Bubble Coral

Natural Habitat and Location in the Wild

Bubble Coral is native to the Indo-Pacific region, including Australia, Indonesia, Fiji, the Philippines, and the Great Barrier Reef. It is commonly found in sheltered lagoons and reef slopes, where it grows in low-light environments with moderate water flow. In the wild, it often attaches to rocky crevices or sandy areas, allowing it to expand freely without obstruction.

Why Choose Bubble Coral for Your Reef Tank?

• Unique Bubble-Like Appearance – Creates a visually striking display.
• Low Maintenance & Beginner-Friendly – Hardy and adaptable to various conditions.
• Moderate Growth Rate – Expands steadily without overwhelming the tank.
• Non-Demanding Light Requirements – Thrives in low to moderate lighting.

Optimal Water Parameters

Maintaining stable conditions is crucial for Bubble Coral’s health:

Regular water testing and weekly water changes (10-15%) help maintain stability.

Tank Size and Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons or larger.
• Placement: Prefers lower areas of the tank with moderate flow and indirect lighting.
• Substrate Considerations: Best placed on rock ledges or sandy areas, allowing room for expansion.

Lighting Requirements

Bubble Coral prefers low to moderate lighting, making it suitable for various reef setups.

• PAR Range: 50-150 PAR
• Lighting Type: LED, T5, or hybrid lighting setups.
• Lighting Schedule: 8-10 hours per day, with gradual transitions to reduce stress.

Water Flow and Circulation

• Moderate, indirect water flow ensures proper expansion of the bubbles.
• Avoid strong, direct flow, which can tear the coral’s delicate tissue.
• Randomized flow patterns mimic natural conditions and prevent detritus buildup.

Feeding and Nutrition

Bubble Coral is both photosynthetic and a carnivorous feeder, benefiting from regular target feeding.

• Preferred Foods: Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, plankton, and reef roids.
• Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times per week promotes faster growth and better coloration.
• Best Feeding Method: Target feeding at night when the coral extends its sweeper tentacles.

Tank Mates and Compatibility

• Safe Companions: Clownfish, gobies, blennies, shrimp, and snails.
• Caution With: Bubble Coral has long, stinging sweeper tentacles, so it should be kept away from other corals.
• Avoid: Aggressive fish such as certain angelfish and butterflyfish that may nip at its fleshy bubbles.

Growth Rate and Propagation

• Moderate growth rate, with the coral expanding as it absorbs nutrients.
• Fragging Method: Use a bone cutter or coral saw to carefully separate sections of the skeleton.

Common Diseases and How to Prevent Them

• Brown Jelly Disease – A bacterial infection requiring iodine dips and improved water quality.
• Tissue Recession – Often caused by aggressive tank mates, unstable parameters, or excessive flow.
• Algae Overgrowth – Can suffocate 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 the fleshy bubbles are delicate and easily damaged.

Maintenance and Cleaning

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

Signs of Stress and How to Address Them

• Shrunken or deflated bubbles – 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.