ORA Ponape Birdsnest

Description

Most Seriatopora, or birdsnest corals, have polyps that extend out far from the base, giving the coral a fluffy appearance. That’s where this coral differs from other birdsnest corals. The corallites protrude and the polyps only peek out slightly. This results in a unique shape and texture. Along with that, the coral has green branches and darker green polyps. The sharp tips are a pinkish purple. Birdsnest corals can be found in several locations in the Indo-Pacific, but the frags are aquacultured by ORA. They are grown in aquariums instead of being collected from the ocean, which has several benefits that you can find below. This particular birdsnest originates from Pohnepi (previously called Ponape), which is a sate in the Federated States of Micronesia.  Birdsnest corals can have varying requirements when it comes to lighting. Some prefer low light, others can be put anywhere, while some need high light. The Ponape Birdsnest is one that can be put under any light low or high. If you plan on keeping it under medium or high light, be sure to acclimate it to the light first. Do this by starting it low and gradually moving it up over a long period. This is important to avoid bleaching. While it can be put under high light (if acclimated properly), the Ponape Birdsnest tends to give the best coloration under lighting on the lower end. Regarding flow, this coral prefers moderate to strong flow. It is important to provide enough flow to ensure no detritus can settle on the coral. Flow also helps bring needed nutrients and elements to the coral. It is best that the flow is irregular and random to avoid dead spots and to promote proper growth. Seriatopora are not as sensitive to water chemistry as Acropora, but you should still aim to keep your levels as stable as possible. Keep your calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium within a good range and stable. You should also keep your temperature stable between 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit. The nitrates should be 1-5 ppm and the phosphates should be just barely detectable but not 0. This is not a coral you should go out of your way to feed. It contains zooxanthellae which is a photosynthetic algae that provides the coral with most of its nutritional needs. However, dosing phytoplankton and amino acids can benefit this coral. The great thing about phytoplankton is that it will feed your corals without causing nutrient spikes.

Care requirements

Purchase Size: 1 – 2″

Placement: Bottom to middle.

Lighting: Low to high.

Flow: Moderate to strong

Parameters:  72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 32-35 ppt

Calcium: 350-450 ppm

Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH

Magnesium: 1,250-1,350 ppm

More Information

There are lots of benefits to aquacultured corals. First, they are more sustainable and environmentally friendly, which is always a good thing. Second, they are more likely to survive and do well in your aquarium. This is because they are grown in aquariums, making them well adapted to aquarium conditions such as lighting, flow, and parameters. They are overall hardier than corals collected from the ocean. Third and finally, aquacultured coral are far less likely to carry pests or diseases, though you should still dip and/or quarantine them to be safe.