Blastomussa wellsi PINK + GREEN FLUO (21.10.2024) 5P

Blastomussa is a type of stony soft coral that is popular among marine aquarium enthusiasts. Below is a description of Blastomussa coral and information on how to cultivate it in an aquarium:

Description of Blastomussa Coral:

Appearance:

• Blastomussa coral takes the form of spherical or fan-shaped colonies consisting of multiple polyps.

• Blastomussa polyps have soft tissues and are surrounded by a calcium carbonate skeleton.

• Blastomussa corals come in various colors, including pink, red, green, blue, and purple.

Size:

• Blastomussa corals come in different sizes but typically range from a few centimeters to several centimeters in diameter.

Requirements:

• Blastomussa is relatively easy to cultivate in an aquarium, making it attractive to beginner aquarists.

• It requires stable water parameters, including appropriate lighting, water temperature (around 24-26°C or 75-79°F), pH (approximately 8.0-8.4), and salinity levels.

Cultivating Blastomussa Coral in the Aquarium:

Lighting:

• Provide adequate lighting that enables polyp photosynthesis. LED lights or moderate-intensity T5 lamps are often used for cultivating Blastomussa.

Water Flow:

• Blastomussa requires moderate water flow. Ensure gentle water movement around the coral, avoiding strong currents that may damage delicate polyps.

Salinity Level:

• Maintain a stable salinity level in the aquarium, typically around 1.025.

Feeding:

• Blastomussa corals are carnivorous and feed on zooplankton. You can feed them various commercially available foods such as coral flakes, frozen shrimp, or marine mysis.

Cleaning and Maintenance:

• Regularly remove debris and leftover food to maintain water cleanliness in the aquarium.

• Monitor the health of Blastomussa coral and respond to any changes, such as bleaching or polyp retraction.

Cultivating Blastomussa coral can be a rewarding experience for marine aquarists. Remember that each aquarium is unique, so it's important to adjust the cultivation conditions to the specific needs of your marine ecosystem.

Benefits of Buying Corals from Aquarium Cultivation:

Aquarium coral cultivation has become increasingly popular in the world of aquarium enthusiasts for several important reasons. Here are some advantages of purchasing corals from aquarium cultivation:

1. Protection of Natural Coral Reefs:

   • One of the primary benefits is that corals cultivated in aquariums are not harvested from wild coral reefs. This means that you are not contributing to the destruction of natural marine ecosystems.

2. Sustainable Aquaculture:

   • By buying corals from cultivation, you support sustainable aquaculture, which is more environmentally friendly than harvesting corals from wild reefs. This contributes to the preservation of marine biodiversity.

3. Greater Availability and Variety:

   • Aquarium cultivators often offer a wider range of coral species and varieties, allowing aquarium enthusiasts to create more diverse and interesting ecosystems in their tanks.

4. Healthier and Less Prone to Disease:

   • Corals from cultivation are typically healthier and less susceptible to diseases compared to those harvested from wild reefs. Aquarium cultivators often conduct regular testing and care for their corals, preventing diseases.

5. Proper Cultivation Conditions:

   • Coral cultivators control and maintain stable water conditions, ensuring optimal lighting, water flow, and nutrient levels. This promotes healthy growth and vibrant colors in corals.

6. Support for Enthusiasts:

   • Aquarium cultivators often offer support and advice, which can be particularly helpful for novice aquarists. You can gain valuable insights into coral care and cultivation from experienced cultivators.

7. Safe and Legal Alternative:

   • When you purchase corals from aquarium cultivation, you avoid potentially illegal trade in wild corals, which can lead to the degradation of natural coral reefs.

8. Supporting Scientific Innovation:

   • Aquarium cultivators often engage in research related to coral conservation and reef restoration. By buying from them, you also support these innovative scientific efforts.

Buying corals from aquarium cultivation is a sustainable and ethical way to own beautiful corals in your aquarium. It is also a means of engaging in the protection of marine nature and preserving wild coral reefs for future generations.