ECC Cyphastrea Coral (5 Pack)

Cyphastrea corals are colorful encrusting corals known for their small polyps and contrasting colors. As they grow, they spread across rockwork and other hard surfaces, creating a textured layer of color that can highlight areas of the aquascape that might otherwise be difficult to fill.

They are generally more tolerant of lower light than many other SPS corals and do well with moderate flow and stable water parameters. Their adaptable placement options and steady encrusting growth make them a good choice for adding color to shaded rockwork, vertical surfaces, or bare-bottom aquarium glass.

Note: This 5-pack includes five different Cyphastrea coral frags selected by Eye Catching Coral. Each pack is chosen to provide a mix of colors and patterns, but specific varieties cannot be guaranteed. Coral selection will vary based on current availability, making every pack a little different.

Water Parameters

Corals thrive in stable water conditions with regular water changes. Corals with a hard skeleton will consume calcium and alkalinity as they grow, often requiring additional supplementation. Routine water testing helps ensure these needs are consistently met.

• Specific Gravity (Salinity): 1.025-1.026
• Temperature: 75-78°F
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Alkalinity: 8-9.5 dKH
• Calcium: 400-450 ppm
• Magnesium: 1300-1450 ppm
• Nitrate (NO3): 10-25 ppm
• Phosphate: 0.01-0.1 ppm
• Nitrite (NO2): Undetectable
• Ammonia (NH3): Undetectable

Lighting Requirements

Most Cyphastrea corals prefer low to medium lighting, ideally in the 75-250 PAR range. Start by placing them near the lower end of that range and slowly acclimate them to higher light if necessary.

For those with mixed reef tanks, a PAR meter is an invaluable tool for fine-tuning lighting, helping ensure each coral gets the right intensity to thrive.

Ideal Tank Placement

Cyphastrea corals are typically placed directly on rockwork or on the aquarium glass in a bare-bottom setup. Place them in an area where they have room to grow and encrust.

Water Flow Requirements

Moderate water flow is ideal. Aim for movement that’s enough to gently shift the coral’s polyps without blasting it directly. This helps keep debris from collecting on the surface and promotes healthy growth.

Aggressiveness and Compatibility

It's important to give encrusting corals room to grow. Like most corals, it will fight with any other corals it comes into direct contact with.

Feeding and Nutrition

Cyphastrea primarily rely on photosynthesis for energy, but they can benefit from occasional feeding with small meaty foods or powdered coral foods. Supplemental amino acid dosing can also enhance growth and coloration.

Growth Rate and Pattern

Cyphastrea are steady growers with a growth pattern that is determined by the shape of the rock or surface it's encrusting over.

Acclimation Process

Acclimation is essential for corals to adjust to their new environment. For a full step-by-step process, refer to our Coral Acclimation Guide.