Why do the “bounce” vesicles on my BBL Bounce Yuma inflate some days and shrink on others?

Vesicle size fluctuates with light, flow, and nutrients. Too much light/flow can deflate bubbles; moderate PAR (80–150), gentle indirect flow, and slightly elevated nutrients (nitrate 5–15 ppm, phosphate 0.03–0.1) usually keep them puffy. Avoid rapid spectrum changes—blue-heavy lighting preserves fluorescence. Don’t chase daily shifts; look for week-to-week stability. Sudden, lasting deflation often signals stress or parameter swings.

My Ricordea yuma started “melting” after a move—can I save it?

Yuma can crash from heat spikes, harsh light, or bacterial stress. Reduce PAR quickly (shade/mesh), increase gentle flow, and ensure stable temp (24–26°C) and alkalinity (8–9 dKH). Perform an iodine or povidone-iodine dip, then place in a low-flow healing basket with rubble. Keep nutrients non-zero and avoid heavy feeding until tissue firms up. Remove dying tissue to prevent fouling.

My Yuma keeps detaching or “walking” off its plug. How do I anchor it?

They pedal-lacerate and move when unhappy with light/flow. Adjust to gentle, indirect flow and slightly lower PAR. Use a rubble cup or shallow dish with bridal veil/mesh so the foot can reattach without being blown away. Super glue around, not on, the foot if needed. Once it grips rubble, you can epoxy the rubble to your scape.

The coral’s colors look dull compared to photos—what can I tweak safely?

Prioritize spectrum over intensity. Increase blue/violet (420–470 nm) while keeping PAR modest; reduce whites and deep reds that wash fluorescence. Maintain low-moderate nutrients (not ultra-low) and stable parameters; mild amino/trace supplementation can help, but avoid big swings. View under clean glass and consistent photoperiod. Color shifts take weeks—adjust slowly and track with PAR readings.

TSA BBL Bounce Yuma Mushroom Coral

Beginner Corals Soft Coral Mushrooms

Overview

BBL Bounce Yuma Mushroom Coral has large bubble-like vesicles on a thick, domed oral disc. Ricordea yuma is a soft corallimorph (mushroom coral) that prefers moderate light and low to moderate, indirect water flow. It relies on symbiotic algae for energy but will accept small meaty foods, which can support faster growth and stronger color. Place on stable rubble or a sheltered rock with space from aggressive neighbors, and avoid strong flow that can cause detachment.

Quick Facts

Care Moderate

Lighting Low–Moderate

Flow Low–Moderate

Placement Low–Mid

Temperament Semi-aggressive (3–6 inches spacing)

Recommended Parameters

Temp 76–80°F

pH 8.1–8.4

Salinity 1.025–1.026

Calcium 400–430 ppm

AlkAlkalinity 8–9.5 dKH

Magnesium 1250–1350 ppm

Feeding photosynthetic (primary), finely chopped mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, rotifers, microplankton, powdered coral foods (reef roids), marine snow

Care & Placement

BBL Bounce Yuma Mushroom Coral (Ricordea yuma) prefers stable, slightly nutrient-rich systems with gentle conditions. Provide moderate to low light (PAR ~50–120), starting in shaded or lower areas and gradually increasing over 2–3 weeks to prevent bleaching or “melt.” Flow should be low to moderate, indirect, and random to keep detritus from settling without lifting the coral off its foot. Feed 1–2 times weekly with small meaty foods (mysis, finely chopped shrimp) or fine particulate coral foods; target feed lightly to improve growth and color. Maintain temperature 75–78°F (24–26°C), pH 8.1–8.4, salinity 1.025–1.026, alkalinity 8.0–9.5 dKH, calcium 400–450 ppm, magnesium 1250–1350 ppm, nitrate 5–15 ppm, phosphate 0.03–0.10 ppm. Test weekly and avoid rapid swings; this species is sensitive to abrupt changes and excessive light.Place on rubble or a small rock at the bottom or mid-lower areas so it can attach and be moved for light tuning. Give 2–3 inches of space from neighbors; generally peaceful, but avoid aggressive LPS with long sweepers and keep from direct contact with zoas/palys. For acclimation, temperature match, drip 30–45 minutes, and use a gentle coral dip. Signs of stress include gaping mouth, shrinking bubbles, bleaching, or detachment—reduce light, stabilize parameters, and increase flow slightly to keep the surface clean. If tissue recession starts, improve stability, consider an iodine bath, and relocate to lower light with gentle flow.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the TSA BBL Bounce Yuma Mushroom Coral

Why do the “bounce” vesicles on my BBL Bounce Yuma inflate some days and shrink on others?

Vesicle size fluctuates with light, flow, and nutrients. Too much light/flow can deflate bubbles; moderate PAR (80–150), gentle indirect flow, and slightly elevated nutrients (nitrate 5–15 ppm, phosphate 0.03–0.1) usually keep them puffy. Avoid rapid spectrum changes—blue-heavy lighting preserves fluorescence. Don’t chase daily shifts; look for week-to-week stability. Sudden, lasting deflation often signals stress or parameter swings.
My Ricordea yuma started “melting” after a move—can I save it?

Yuma can crash from heat spikes, harsh light, or bacterial stress. Reduce PAR quickly (shade/mesh), increase gentle flow, and ensure stable temp (24–26°C) and alkalinity (8–9 dKH). Perform an iodine or povidone-iodine dip, then place in a low-flow healing basket with rubble. Keep nutrients non-zero and avoid heavy feeding until tissue firms up. Remove dying tissue to prevent fouling.
My Yuma keeps detaching or “walking” off its plug. How do I anchor it?

They pedal-lacerate and move when unhappy with light/flow. Adjust to gentle, indirect flow and slightly lower PAR. Use a rubble cup or shallow dish with bridal veil/mesh so the foot can reattach without being blown away. Super glue around, not on, the foot if needed. Once it grips rubble, you can epoxy the rubble to your scape.
The coral’s colors look dull compared to photos—what can I tweak safely?

Prioritize spectrum over intensity. Increase blue/violet (420–470 nm) while keeping PAR modest; reduce whites and deep reds that wash fluorescence. Maintain low-moderate nutrients (not ultra-low) and stable parameters; mild amino/trace supplementation can help, but avoid big swings. View under clean glass and consistent photoperiod. Color shifts take weeks—adjust slowly and track with PAR readings.

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