Cactus Pavona

Caring for Pavona coral in a reef aquarium involves providing optimal conditions to ensure its health and growth. Here are some essential care requirements:

1. **Lighting**:
– **Intensity**: Pavona corals generally prefer moderate to high light levels. They can adapt to a range of lighting conditions but tend to thrive under strong lighting.
– **Type**: LED lights or T5 fluorescent lights are commonly used in reef aquariums. Ensure the light spectrum includes both blue and white light to mimic natural sunlight.

2. **Water Flow**:
– **Flow Rate**: Moderate water flow is ideal for Pavona corals. They do not thrive in high turbulence but benefit from some water movement to help with nutrient delivery and waste removal.
– **Placement**: Position them in an area with steady water flow but avoid direct strong currents that could damage the coral.

3. **Water Parameters**:
– **Temperature**: Maintain a temperature range of 72-78°F (22-26°C). Stable temperatures are crucial, as drastic changes can stress the coral.
– **Salinity**: Aim for a specific gravity of 1.023-1.025. Consistent salinity levels help in maintaining coral health.
– **pH**: Keep the pH level between 8.1 and 8.4. Regular monitoring and adjustments might be necessary.
– **Alkalinity**: Maintain alkalinity levels between 8-12 dKH (degrees of carbonate hardness). This helps in the formation of the coral skeleton.
– **Calcium**: Ensure calcium levels are between 380-450 ppm. Calcium is essential for coral skeleton development.
– **Nitrates and Phosphates**: Low levels of nitrates (below 5 ppm) and phosphates (below 0.03 ppm) are ideal. High levels can lead to algae growth and competition with corals.

4. **Feeding**:
– Pavona corals can capture plankton and small food particles from the water column. Occasionally feeding them with finely crushed coral food or zooplankton can be beneficial, though they often rely on photosynthesis for most of their nutrition.

5. **Maintenance**:
– **Water Changes**: Regular water changes (10-20% every 1-2 weeks) help maintain stable water parameters and remove excess nutrients.
– **Cleaning**: Ensure good tank maintenance practices, including cleaning algae and detritus that could affect water quality.

6. **Compatibility**:
– Pavona corals are generally peaceful and can be kept with other corals and fish. However, avoid placing them too close to aggressive corals that may sting or outcompete them for space.

By meeting these requirements, you can help ensure that your Pavona coral remains healthy and vibrant in your aquarium. Regular monitoring and adjustments to the tank conditions will support its long-term success.