Candy cane coral reef compatibility check
Caulastrea furcata
Candy cane coral (Caulastrea furcata) is a beginner-level LPS coral that needs at least 20 gallons. It is listed as reef safe; avoid direct harsh flow on fleshy heads. Plan moderate light and moderate flow. ReefCrafter schedules it as middle-stage livestock, with no tank-age gate beyond a finished cycle.
Beginner-friendly LPS when alkalinity is stable and flow is indirect.
Who it is for
Good fit for
- ✓ Tanks of 20+ gallons at the animal's adult size.
- ✓ Beginners following a slow, planned stocking order.
- ✓ Newly cycled tanks with a compatible stocking list.
- ✓ Reef tanks with corals and invertebrates.
Not a fit for
- ✕ Tanks under 20 gallons, even while it is small.
- ✕ Avoid direct harsh flow on fleshy heads.
Compatibility warnings
- Avoid direct harsh flow on fleshy heads.
- 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 20 gallon minimum as an adult-planning floor; display length, aquascape, and existing tankmates can raise that floor.
- This can be planned early after cycling, but only after quarantine/acclimation logistics and stocking order are settled.
- Placement should be validated against measured PAR, turbulent flow, allelopathy/stinging distance, and future colony growth.
Tank fit and maturity gate
ReefCrafter uses 20 gallons as the planning floor for adult size, swimming room, nutrient load, and aggression margin.
This species can be planned early when the tank is cycled and the rest of the stocking list is compatible.
Care notes
- Temperament
- Varied
- Reef safety
- Safe
- Adult size
- 6 in
- Placement
- Build dependent
- Diet
- Build dependent
- Flow
- Moderate
- Light
- Moderate
- Bioload
- 0.3
- Stocking stage
- Middle
Related species
- Acan coral
Same 20-gallon floor.
- Blastomussa coral
Same 20-gallon floor, low light.
- Bubble coral
Same 20-gallon floor.
- Duncan coral
Same 20-gallon floor.
Equipment that fits
- Kessil A160WE Tuna Blue LED
Lists about 120 PAR at 18 in, enough for a moderate light need.
- AquaIllumination Prime 16HD Reef LED Black
Lists about 150 PAR at 18 in, enough for a moderate light need.
- AquaIllumination Prime 16HD Reef LED White
Lists about 150 PAR at 18 in, enough for a moderate light need.
Related reading
Questions
What size tank does candy cane coral need?
ReefCrafter plans for at least 20 gallons, based on an adult size of about 6 inches, plus growth space and the stability a larger water volume gives. Use the adult size, not the size at purchase.
Is candy cane coral reef safe?
It is listed as reef safe in ReefCrafter's catalog. Watch for: Avoid direct harsh flow on fleshy heads.
Is candy cane coral good for beginners?
Yes. It is rated beginner care.
How much light and flow does candy cane coral need?
ReefCrafter lists a moderate light need and moderate flow. In planner terms that starts around 100 PAR.