Mushroom coral reef compatibility check
Discosoma/Rhodactis spp.
Mushroom coral (Discosoma/Rhodactis spp.) is a beginner-level soft coral that needs at least 10 gallons. It is listed as reef safe; can detach or spread in favorable spots. Plan low light and low flow (placement: lower reef, lower flow). Add it as middle-stage livestock once the tank is at least 1 month old.
Forgiving low-light coral that suits beginner and nano reef plans.
Who it is for
Good fit for
- ✓ Tanks of 10+ gallons at the animal's adult size.
- ✓ Beginners following a slow, planned stocking order.
- ✓ Reef tanks with corals and invertebrates.
Not a fit for
- ✕ Tanks under 10 gallons, even while it is small.
- ✕ New tanks; wait until the system is about 1+ month old.
- ✕ Can detach or spread in favorable spots.
Compatibility warnings
- Can detach or spread in favorable spots.
- 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 10 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 1 month 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 10 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
- Territorial
- Reef safety
- Safe
- Adult size
- Varies
- Placement
- lower reef, lower flow
- Diet
- Photosynthetic; larger types accept occasional meaty foods.
- Flow
- Low
- Light
- Low
- Bioload
- 0.2
- Stocking stage
- Middle
Related species
- Green star polyps
Same 10-gallon floor, moderate light.
- Kenya tree coral
Same 10-gallon floor.
- Pulsing xenia
Same 10-gallon floor, moderate light.
- Ricordea mushroom
Same 10-gallon floor, moderate light.
Equipment that fits
- Kessil A160WE Tuna Blue LED
Lists about 120 PAR at 18 in, enough for a low light need.
- AquaIllumination Prime 16HD Reef LED Black
Lists about 150 PAR at 18 in, enough for a low light need.
- AquaIllumination Prime 16HD Reef LED White
Lists about 150 PAR at 18 in, enough for a low light need.
Related reading
Questions
What size tank does mushroom coral need?
ReefCrafter plans for at least 10 gallons, plus growth space and the stability a larger water volume gives.
Is mushroom coral reef safe?
It is listed as reef safe in ReefCrafter's catalog. Watch for: Can detach or spread in favorable spots.
Is mushroom coral good for beginners?
Yes. It is rated beginner care, though it should wait until the tank is about 1+ month old.
How much light and flow does mushroom coral need?
ReefCrafter lists a low light need and low flow (placement: lower reef, lower flow). In planner terms that starts around 50 PAR.