ECC Rainbow Splash Cyphastrea

Quick Stats

• Care Level: Moderate
• Coral Type: SPS (Small Polyp Stony)
• Lighting Requirement: Low to Medium (75-250 PAR)
• Flow: Moderate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Placement: Rockwork
• Approximate Purchase Size: 1/2"-3/4"

Overview

The ECC Rainbow Splash Cyphastrea shows red polyps with yellow-orange skirts on a pale lavender base. The green edges of the coral will turn red like the center over time as the corals grows. It's a great option for reefers looking to add an encrusting coral that does well in lower light conditions. It's well-suited for filling in open spaces on rockwork or even covering bare bottom tanks.

This coral adapts well to stable systems with moderate flow and consistent parameters. It's a solid choice for hobbyists looking to build up encrusting coverage without the demands of higher light SPS corals. Once settled, it grows steadily and can be placed in lower light areas where other corals might struggle to thrive.

Note: This is not a WYSIWYG listing. Photo is a representation of the shape, size, and color of the coral you will receive.

Cyphastrea Care Guide

Water Parameters

This coral thrives in stable water conditions with regular water changes. Corals with a skeleton base, like this one, 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 Degrees F
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Alkalinity: 8-9.5 dKH
• Calcium: 400-450ppm
• Magnesium: 1300-1450ppm
• Nitrate (NO3): 1-25ppm
• Phosphate: 0.01-0.1ppm
• Nitrite (NO2): Undetectable
• Ammonia (NH3): Undetectable

Lighting Requirements

Cyphastrea corals generally prefer low to medium-light areas of the aquarium, ideally in the 75-250 PAR range. While it can handle lighting at the top end of this range, it's best to acclimate it gradually to avoid stress.

For those with mixed reef tanks, a PAR meter is invaluable for fine-tuning light levels across different corals, helping ensure each coral gets the right intensity for its needs. This careful setup supports the coral’s vibrant color and long-term health.

Ideal Tank Placement

Position cyphastrea where the water current isn’t too turbulent but has a steady flow, preventing detritus from settling onto the coral. Place it in an area where it has some room to grow and encrust. Directly onto the rockwork or on the tank glass in a bare bottom setup are both great options.

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, as this helps to 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

While cyphastrea primarily relies on photosynthesis for energy, it can benefit from occasional target feedings with coral foods such as Reef Chili and Amino Acids like CoralAmino. These supplemental feedings can support faster growth and better coloration.

Growth Rate and Pattern

This coral is a steady grower 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.