Bounce Mushroom

Natural Habitat and Location in the Wild

Bounce Mushrooms are found in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in Indonesia, Australia, Fiji, and the Great Barrier Reef. They thrive in low-light reef environments, typically growing on rocky surfaces in lagoons and reef slopes. These corals prefer gentle water movement and nutrient-rich waters, making them well-suited for stable reef aquariums.

Why Choose Bounce Mushroom for Your Reef Tank?

• Highly Collectible & Unique – Their bubble-like vesicles make them a standout coral.
• Low Maintenance – Suitable for beginners due to their hardiness.
• Moderate Growth Rate – Expands steadily under proper conditions.
• No Special Feeding Required – Can thrive primarily through photosynthesis.

Optimal Water Parameters

Maintaining stable conditions is essential for Bounce Mushroom’s health and coloration:

Weekly water changes (10-15%) help maintain stability and nutrient balance.

Tank Size and Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons or larger.
• Placement: Prefers low to mid-levels of the tank, avoiding strong light.
• Substrate Considerations: Should be placed on rockwork or frag racks, but avoid high-flow areas.

Lighting Requirements

Bounce Mushrooms thrive under low to moderate lighting, which helps prevent vesicle shrinkage.

• PAR Range: 50-100 PAR
• Lighting Type: LED, T5, or hybrid setups with adjustable intensity.
• Lighting Schedule: 8-10 hours per day with gradual transitions to reduce stress.

Water Flow and Circulation

• Low to moderate, indirect water flow ensures proper nutrient absorption.
• Avoid strong, direct currents, which can cause the vesicles to retract.
• Randomized flow patterns help prevent debris from settling on the coral.

Feeding and Nutrition

Bounce Mushrooms obtain most of their nutrients from photosynthesis, but they can also absorb organic matter from the water.

• Preferred Foods: Phytoplankton, zooplankton, amino acids, and reef supplements.
• Feeding Frequency: Optional but can be done once a week for enhanced growth.
• Best Feeding Method: Broadcast feeding is sufficient, as mushrooms can absorb dissolved nutrients.

Tank Mates and Compatibility

• Safe Companions: Clownfish, gobies, blennies, shrimp, and snails.
• Caution With: Other mushrooms—Bounce Mushrooms can overgrow nearby corals.
• Avoid: Aggressive fish like certain angelfish and butterflyfish, which may nip at the vesicles.

Growth Rate and Propagation

• Moderate growth rate, expanding as it absorbs nutrients.
• Fragging Method: Use a sharp scalpel or razor to cut sections of the coral and allow them to attach naturally.

Common Diseases and How to Prevent Them

• Bacterial Infections – Can occur if the mushroom is damaged; treat with iodine dips.
• Tissue Recession – Often caused by unstable water conditions or excessive flow.
• Algae Overgrowth – Can smother the coral if excess nutrients are present.

Handling and Acclimation

• Drip acclimation is recommended to gradually introduce the coral to new water conditions.
• Minimize handling, as vesicles can burst if touched excessively.

Maintenance and Cleaning

• Perform weekly water changes (10-15%) to maintain water quality.
• Remove detritus buildup around the coral to prevent bacterial infections.

Signs of Stress and How to Address Them

• Shrunken or retracted vesicles – May indicate poor water quality, excessive flow, or lighting issues.
• Faded or bleached coloration – Reduce light intensity and increase feeding.
• Receding tissue or damage – Ensure stable water conditions and avoid aggressive tank mates.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Bleaching – Caused by excessive light exposure; relocate to a lower-light area.
• Pest Infestation – Inspect regularly for flatworms, nudibranchs, or parasitic snails.
• Slow Growth – Increase target feeding and ensure stable alkalinity and calcium levels.