Alright, buckle up folks, because I’m diving into my latest reef tank obsession: flowerpot corals! I’ve always been drawn to these little guys, the way they sway in the current, the vibrant colors… but man, they’ve got a reputation for being tricky. So, I figured, let’s document this journey from the get-go. No secrets, no sugarcoating, just the raw, unfiltered experience.
First things first: Research! I spent a solid week glued to reef forums, watching YouTube videos, and reading articles. The consensus? Stable parameters are KING. We’re talking consistent alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, and absolutely pristine water quality. Basically, they’re divas. Got it.
Prep work: I already have a mature reef tank, been running for about 3 years. It’s a 75-gallon system with a decent sump, protein skimmer, and all the usual bells and whistles. I tested the water like a madman for a week straight. Everything was in the sweet spot, or close enough for jazz. I did a small water change just to be extra cautious.
Sourcing the coral: This was probably the toughest part. I wanted a healthy specimen, not some bleached-out frag struggling to survive. I ended up finding a local reefer who was fragging his own flowerpot colony. Score! It was a decent size, good color, and the polyps were extended. Plus, buying local meant less stress on the coral during transport.
Acclimation: Drip acclimation is the name of the game. I slowly dripped water from my tank into the bag the coral came in, over about an hour. This helps the coral adjust to the new water parameters gradually. Then, I carefully placed it in a low-flow area of the tank, away from direct light. Gotta ease it in!
Placement: Flowerpots don’t like to be blasted by strong currents. They prefer moderate, indirect flow. I found a spot on a rock ledge where it gets enough flow to sway gently, but not get whipped around. I also made sure it wasn’t touching any other corals – don’t want any chemical warfare going on.
Feeding: This is where things get interesting. Flowerpots are filter feeders, so they need regular feedings of small particle foods. I’ve been using a mix of phytoplankton, rotifers, and coral aminos. I target feed them a couple times a week, turning off the pumps to give them a chance to eat. It’s a bit of a hassle, but hopefully worth it.
Monitoring: I’m keeping a close eye on the coral’s polyp extension, color, and overall health. Any signs of recession or bleaching, and I’ll be ready to take action. I’m also testing the water regularly to make sure my parameters stay stable.
Week 1 update: So far, so good! The flowerpot is still alive, and the polyps are extending nicely. It seems to be adjusting well to its new home. I’m cautiously optimistic, but I know the real test is long-term stability.
Things I’ve learned (so far): Don’t rush anything. Take your time with acclimation and placement. Stable water parameters are non-negotiable. And be prepared to adjust your feeding schedule as needed. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
I’ll keep you all updated on my flowerpot adventures. Wish me luck!
