Welcome to the fascinating world of hammer coral care, where we will unravel the secrets to maintaining this captivating species in your aquarium.
With its distinctive appearance and vibrant colors, hammer coral is a true gem that can elevate the beauty of any tank.
However, there is much more to hammer coral care than meets the eye.
In this discussion, we will unveil the essential aspects of creating the perfect environment for your hammer coral, ensuring its longevity and vitality.
So, get ready to embark on a journey of knowledge and discover the secrets that will help you become a successful hammer coral keeper.
Key Takeaways
- Hammer coral is a non-living and rock-like coral that is also known as sausage coral, ridge coral, or bubble honeycomb coral.
- Hammer corals are large polyp stony (LPS) corals that have polyps that move with water flow and can sting when threatened.
- When buying hammer coral, it is important to purchase from a reputable seller, ensure the coral has been in the store for at least a week, and avoid buying damaged corals.
- Hammer corals are carnivores and require protein in their diet, but they also obtain nutrients from symbiotic relationships with marine algae and capture planktonic organisms.
Hammer Coral Basics
Hammer coral, also known as sausage coral, ridge coral, or bubble honeycomb coral, is a large polyp stony (LPS) coral that is native to Australia, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
This coral species exhibits distinct growth patterns and color variations. There are three variations of growth types observed in hammer coral: wall hammer coral, branching hammer coral, and large branching semi wall hammer coral. Each variation has unique characteristics that contribute to the overall appearance of the coral.
Additionally, hammer corals come in various colors, including tan, brown, green, and bicolor. These color variations add to the visual appeal of the coral and make it an attractive addition to marine aquariums.
Understanding the growth patterns and color variations of hammer coral is essential for providing optimal care and creating visually appealing aquascapes.
Buying and Feeding Hammer Coral
When purchasing hammer coral, it is important to choose a reputable seller and ensure that the coral has been in the store for at least a week to minimize the risk of buying damaged corals.
To properly care for hammer coral after purchase, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind:
- Choose the right tank size: Hammer coral requires a minimum tank size of 50 gallons to thrive. Larger tanks provide better survival conditions for the coral, so it is recommended to opt for a larger tank if possible.
- Proper acclimation: When introducing hammer coral to a new tank, it is crucial to acclimate it slowly to its new environment. Gradually adjust the water parameters over a period of several hours to give the coral time to adapt.
- Quarantine procedures: Quarantining hammer coral before introducing it to the main tank can help prevent the spread of diseases. Keep the coral in a separate tank for at least a few weeks to monitor for any signs of illness.
- Feeding: Hammer coral is a carnivorous coral and requires protein in its diet. Feed it small pieces of Mysis, Microplankton, Krill, and Brine shrimp to ensure it receives the necessary nutrients. Additionally, the coral will also eat leftover food and food produced by photosynthetic organisms in the tank.
Lifespan and Appearance
The lifespan of hammer corals is not precisely known, but they have the potential to live up to 75 years with proper care and environmental conditions. Hammer corals are part of the large polyp stony (LPS) corals and have a hard stony surface due to calcification.
Their appearance is determined by their tentacle-like polyps, which come in three variations of growth types: wall hammer coral, branching hammer coral, and large branching semi wall hammer coral. These corals can be found in various colors, including tan, brown, green, and bicolor.
It is important to note that hammer corals are often mistaken for anchor corals, but their polyp shape is different. Understanding the growth patterns and color variations of hammer corals can aid in their proper care and maintenance.
Tank Needs and Placement
To ensure the proper care and placement of hammer coral in your tank, it is essential to consider their specific tank needs. Here are some important factors to consider for the aquarium setup and lighting requirements of hammer coral:
- Tank Size: A 50-gallon tank is recommended for hammer corals, but larger tanks provide better survival conditions for the coral.
- Water Parameters: Maintain stable water parameters without fluctuations. A mature tank with sufficient calcium and alkaline water is important for hammer corals. The temperature should be between 72 and 78°F, pH between 8 and 8.4, and calcium level at 400 ppm.
- Lighting: Hammer coral needs moderate light. Provide them with appropriate lighting, such as LED lights or metal halide lights, to support their photosynthetic processes.
- Placement: Place the coral at least 6 inches away from other corals to avoid stinging. It is best to place hammer coral on the substrate at the bottom of the tank. Avoid placing hammer coral on the top layer of the tank.
Toxicity and Handling
Considering the proper care and placement of hammer coral in your tank, it is crucial to understand the potential toxicity and the necessary precautions for handling this coral species.
Although hammer corals are not toxic or poisonous to humans, they can cause skin reactions when touched bare-handed. It is recommended to wear gloves when handling hammer corals to avoid skin redness and small rashes.
The human skin is too strong to be penetrated by their stings, which are used to kill prey. However, direct contact with the polyps can result in skin irritation. It is important to note that any skin redness and rashes caused by hammer coral contact will heal on their own.
Compatibility With Tank Mates
Hammer coral exhibits aggression towards neighboring corals that are too close, making compatibility with tank mates an important consideration. To create a harmonious community in a mixed coral reef tank, it is crucial to manage aggression and choose the right tank mates for hammer coral.
Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Managing aggression: Dealing with territorial disputes in a mixed coral reef tank.
- Provide ample space between hammer coral and other corals to minimize aggression.
- Use physical barriers like rocks or coral frag plugs to create boundaries.
- Regularly monitor the tank for signs of aggression and intervene if necessary.
- Consider rearranging the tank layout to disrupt territorial behavior.
- Creating a harmonious community: Choosing the right tank mates for hammer coral.
- Select saltwater fish that are compatible with the tank's parameters and do not pose a threat to the coral.
- Hammer coral is peaceful towards corals of its own genus (Euphyllia corals), such as frogspawn and torch corals.
- Avoid tank mates like butterflyfish, rabbitfish, angelfish, and peppermint shrimp that may harass or eat the hammer coral.
- Research the behaviors and compatibility of potential tank mates before introducing them to the tank.
Tips for Successful Hammer Coral Care
Proper care and maintenance are essential for ensuring the health and longevity of hammer corals in a marine aquarium. Two crucial factors to consider are hammer coral lighting and water parameters.
Hammer corals require moderate lighting levels to thrive. It is recommended to provide them with a mix of blue and white light to mimic their natural environment.
Additionally, maintaining stable water parameters is crucial for their well-being. The temperature should be kept between 72 and 78°F, pH levels between 8 and 8.4, and calcium levels at 400 ppm. Fluctuations in these parameters can stress the corals and lead to health issues.
Regular water testing and adjustments are necessary to create an optimal environment for hammer corals. By paying close attention to lighting and water parameters, aquarists can ensure the successful care of hammer corals in their marine aquarium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Hammer Corals Survive in a Freshwater Tank?
Hammer corals cannot survive in a freshwater tank as they require specific saltwater conditions. They are incompatible with freshwater tank setups and need optimal water parameters such as stable salinity, alkalinity, calcium levels, and appropriate lighting and water flow.
How Often Should Hammer Corals Be Fed?
Hammer corals should be fed 2-3 times per week to ensure their nutritional needs are met. The best food for hammer corals includes small pieces of Mysis, Microplankton, Krill, and Brine shrimp, as well as leftover food and food produced by photosynthetic organisms in the tank.
Can Hammer Corals Be Kept in a Nano Tank?
Hammer corals can be kept in a nano tank, but it is important to consider their growth rate and color variations. Provide proper lighting, water parameters, and sufficient space to accommodate their growth and ensure their well-being.
What Are Some Common Diseases That Affect Hammer Corals?
Common diseases affecting hammer corals include brown jelly disease, white band disease, and bacterial infections. To prevent these diseases, maintain stable water parameters, provide proper lighting and water flow, and avoid physical damage. Treatment options include coral dips, antibiotic treatments, and improving water quality.
Can Hammer Corals Reproduce in a Home Aquarium?
Hammer corals can reproduce in a home aquarium through a process called fragmentation. Fragments of the coral can be carefully removed and placed in a separate tank where they will grow into new colonies. Careful monitoring and proper conditions are necessary for successful hammer coral breeding and reproduction.
