Atomic Orange Plate Coral

Atomic Orange Plate Coral

Overview

Atomic Orange Plate Coral shows a flat, round disc with orange tissue and short tentacles. Classified as Cycloseris sp., it is a solitary stony plate coral that prefers low to moderate light and gentle to moderate water flow. It relies on symbiotic algae for energy but accepts small meaty foods, which can support faster growth and stronger color. Place on the sandbed with space around it and avoid contact with aggressive corals.

Quick Facts

Care Moderate
Lighting Low–Moderate
Flow Low–Moderate
Placement Low
Temperament Semi-aggressive (3–6 inches spacing)

Recommended Parameters

Temp 76–80°F
pH 8.1–8.4
Salinity 1.025–1.026
Calcium 400–450 ppm
AlkAlkalinity 8–10 dKH
Magnesium 1250–1350 ppm
Feeding photosynthetic, mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood (shrimp, clam, fish), zooplankton/microplankton, powdered coral foods, marine snow

Care & Placement

Atomic Orange Plate Coral (Cycloseris sp.) thrives with stability and gentle care. Provide low to moderate light (PAR ~80–150); start on the dim side and increase slowly to avoid bleaching. Use gentle, indirect flow to keep detritus off the tissue without folding the polyps. Place on the sandbed, flat and free of sharp rubble, with 3–6 inches of space from neighbors; it can inflate and shift, and it can sting nearby corals. Feed 2–3 times weekly with small meaty foods (mysis, chopped krill, reef pellets) when feeding tentacles extend at dusk; target feed with pumps briefly paused. Maintain temperature 76–80°F (24–27°C), salinity 1.024–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, alkalinity 8–9.5 dKH, calcium 400–450 ppm, magnesium 1250–1350 ppm, nitrate 2–10 ppm, phosphate 0.02–0.08 ppm. Test weekly with reliable kits and a refractometer; keep changes gradual.Acclimate by temperature floating, then a 30–45 minute drip, and light acclimate with reduced intensity or shaded placement for 1–2 weeks. Dip new arrivals for pests and keep tissue wet when handling. Common issues: bleaching from sudden bright light, tissue recession from buried edges, harsh flow, or unstable alkalinity; gently baste off debris, reduce flow, and correct parameters. If mouth gapes or inflation is poor, check for salinity swings and increase feeding. Compatible with most peaceful fish and inverts; avoid coral-nippers and keep distance from aggressive LPS. Regular, moderate feeding and stable water will bring out color and steady growth.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Atomic Orange Plate Coral

  • Why does my Atomic Orange Plate Coral inflate and “walk” across the sand?
    Cycloseris can inflate/deflate to self-right and subtly reposition. It seeks stable light and flow and avoids abrasive rubble. If it wanders, the substrate or flow may be irritating. Offer a smooth sand patch or a shallow ceramic tile. Avoid strong, direct flow that makes it tumble, and keep vermetid snails and sharp shells away to prevent tissue damage.
  • My coral’s orange is fading—how do I tell if it’s low nutrients or too much light?
    Photoinhibition fades color from the top first, with a stark, pale cap; the underside may stay richer. Starvation produces uniform dulling and reduced feeding response. If light is the issue, reduce PAR and add more blue. If nutrients are too low, target-feed small meaty foods 1–2x weekly and maintain measurable nitrate (5–15 ppm) and phosphate (0.03–0.1 ppm).
  • Can I frag Cycloseris like other LPS?
    It’s risky. Radial cuts through the mouth often lead to infections and poor survival compared to many LPS. The safest “propagation” is allowing anthocauli (baby plates) to bud from the old skeleton after a loss. If you attempt cuts, use a cooled diamond saw, iodine dip, very stable parameters, and low-flow healing. Expect higher mortality than with Fungia.
  • What causes sudden tissue peel or brown jelly on this coral?
    Common triggers include abrupt alkalinity swings, sand abrasion, vermetid mucous nets, and bacterial bloom after overfeeding. Act fast: siphon the jelly, iodine or antibiotic bath per protocol, increase but diffuse flow, and move the coral to a clean, smooth surface. Stabilize dKH and remove nearby vermetids. Temporarily pause heavy feeding until recovery begins.