Jul 2008 at 7:19pm
Jacques Cousteau was a pioneer in the study of marine biology, but new research shows the ocean life he explored could be dead within a few years, says Tim Radford
21 Jul 2008 at 5:06pm
Coral reefs around the world are disappearing and the culprit here is carbon dioxide.
