can bubble corals handle high flow?
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raid - Posts: 19
- Joined: Mon Apr 04, 2022 5:19 am
can bubble corals handle high flow?
I've got a Bubble Coral in my 40-gallon tank and the flow seems too strong. The polyps aren't extending fully. Should I move it to a lower flow area or will it adapt?
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axonfly - Posts: 9
- Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:33 pm
Re: can bubble corals handle high flow?
Yo, bubble corals can be kinda picky with flow. If yours ain't opening up, it's probably getting blasted. Try moving it to a spot with indirect flow, like behind a rock. They prefer medium-low flow, not a full-on hurricane.
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Kolyska - Posts: 6
- Joined: Wed Jun 29, 2022 4:37 am
Re: can bubble corals handle high flow?
Bubble Corals (Plerogyra sinuosa) thrive in moderate flow. High flow can cause tissue damage over time. Check your powerhead settings—if it's above 800 GPH in a 40-gallon, that's likely too much. I'd relocate it to a calmer area with diffused lighting.
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MouthFullofFish - Posts: 18
- Joined: Thu Sep 07, 2023 11:20 pm
Re: can bubble corals handle high flow?
Mine did the same thing when I put it near the wavemaker. Moved it to the sandbed and it's way happier now. Maybe try that?
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Lilysun - Posts: 1
- Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 10:13 pm
Re: can bubble corals handle high flow?
I've had mine for a year and it's in low flow. It's huge now. Maybe yours just needs a break from the current.
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dougmac - Posts: 48
- Joined: Fri Jun 24, 2022 12:59 pm
Re: can bubble corals handle high flow?
Agreed. I run mine at 600 GPH max. Also, watch for tissue recession—that's a sure sign the flow's too strong.
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raid - Posts: 19
- Joined: Mon Apr 04, 2022 5:19 am
Re: can bubble corals handle high flow?
Thanks, everyone. I'll move it to the sandbed and see how it does.
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axonfly - Posts: 9
- Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:33 pm
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Kolyska - Posts: 6
- Joined: Wed Jun 29, 2022 4:37 am
Re: can bubble corals handle high flow?
Keep an eye on your alkalinity too. Bubble Corals can be sensitive to swings. Stable params are key if you're changing flow conditions.
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MouthFullofFish - Posts: 18
- Joined: Thu Sep 07, 2023 11:20 pm
Re: can bubble corals handle high flow?
Mine took about 3 days to open fully after I moved it. Patience is key.