Hammer Coral

Natural Habitat and Location in the Wild

Hammer Coral is found in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in Australia, Indonesia, Fiji, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. It thrives in lagoonal reefs and sheltered reef slopes, where it grows on rocky substrates under moderate lighting and gentle water flow.

Why Choose Hammer Coral for Your Reef Tank?

• Beautiful, Flowing Movement – Adds dynamic motion to the aquarium.
• Moderate Care Level – Hardy but requires stable parameters.
• Branching & Wall Growth Forms – Adaptable to different tank setups.
• Photosynthetic but Benefits from Feeding – Gains energy from both light and supplemental feedings.

Optimal Water Parameters

Maintaining stable conditions ensures the best health and coloration for Hammer Coral:

Regular water changes (10-15% weekly) help maintain stability and prevent nutrient imbalances.

Tank Size and Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons or larger.
• Placement: Prefers mid to lower areas of the tank with moderate flow.
• Substrate Considerations: Best placed on rockwork, ensuring enough space for tentacle extension.

Lighting Requirements

Hammer Coral thrives under moderate lighting, which enhances its color while preventing bleaching.

• PAR Range: 100-200 PAR
• Lighting Type: LED, T5, or hybrid setups.
• Lighting Schedule: 8-10 hours per day, with gradual intensity transitions.

Water Flow and Circulation

• Moderate, indirect water flow ensures proper tentacle extension.
• Avoid strong, direct currents, which can cause tissue recession.
• Randomized flow patterns help prevent detritus buildup and enhance nutrient absorption.

Feeding and Nutrition

Hammer Coral benefits from both photosynthesis and direct feeding, absorbing nutrients through its polyps.

• Preferred Foods: Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, reef roids, and amino acids.
• Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times per week enhances growth and polyp extension.
• Best Feeding Method: Target feeding at night when tentacles are extended.

Tank Mates and Compatibility

• Safe Companions: Clownfish, gobies, blennies, shrimp, and snails.
• Caution With: Other LPS corals—Hammer Coral has long sweeper tentacles that can sting neighbors.
• Avoid: Aggressive fish like certain angelfish and butterflyfish, which may nip at its tentacles.

Growth Rate and Propagation

• Moderate growth rate, expanding as it absorbs nutrients.
• Fragging Method: Branching varieties can be fragged using a bone cutter, while wall varieties are more difficult to propagate.

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 unstable parameters, excessive flow, or aggression from nearby corals.
• Algae Overgrowth – Can suffocate the coral if excess nutrients are present.

Handling and Acclimation

• Drip acclimation is recommended to gradually adjust the coral to new water conditions.
• Minimize handling, as its fleshy structure is prone to damage.

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 tentacles – May indicate poor water quality, excessive flow, or aggressive tank mates.
• Faded or bleached coloration – Reduce light intensity and increase feeding.
• Receding tissue or damage – Ensure stable water conditions and avoid sharp surfaces.

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.