Birdsnest coral reef compatibility check
Seriatopora sp.
Birdsnest coral (Seriatopora sp.) is an intermediate-level SPS coral that needs at least 30 gallons. It is listed as reef safe; needs stable alkalinity and strong flow. Plan high light and high flow. Add it as middle-stage livestock once the tank is at least 4 months old.
Often a first SPS step, but still not a new-tank coral.
Who it is for
Good fit for
- ✓ Tanks of 30+ gallons at the animal's adult size.
- ✓ Reef tanks with corals and invertebrates.
Not a fit for
- ✕ Tanks under 30 gallons, even while it is small.
- ✕ Keepers without some reef experience and stable parameters.
- ✕ New tanks; wait until the system is about 4+ months old.
- ✕ Tanks with soft-coral-level lighting.
Compatibility warnings
- Needs stable alkalinity and strong flow.
- Check adult size against the final tank, not the fish or coral at purchase size.
- Add livestock slowly so the bioload and nutrient export can keep up.
- Use the planner when this animal changes the tank-size, flow, lighting, or stocking plan.
Professional planning context
- Use the 30 gallon minimum as an adult-planning floor; display length, aquascape, and existing tankmates can raise that floor.
- Hold this entry until the system has at least 4 months of maturity or equivalent stability evidence.
- Placement should be validated against measured PAR, turbulent flow, allelopathy/stinging distance, and future colony growth.
Tank fit and maturity gate
ReefCrafter uses 30 gallons as the planning floor for adult size, swimming room, nutrient load, and aggression margin.
This animal should wait until the tank has enough age, food web stability, or parameter history.
Care notes
- Temperament
- Varied
- Reef safety
- Safe
- Adult size
- 8 in
- Placement
- Build dependent
- Diet
- Build dependent
- Flow
- High
- Light
- High
- Bioload
- 0.3
- Stocking stage
- Middle
Related species
- Montipora
Same 30-gallon floor.
- Montipora digitata
Same 30-gallon floor.
- Pocillopora coral
Same 30-gallon floor.
- Red montipora capricornis
Same 30-gallon floor.
Equipment that fits
- EcoTech Marine Radion XR30 G6 Blue LED
Lists about 430 PAR at 18 in, enough for a high light need.
- Orphek Atlantik iCon Compact
Lists about 250 PAR at 18 in, enough for a high light need.
- Kessil A360X Controllable LED Tuna Blue
Lists about 280 PAR at 18 in, enough for a high light need.
Related reading
Questions
What size tank does birdsnest coral need?
ReefCrafter plans for at least 30 gallons, based on an adult size of about 8 inches, plus growth space and the stability a larger water volume gives. Use the adult size, not the size at purchase.
Is birdsnest coral reef safe?
It is listed as reef safe in ReefCrafter's catalog. Watch for: Needs stable alkalinity and strong flow.
Is birdsnest coral good for beginners?
It is rated intermediate care, so most beginners should add it later, after parameters have been stable for 4+ months.
How much light and flow does birdsnest coral need?
ReefCrafter lists a high light need and high flow. In planner terms that starts around 250 PAR.