Nuclear Hydnophora

About this coral

Nuclear Hydnophora is an LPS coral from the Hydnophora group, sold under the shop name “Nuclear Hydnophora.” In a reef aquarium, Hydnophora corals are used for their branching/maze-like skeletal structure and slow, steady presence in the rockscape. Because coral color morph naming in retail listings may reflect variety rather than a separate species, the best practical guidance is group-level care for Hydnophora/LPS corals: stable reef conditions, appropriate light and flow, and occasional feeding to complement photosynthesis.

Features:

• LPS coral with an attractive, maze-like growth form that helps create structure on live rock
• Uses symbiotic photosynthesis for energy, making it well-suited to established reef lighting
• Benefits from moderate water flow that helps keep detritus from settling directly on the coral surface
• Can appreciate supplemental feeding (small meaty foods) in addition to its lighting-based nutrition
• Typical choice for aquarists building an LPS-focused mixed reef where stable parameters matter

Specifications:

• Coral group: LPS coral (Hydnophora group)
• Lighting (general guidance): Moderate to relatively strong reef lighting
• Water flow (general guidance): Moderate, avoiding direct blasting flow
• Placement (general guidance): Mount on stable rock; keep a little space so detritus and heavy flow aren’t trapped on top
• Diet: Primary nutrition from photosynthesis; supplemental feeding with small meaty foods can be beneficial
• Temperature: ~24–27°C (typical reef range)
• Salinity: ~1.024–1.026 (typical reef range)
• pH: ~8.1–8.4 (typical reef range)
• Alkalinity: ~7–11 dKH (typical reef range)
• Calcium: ~380–450 ppm (typical reef range)
• Magnesium: ~1200–1350 ppm (typical reef range)