Paly Frag

Type: Paly
Name: Paly
Size: 
Fixing: 100mm disc 

NOTE: Palys contain palytoxin so take care when handling these corals

Coral Care Guide for Paly Coral

Welcome to the world of Paly Coral! Below is a detailed care guide to help you provide the best environment for your new coral addition and ensure it thrives in your reef tank.

Overview:

• Scientific Name: Zoanthid species (commonly referred to as Palythoa or "Paly Coral")
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
• Growth Pattern: Colonial, with polyps spreading across available surfaces.
• Lighting: Moderate to High
• Flow: Low to Moderate

Ideal Tank Conditions:

1. Tank Size:

   • Minimum recommended size: 10 gallons (nano tanks are suitable due to their size and adaptability).

2. Water Parameters:

   • Temperature: 76–80°F (24–27°C)
   • pH: 8.1–8.4
   • Salinity: 1.023–1.025 specific gravity
   • Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH
   • Calcium: 400–450 ppm
   • Magnesium: 1200–1400 ppm

3. Lighting Requirements:

   • Moderate to high lighting levels (50-150 PAR). Use LED, T5, or metal halide lights for best results.
   • Place them in areas with indirect light if new to your tank, and gradually acclimate them to brighter lighting.

4. Water Flow:

   • Ensure gentle, variable water movement. This prevents detritus buildup while allowing the polyps to sway naturally without stress.

Placement and Compatibility:

• Placement in Tank:

  • Start on the bottom of your tank or in a low-light area and gradually move them to their preferred lighting zone.
  • They grow well on live rock or coral rubble and will spread over time.

• Compatibility:

  • Friendly with most reef-safe fish, invertebrates, and other soft corals.
  • Avoid aggressive corals that may sting or overshadow them.

Feeding:

• Diet:

  • Paly Corals are photosynthetic, relying on their symbiotic zooxanthellae algae for nutrition.
  • Supplement their diet with occasional feedings of reef-safe foods like:
    • Phytoplankton
    • Zooplankton
    • Liquid coral foods

• Feeding Frequency:

  • Once or twice a week during evening hours when polyps are most extended.

Maintenance and Growth:

• Regular water changes (10-20% weekly) to maintain water quality.
• Trim or frag colonies if they begin to overgrow or encroach on other corals.
• Watch for algae or pests such as nudibranchs, flatworms, or bristleworms. Use dips or treatments if necessary.

Safety Note:

• Palytoxin Warning:
  • Paly Corals can produce a toxin called palytoxin, which is harmful if inhaled or touched.
  • Always wear gloves and protective eyewear when handling or fragging these corals.
  • Avoid boiling live rock or coral that may contain palytoxin to prevent harmful fumes.

With the right care, Paly Corals can be a vibrant and rewarding addition to your reef tank, showcasing their colourful, waving polyps and ease of growth. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced aquarist, these hardy corals will add life and beauty to your underwater ecosystem.