Extreme Corals News and Updates

Introduction to Mycedium Mycedium, commonly known as Chalice Coral , is a Large Polyp Stony (LPS) coral prized for its unique plating or encrusting growth patterns and vibrant colors . Available in fluorescent shades of green, orange, purple, blue, red, and pink , Mycedium features distinctive raised corallites (mouths) that give it a textured, eye-catching appearance .

This coral is moderately challenging to care for , requiring low to moderate lighting, stable water parameters, and careful placement due to its aggressive sweeper tentacles . It is a fantastic choice for intermediate to advanced reef keepers looking to add a visually striking coral to their tank.

Natural Habitat and Location in the Wild Mycedium corals are found in the Indo-Pacific region , including Australia, Indonesia, Fiji, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef . They naturally occur in deeper reef slopes and shaded lagoon areas , where they encrust rocky substrates under moderate to low light and gentle water flow .

Why Choose Mycedium for Your Reef Tank? Beautiful, Fluorescent Colors – Enhances reef aesthetics with glowing hues under actinic lighting. Plating & Encrusting Growth – Fills out rockwork, creating a layered reef structure. Moderate Care Level – Requires stable conditions but adapts well to reef tanks. Aggressive Sweeper Tentacles – Requires careful placement away from other corals. Optimal Water Parameters Maintaining stable water conditions ensures the best health and coloration for Mycedium:

Parameter Ideal Range Temperature 76-80°F (24-27°C) Salinity 1.024-1.026 SG pH 8.1-8.4 Alkalinity 8-10 dKH Calcium 400-450 ppm Magnesium 1250-1350 ppm Nitrate 2-10 ppm Phosphate 0.03-0.07 ppm 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 lower to mid-level areas of the tank with moderate flow . Substrate Considerations : Best placed on rockwork or frag racks , ensuring enough space for sweeper tentacle expansion. Lighting Requirements Mycedium corals thrive under low to moderate lighting , which helps maintain their deep fluorescence while preventing bleaching.

PAR Range : 80-150 PAR Lighting Type : LED, T5, or hybrid setups with blue-spectrum emphasis. Lighting Schedule : 8-10 hours per day, with gradual intensity transitions. Water Flow and Circulation Moderate, indirect water flow ensures proper polyp expansion. Avoid strong, direct currents , which can cause tissue recession . Randomized flow patterns help prevent detritus buildup and enhance nutrient absorption. Feeding and Nutrition Mycedium 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 coloration. Best Feeding Method : Target feeding at night when tentacles extend. Tank Mates and Compatibility Safe Companions : Clownfish, gobies, blennies, shrimp, and snails. Caution With : Other LPS corals—Mycedium has long sweeper tentacles that can sting neighbors. Avoid : Aggressive fish like certain angelfish and butterflyfish , which may nip at polyps. Growth Rate and Propagation Moderate growth rate , spreading as an encrusting or plating structure . Fragging Method : Use a bandsaw or bone cutter to create clean fragments for propagation. 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 or excessive flow . Algae Overgrowth – Can smother 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 tissue damage can lead to infection . 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 receding tissue – May indicate poor water quality, excessive flow, or aggression from nearby corals . Faded or bleached coloration – Reduce light intensity and increase feeding. Overgrowth on unwanted areas – Frag and relocate colonies to prevent excessive spread. Troubleshooting Common Issues Bleaching – Caused by excessive light exposure; move 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 . FAQs on Mycedium Coral Care 1. How fast does Mycedium grow? It has a moderate growth rate , encrusting over rockwork over time.

2. Can Mycedium be kept in a nano tank? Yes, but stable water parameters and careful placement are essential.

3. Does Mycedium require direct feeding? While it survives on photosynthesis, target feeding enhances growth and color vibrancy .

4. How can I tell if my coral is unhealthy? Signs include tissue recession, faded colors, or lack of polyp extension .

5. Can Mycedium be placed near other corals? It should be spaced away from other corals due to its aggressive sweeper tentacles .

6. What is the best way to frag Mycedium? Use a bandsaw or bone cutter to create clean frag sections for propagation.

Extreme Corals News and Updates

Care Requirements of Mycedium in Home Reef Aquariums

Mycedium coral care guide – Learn how to maintain this vibrant, encrusting LPS coral in your reef aquarium.

Mycedium, or Chalice Coral, is a striking LPS coral from the Indo-Pacific. This guide covers lighting, flow, feeding, and placement to ensure success in your home reef tank.

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