Description
Kenya tree corals originate from the Indo-Pacific and the Red Sea. However, the frags sold here are aquacultured by ORA. Rather than being collected from the ocean, these corals are grown in aquarium and then fragged to be sold to hobbyists such as yourself. There are a few different Kenya tree varieties with different colorations. This particular Kenya tree has a greenish tan base with darker brown polyps, nothing special there, but it does have pretty white stripes on the polyps that distinguish it from other Kenya tree corals. It helps that this coral offers lots of movement and structure to the aquarium. Kenya tree corals are super easy to care for, but there are some placement tips that will allow this coral to open fully. First, let’s go over the lighting requirements for this coral. In terms of spectrum, this coral is not picky. Providing light under the blue and white spectrum is plenty. Kenya tree corals prefer medium to high light. It is possible to provide too much light, but it would take a lot. It is advised that you start this coral in lower light and gradually move it into higher light. As long as you provide at least 50-80 micromoles of PAR, this coral will be happy, though it can be placed under up to 250 micromoles of PAR. These corals tend to do best on the upper portions of the rock work. Regarding flow, Kenya tree corals require moderate to strong flow. You don’t want to blast this coral with flow, but strong indirect water movement is greatly appreciated. It is easy to tell if this coral is getting enough flow because it will often shrivel up if this is the case. This behavior may also be caused by lighting that is too intense. As long as you provide adequate lighting and plenty of flow, this coral will flourish in your aquarium. However, you should also make sure your nutrient levels are in a good place. Ideally, the nitrates should be 1-5 ppm and the phosphates should be as close to 0.01 ppm as possible. Kenya tree corals can handle and even do better at higher nutrient levels, but that may risk algae growth. Keep your temperature between 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit and stable. Lastly, let’s talk about feeding. Kenya tree corals contain a photosynthetic algae called zooxanthellae which provides the coral with a large portion of its nutritional needs. However, Kenya tree corals greatly benefit from feeding. If you have other corals that might be sensitive to high nutrient levels, you should feed with restraint. You can feed Kenya tree corals quite a bit, but keep in mind there is such thing as too much feeding. Dosing phytoplankton is a great way to feed this coral and all of your corals without causing an increase in nutrient levels.
Care requirements
Purchase Size: 1 – 2″
Placement: Middle to top is recommended, though any placement is fine as long as its lighting and flow requirements are met.
Lighting: Medium
Flow: Moderate to strong.
Parameters: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 32-35 ppt
More Information
Because this coral is aquacultured by ORA, it is better adapted to aquarium conditions such as lighting, flow, and water chemistry. Aquacultured corals are also far less likely to carry pests and disease than corals collected from the ocean, though you should still dip and/or quarantine them to be safe. On top of all that, aquacultured corals are more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Keep your aquarium free of pests and do your part to decrease the impact the hobby has on real reefs by choosing aquacultured corals!
