Leather Corals
Leather Corals are a great addition to many reef tanks. Most species (except
the bright Yellow Leather) require only moderate lighting, and moderate water
flow. Bright Metal Halides may very well burn them, so slowly acclimate them to
these, and preferably keep them a bit away from them. Do not place them near any
Zoanthids or macro-algae.
As far as chemical additions go, Calcium, Iodine, and Strontium are all very
important for these, and will ensure a more rapid growth in most species. These
are among the easiest soft corals for any tank, and most are ideal beginner’s
species. They have no real feeding requirements.
The only main drawback is that members of the Sarcophyton genus (many
Leathers offered for sale) are very toxic. They have great chemical defense
systems that may inhibit other corals from obtaining full potential,
particularly delicate soft corals like Xenia and Hard Corals. This is usually
not a problem, but if your corals aren’t doing as well, and the only thing
you’ve changed in a few months is the addition of a Leather Coral, you may be
skeptical. This can be combated with a real good protein skimmer, and possibly
the use of carbon in the filter for 30 minutes every 2 months.
Their colors aren’t the brightest, but their shapes are truly intriguing. A
large Toadstool coral will bring a whole lot of interest to a tank with it’s
awesome shape. Most species have a long stem with a "crown" setting upon it that
usually has kinda short tentacles on that.
These corals are among the easiest to propagate, and are ideal to practice on.
They should be cut when they are opened up fully and in perfect health. Standard
reef-conditions must be perfect. Nitrate under 10ppm, pH of around 8.2, temp.
76-78, etc.
Use a brand new one-sided razor blade. Cut a piece off the crown on top where
the piece protrudes at in one quick movement. Do this underwater of course. 3
inches by 1 inch wide is the smallest cut most people recommend making. Attach
the straight part of the piece underwater to a very clean rock. Strings,
rubberbands, etc. can be used until the cut attaches to the rock, in about a
week or so.
Cabbage Coral
Toadstool Coral
Yellow Toadstool Coral
Devils Hand Coral
