TSA Gamma Knife Coral
TSA Gamma Knife Coral
SKU: CTOxTSAGammaKnifHyd
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Quick Specs
- Care Level
- Shop live corals by care level: Moderate Care Level Moderate Needs stable water parameters and consistent care. Good for reefers with some experience. Ideal water parametersTemp75–80°FSalinity1.025–1.026pH8.1–8.4Alkalinity8–9 dKHCalcium420–450 ppmMagnesium1250–1350 ppm
- Flow
- Shop live corals by flow: Moderate–High Flow Moderate–High Moderate to strong, varied flow. Keeps the coral clean and supports healthy growth.
- Lighting
- Shop live corals by lighting: Moderate–High Lighting Moderate–High Moderate to high light, roughly 200–350 PAR. Acclimate gradually to avoid bleaching.
- Placement
- Shop live corals by placement: Mid–High Placement Mid–High Middle to upper rockwork. Start in the middle and move it up gradually.
- Growth Rate
- Shop live corals by growth rate: Fast Growth Rate Fast Grows quickly in good conditions. Give it room and plan to frag it regularly.
- Temperament
- Aggressive(6–8 inches spacing) Temperament Aggressive Gamma Knife Hydnophora Coral (Hydnophora rigida) is a strong stinger and should be given wide berth: keep 6–8+ inches of space, especially downcurrent, as nocturnal sweepers can burn neighbors.
- Feeding
- Photosynthetic(primary), microplankton, zooplankton, rotifers, cyclops, finely minced mysis shrimp, brine shrimp nauplii, coral-specific powdered foods Feeding Photosynthetic Offer small-particle foods 1–2 times per week: rotifers, cyclops, oyster eggs, microplankton, powdered coral foods, or very finely minced mysis/brine; its polyps are small, so keep particle size tiny.
The TSA Gamma Knife Hydnophora Coral features a neon green base and vibrant gold polyps. Each frag is approximately 1 inch in diameter. Please note, there may be a wait time when checking out, so we recommend selecting a shipping date at least a week or two in advance to ensure availability.
Aquacultured Hydnophora Coral
Hydnophora coral is a hardy stony coral in the family Merulinidae, often called horn coral. Its surface is covered in small conical bumps called hydnophores, which form where the walls between neighboring polyps meet. Polyps extend from around each hydnophore, giving the colony a fuzzy, velvety look. Depending on the species, Hydnophora grow as encrusting sheets, plates, or upright branches; Hydnophora rigida and Hydnophora exesa are two species commonly kept in reef aquariums.
Hydnophora is a rewarding choice for reefers who want a colorful stony coral that does not need intense lighting, but its aggressive nature means it needs thoughtful placement. Our Hydnophora are aquacultured in Florida, so each frag arrives already adapted to captive reef conditions.
Hydnophora Care at a Glance
| Parameter | Recommended Range |
|---|---|
| Care level | Easy |
| Lighting | Low to moderate (PAR 150–250) |
| Spectrum | 18–20K |
| Water flow | Moderate to high |
| Aggressiveness | Aggressive |
| Temperature | 75–80°F |
| Salinity | 1.025–1.026 |
| pH | 8.1–8.4 |
| Calcium | 420–440 ppm |
| Alkalinity | 8–9.5 dKH |
| Magnesium | 1300–1450 ppm |
| Nitrate | <10 ppm |
| Phosphate | <0.10 ppm |
| Origin | Indo-Pacific; aquacultured by Top Shelf Aquatics in Florida |
Water Chemistry for Hydnophora Care
Hydnophora build a stony skeleton, so calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium support steady growth. Keep these levels consistent, along with low nitrate and phosphate, and make small dosing adjustments rather than large corrections. Stable conditions are the foundation of good Hydnophora care.
Lighting
Hydnophora does best with low to moderate lighting, around PAR 150–250. For the best coloration, we recommend an 18–20K color spectrum. Because it does not need the intense light many SPS corals require, it can do well in mid-level spots. Raise intensity gradually to avoid bleaching.
Water Flow
Moderate to high water flow keeps detritus off the tissue and delivers food to the polyps. Aim for varied flow that reaches the whole colony, especially as encrusting or branching growth spreads.
Placement
Mount your coral using IC gel glue, putty, or a combination of both. Position it on a rock or ledge with direct lighting and strong water flow. Hydnophora is aggressive: it can extend sweeper tentacles, often at night, and sting corals within reach. Give it generous space from its neighbors and watch for damage along nearby coral edges.
What We Feed Our Hydnophora
Hydnophora does not require direct feeding, but it benefits from the nutrients available in a well-maintained reef tank. For best results, broadcast feed a mixture of zooplankton, phytoplankton, amino acids, and other organic proteins with pumps off, allowing the coral to absorb what it needs. Our recommended feeds:
Coloration and Settling In
Hydnophora color depends on lighting spectrum, nutrition, and water stability. A new frag may keep its polyps retracted for a few days after shipping. Once settled, it can grow steadily, encrusting its base before building upward or outward.
Common Hydnophora Challenges
- Stinging neighbors: sweeper tentacles can damage nearby corals; plan spacing before the colony grows
- Tissue recession: often linked to parameter swings or detritus settling in low-flow areas
- Bleaching: caused by sudden increases in light or temperature; acclimate gradually
- Overlighting: very intense light is not needed and can stress a new frag
How We Grow Our Hydnophora
Our Hydnophora frags are aquacultured in Florida. All corals at Top Shelf Aquatics are grown under EcoTech Marine Radion XR30 lighting and powered by a mix of EcoTech Marine Vortech pumps and Sicce wavemakers.
How to Acclimate a Hydnophora Frag
- Temperature: float the sealed bag in your aquarium to equalize temperature.
- Water: slowly add your tank water to the bag so the coral can adjust to your parameters.
- Mounting: attach the frag with IC gel glue, putty, or both, well away from other corals.
- Lighting: start at the lower end of its light range and increase gradually.
