Nuclear Center Duncan

About this coral

Nuclear Center Duncan is a named large polyp stony (LPS) coral from the Duncan coral group, Duncanopsammia axifuga. In the hobby, a name like Nuclear Center usually refers to a seller's color morph, not a separate species. The care advice below applies to Duncan corals in general and isn't specific to this morph. Duncans are widely considered easy and beginner-friendly. They have fleshy polyp heads that are usually open, and they suit reef aquarists who want a hardy LPS coral for a calm, peaceful display.

Features:

• Duncan corals are known as easy, beginner-friendly LPS corals that adapt well to a range of tank conditions.
• Peaceful in temperament and compatible with non-aggressive tankmates.
• Does well under moderate lighting. Raise the light intensity slowly when moving the coral to a brighter spot so it doesn't become stressed or bleach.
• Prefers gentle, indirect water flow that lets the polyps sway. Strong direct flow can damage the polyps.
• Accepts target feeding once or twice a week. Feeding nearby fish at the same time helps keep them from stealing the coral's food.
• As an LPS coral, it uses calcium and magnesium to build its skeleton, so check these levels regularly.

Specifications:

• Scientific name (group): Duncanopsammia axifuga
• Care level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Lighting: Moderate, about 100 to 200 PAR
• Water flow: Low to medium, indirect
• Placement: Low-lying rocks or middle rockwork
• Temperature: 75 to 80°F (24 to 27°C)
• pH: 8.0 to 8.4
• Alkalinity: 8 to 12 dKH
• Calcium: 400 to 450 ppm
• Magnesium: 1250 to 1350 ppm