Nuclear Tips Duncan

About this coral

Nuclear Tips Duncan is a LPS (large-polyp stony) coral sold as “Duncan” typically in the genus Duncanopsammia (most often Duncanopsammia axifuga) and kept for its fleshy, feeder-like polyps that can be observed and target-fed. In practical reef-keeping terms, it’s a choice for hobbyists who want an easier LPS that benefits from regular feeding and stable water chemistry rather than intense, high-flow SPS-style care. Group-level care notes below are for Duncan coral/Duncanopsammia; the listing name “Nuclear Tips” may refer to a particular named appearance/morph, which can vary by seller, so treat variety traits as unverified unless the shop provides more detail. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duncanopsammia?utm_source=openai))

Features:

• Large, fleshy polyps make feeding and overall observation straightforward; many aquarists target-feed and notice polyp extension in response to routine care. ([practicalfishkeeping.co.uk](https://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/features/duncans-coral-duncanopsammia-axifuga/?utm_source=openai))
• Generally prefers moderate light and water flow (not blasting current), which helps support open polyps and feeding. ([practicalfishkeeping.co.uk](https://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/features/duncans-coral-duncanopsammia-axifuga/?utm_source=openai))
• Regular feeding is commonly recommended, with options such as frozen meaty foods (e.g., cyclops) and similar small particulate foods intended for corals. ([practicalfishkeeping.co.uk](https://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/features/duncans-coral-duncanopsammia-axifuga/?utm_source=openai))
• Because Duncan corals are calcifying and build/maintain heavy skeletons, they benefit from stable major and trace-ion levels—especially calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium. ([atlarium.bio](https://atlarium.bio/en/catalog/invertebrates/duncanopsammia-axifuga?utm_source=openai))
• Often described as requiring stable tank conditions (i.e., avoid rapid swings) rather than frequent changes or large parameter swings. ([atlarium.bio](https://atlarium.bio/en/catalog/invertebrates/duncanopsammia-axifuga?utm_source=openai))
• Best placed on stable substrate where polyps won’t be repeatedly hit by strong direct flow or aggressive tankmates. ([practicalfishkeeping.co.uk](https://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/features/duncans-coral-duncanopsammia-axifuga/?utm_source=openai))

Specifications:

• Care level (group guidance): Intermediate (Duncanopsammia/Duncan coral group guidance). ([fastaquatics.com](https://fastaquatics.com/corals/duncan-coral/?utm_source=openai))
• Light: Moderate light (generally adequate, not intense; group guidance). ([practicalfishkeeping.co.uk](https://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/features/duncans-coral-duncanopsammia-axifuga/?utm_source=openai))
• Water flow: Adequate but not too strong flow (group guidance). ([practicalfishkeeping.co.uk](https://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/features/duncans-coral-duncanopsammia-axifuga/?utm_source=openai))
• Temperature: ~76–80°F (24–27°C). ([fastaquatics.com](https://fastaquatics.com/corals/duncan-coral/?utm_source=openai))
• Salinity (SG): ~1.025 (typical range cited around 1.025). ([fastaquatics.com](https://fastaquatics.com/corals/duncan-coral/?utm_source=openai))
• pH: ~8.1–8.4. ([fastaquatics.com](https://fastaquatics.com/corals/duncan-coral/?utm_source=openai))
• Alkalinity: ~8–9 dKH (also cited around 2.5–3.0 meq/L in one reference). ([fastaquatics.com](https://fastaquatics.com/corals/duncan-coral/?utm_source=openai))
• Calcium: ~400–450 ppm. ([fastaquatics.com](https://fastaquatics.com/corals/duncan-coral/?utm_source=openai))
• Magnesium: ~1,300–1,400 ppm. ([fastaquatics.com](https://fastaquatics.com/corals/duncan-coral/?utm_source=openai))
• Diet / feeding: Regular feeding is commonly recommended; examples mentioned include frozen cyclops/brine-shrimp-type foods and similar coral-appropriate particulate foods. ([practicalfishkeeping.co.uk](https://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/features/duncans-coral-duncanopsammia-axifuga/?utm_source=openai))
• Adult size: UNVERIFIED (no reliable, product-specific size information provided in the available references).