Why did my Eclipse Bounce lose its “bubbles” after I increased lighting?

Bounce vesicles can flatten under abrupt light changes or excessive PAR. Aim for moderate PAR (80–150) with a blue-heavy spectrum and acclimate over 2–3 weeks. Keep flow gentle so vesicles aren’t whipped. Stable nutrients (nitrate 5–15 ppm, phosphate 0.03–0.1 ppm) support inflation; ultra-low nutrients or sudden drops often deflate them. If flattened, revert slowly and allow a few weeks for recovery.

Do cloned frags always keep the same bounce and color pattern?

Genetics set the potential, but conditions decide expression. Clones usually retain colors, yet vesicle size and density vary with light, nutrients, and stability. Some frags temporarily lose “bounce” after cutting, then regain it as they heal. Keep parameters steady, avoid aggressive carbon swings, and maintain moderate PAR with detectable nutrients to preserve the morph’s look.

My mushroom keeps detaching or “walking” away from its spot. How can I anchor it?

Detachment often follows too much flow, irritants (vermetids, bristle contact), or abrupt light shifts. Reduce flow to gentle, remove irritants, and provide a shaded crevice. Use a specimen cup or breeder box with rubble and mesh lid for 1–2 weeks so it can re-foot. Once attached, epoxy the rubble to your rockwork, keeping nearby stingers at bay.

Are there hidden compatibility concerns with this coral in mixed reefs?

Rhodactis can overgrow and chemically stress neighbors, especially zoas and encrusting LPS. Give several inches of space and run moderate mechanical filtration; avoid sudden heavy carbon after long neglect. Keep torch/hammer/frogspawn at distance—sweeper tentacles can burn the mushroom. Watch for vermetid snails and hydroids; their irritation often triggers shrinkage, detachment, or mouth gaping.

TSA Eclipse Bounce Mushroom Coral

Beginner Corals Soft Coral Mushrooms

Overview

Eclipse Bounce Mushroom Coral displays large, inflated vesicles on a fleshy disc. Rhodactis sp. is a soft mushroom corallimorph that prefers low to moderate light and gentle to moderate water flow. It is photosynthetic via symbiotic algae but benefits from occasional small meaty foods, which can improve growth and polyp inflation. Place it on stable rock with room to expand, and keep distance from other corals to avoid contact and potential stings.

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 380–420 ppm

AlkAlkalinity 8–9 dKH

Magnesium 1250–1350 ppm

Feeding Photosynthetic, microplankton, coral-specific powdered foods (e.g., Reef-Roids), marine snow, zooplankton, finely chopped mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods

Care & Placement

Eclipse Bounce Mushroom Coral (Rhodactis sp.) thrives with stable, moderate conditions and gentle handling. Provide low to moderate light (PAR ~50–120); too much light can deflate bubbles and cause bleaching, so start shaded and gradually move brighter if color dulls. Use low, indirect flow—enough to keep the surface free of detritus without lifting the polyp or causing the mouth to gape. Target-feed once or twice weekly with small meaty foods (mysis, reef roe) or fine particulate foods to support growth and color, though it can meet much of its needs from light and dissolved nutrients. Keep temperature 24–26°C/75–79°F, salinity 1.025–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, alkalinity 8–9.5 dKH, calcium 400–450 ppm, magnesium 1250–1350 ppm, nitrate 2–10 ppm, and phosphate 0.03–0.1 ppm; prioritize stability and test weekly. Place low to mid in the tank on rubble or a stable rock ledge with 3–6 inches of space from neighbors; it can sting and overgrow soft corals and zoanthids, and may be harmed by long sweeper LPS. Use a specimen cup or mesh to attach loose heads. Drip acclimate; light-acclimate with screens. Common issues: shrinking or gaping (too much flow/light or instability), bleaching (excess light/low nutrients), detritus buildup (increase gentle flow or turkey baste). Run carbon to reduce chemical warfare and maintain regular water changes.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the TSA Eclipse Bounce Mushroom Coral

Why did my Eclipse Bounce lose its “bubbles” after I increased lighting?

Bounce vesicles can flatten under abrupt light changes or excessive PAR. Aim for moderate PAR (80–150) with a blue-heavy spectrum and acclimate over 2–3 weeks. Keep flow gentle so vesicles aren’t whipped. Stable nutrients (nitrate 5–15 ppm, phosphate 0.03–0.1 ppm) support inflation; ultra-low nutrients or sudden drops often deflate them. If flattened, revert slowly and allow a few weeks for recovery.
Do cloned frags always keep the same bounce and color pattern?

Genetics set the potential, but conditions decide expression. Clones usually retain colors, yet vesicle size and density vary with light, nutrients, and stability. Some frags temporarily lose “bounce” after cutting, then regain it as they heal. Keep parameters steady, avoid aggressive carbon swings, and maintain moderate PAR with detectable nutrients to preserve the morph’s look.
My mushroom keeps detaching or “walking” away from its spot. How can I anchor it?

Detachment often follows too much flow, irritants (vermetids, bristle contact), or abrupt light shifts. Reduce flow to gentle, remove irritants, and provide a shaded crevice. Use a specimen cup or breeder box with rubble and mesh lid for 1–2 weeks so it can re-foot. Once attached, epoxy the rubble to your rockwork, keeping nearby stingers at bay.
Are there hidden compatibility concerns with this coral in mixed reefs?

Rhodactis can overgrow and chemically stress neighbors, especially zoas and encrusting LPS. Give several inches of space and run moderate mechanical filtration; avoid sudden heavy carbon after long neglect. Keep torch/hammer/frogspawn at distance—sweeper tentacles can burn the mushroom. Watch for vermetid snails and hydroids; their irritation often triggers shrinkage, detachment, or mouth gaping.