Page 1 of 2
can bubble corals handle high flow?
Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2025 3:39 am
by raid
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?
Re: can bubble corals handle high flow?
Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2025 5:35 am
by axonfly
raid wrote: ↑Wed Apr 30, 2025 3:39 am
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?
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.
Re: can bubble corals handle high flow?
Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2025 6:20 am
by Kolyska
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.
Re: can bubble corals handle high flow?
Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2025 8:10 am
by MouthFullofFish
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?
Re: can bubble corals handle high flow?
Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2025 9:03 am
by Lilysun
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.
Re: can bubble corals handle high flow?
Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2025 9:42 am
by dougmac
Kolyska wrote: ↑Wed Apr 30, 2025 6:20 am
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.
Agreed. I run mine at 600 GPH max. Also, watch for tissue recession—that's a sure sign the flow's too strong.
Re: can bubble corals handle high flow?
Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2025 11:12 am
by raid
Thanks, everyone. I'll move it to the sandbed and see how it does.
Re: can bubble corals handle high flow?
Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2025 11:28 am
by axonfly
raid wrote: ↑Wed Apr 30, 2025 11:12 am
Thanks, everyone. I'll move it to the sandbed and see how it does.
Solid plan. Give it a week to adjust. If it's still closed up, check your water params—sometimes it's not just the flow messing with them.
Re: can bubble corals handle high flow?
Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2025 1:21 pm
by Kolyska
Keep an eye on your alkalinity too. Bubble Corals can be sensitive to swings. Stable params are key if you're changing flow conditions.
Re: can bubble corals handle high flow?
Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2025 1:38 pm
by MouthFullofFish
Mine took about 3 days to open fully after I moved it. Patience is key.