Blushing Coral – The Ultimate Care Guide For Growing Vibrant Clove Pol
If you have ever felt overwhelmed by the technical demands of reef keeping, you are certainly not alone. Many hobbyists start their journey worried that one small mistake will lead to a crashed tank and lost investments. I promise you that adding the right species can change your entire perspective on reefing. In this guide, I will show you exactly how to keep blushing coral thriving so you can enjoy a lush, pulsing underwater garden without the stress.
The blushing coral, often known scientifically as Clavularia or more commonly as Clove Polyps, is a staple in the reefing community for good reason. It offers a unique aesthetic that bridges the gap between soft corals and more complex polyps. Whether you are a beginner or an intermediate keeper, understanding the nuances of this animal is key to its success.
In the following sections, we will dive deep into water parameters, lighting requirements, and the “secret sauce” of placement. By the end of this article, you will have a practical roadmap to keeping these beautiful corals healthy and vibrant for years to come.
What Exactly Is Blushing Coral?
Before we get our hands wet, let’s clarify what we are talking about. In the aquarium trade, the term blushing coral most frequently refers to specific varieties of Clove Polyps (Clavularia spp.). These are colonial corals that grow from a shared mat called a stolon.
They earned the “blushing” moniker because of their unique reaction to touch or changes in light. When the polyps retract into their base, the colony often reveals a different color underneath, or the polyps themselves have a soft, glowing center that looks like a rosy blush. This visual effect is mesmerizing under high-actinic LED lighting.
Unlike some of their aggressive cousins, these corals are relatively peaceful. However, they are prolific growers. If you provide them with the ideal environment, they will quickly carpet your rockwork, creating a field of waving “flowers” that adds incredible kinetic energy to your display.
The Biology of Clavularia
Understanding the biology of these organisms helps us provide better care. They are octocorals, meaning each polyp has eight tentacles. These tentacles are often feathery, which helps them trap microscopic food particles from the water column.
They also harbor zooxanthellae, which are symbiotic algae living within their tissues. This means they get a significant portion of their energy from light. Balancing light and supplemental feeding is the secret to achieving that deep, “blushing” coloration we all love.
Establishing the Perfect Environment for Blushing Coral
Success in reefing always starts with stability. While blushing coral is known for being hardy, it won’t tolerate wild swings in water chemistry. If you want to see those polyps fully extended and vibrant, you need to hit the “Goldilocks zone” of water parameters.
I always tell fellow hobbyists to focus on consistency over perfection. It is better to have a slightly “imperfect” number that stays the same than to chase a “perfect” number that bounces around every week.
Critical Water Parameters
To keep your colony happy, aim for the following ranges. I recommend using a high-quality refractometer for salinity and reliable liquid test kits for your chemistry. Digital monitors are great, but a manual double-check never hurts!
- Salinity: 1.024 – 1.026 SG (Stability is vital here).
- Temperature: 76°F to 80°F (24°C to 27°C).
- Alkalinity (dKH): 8.0 – 11.0 dKH.
- Calcium: 400 – 450 ppm.
- Magnesium: 1250 – 1350 ppm.
- Nitrates (NO3): 5 – 10 ppm (They actually prefer slightly “dirty” water).
- Phosphates (PO4): 0.03 – 0.1 ppm.
Notice that I mentioned “slightly dirty” water. Unlike some high-end SPS corals that require ultra-low nutrients, blushing coral thrives when there are some nitrates and phosphates present. If your water is too sterile, you might notice the polyps staying small or losing their color intensity.
Lighting Requirements: Finding the Sweet Spot
Lighting is where many beginners get tripped up. Because these corals are photosynthetic, they need light, but too much “par” (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) can bleach their delicate tissues. I have found that moderate lighting works best.
If you are using LEDs, aim for a PAR range of 100 to 150. If you don’t have a PAR meter, don’t worry! Look for a spot in your tank where the light is bright but not blinding. Often, the middle to lower third of the aquarium is the perfect “sweet spot” for these polyps.
If you notice the polyps stretching upward and looking “leggy,” they likely need more light. Conversely, if they stay tightly closed even when the lights are on, they might be getting blasted with too much intensity. Slowly acclimate them by starting them low and moving them up over several weeks.
Water Flow and Placement Strategies
Where you place your blushing coral can make or break your success. In the wild, these corals are found in areas with moderate, rhythmic water movement. They do not like being “sandblasted” by a direct powerhead stream.
The goal is to provide indirect, oscillating flow. You want to see the polyps gently swaying back and forth. This movement is important because it helps the coral shed its mucous coat and prevents detritus (fish waste and uneaten food) from settling on the colony, which can lead to bacterial infections.
Ideal Placement in the Aquascape
When planning your aquascape, remember that Clove Polyps grow via a mat. They will grow over anything they touch. For this reason, I highly recommend placing them on an “island” rock separated from your main rockwork by sand.
This allows you to control the spread of the blushing coral. If you put it on your main reef structure, it may eventually grow over slower-growing, more expensive corals. By keeping it on a dedicated island, you create a beautiful, isolated centerpiece that is much easier to manage.
Compatibility and “Coral Wars”
In the world of reefing, corals often fight for space using chemical warfare or stinging tentacles. Fortunately, blushing coral is relatively peaceful and lacks the long “sweeper tentacles” found in LPS corals like Torch or Hammer corals.
However, they can still be irritated by more aggressive neighbors. Keep a 2-3 inch buffer zone between your Clove Polyps and corals like Galaxea or Acanthastrea. These neighbors can easily sting and kill the delicate polyps of your Clove colony if they get too close.
Feeding and Nutrition for Maximum Growth
While blushing coral gets much of its energy from light, it is also a filter feeder. In my experience, providing supplemental nutrition leads to much faster growth and richer coloration. When they are well-fed, the “blushing” effect is much more pronounced.
You don’t need to feed each individual polyp (which would be impossible!). Instead, use a technique called broadcast feeding. Turn off your return pumps and powerheads for about 15-20 minutes to let the food settle around the colony.
What to Feed Your Polyps
These corals have very small “mouths,” so you need to provide micro-foods. Some of the best options include:
- Liquid Phytoplankton: This mimics the natural “green water” found in the ocean.
- Amino Acids: These help the coral build tissue and enhance its natural pigments.
- Powdered Coral Foods: Look for products with a particle size of 5 to 50 microns.
- Reef Snow: This helps transport nutrients directly to the polyps.
I recommend feeding 2-3 times per week. Be careful not to overfeed, as this can lead to an explosion of nuisance algae or a spike in phosphates. Always monitor your water parameters after starting a new feeding regimen.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with the best care, you might run into some hurdles. Don’t panic! Most issues with blushing coral are easily fixed if you catch them early. Here is how to handle the most common “hiccups” in the hobby.
Why Are My Polyps Closed?
It is normal for Clove Polyps to close occasionally, especially at night or during a water change. However, if they stay closed for more than 48 hours during the day, something is wrong. Check for the following:
- Pests: Look closely for tiny nudibranchs or “Sundial Snails” that might be eating the polyps.
- High Nutrients: Check your phosphate levels. High PO4 can inhibit polyp extension.
- Irritation: Is there a fish nipping at them? Dwarf Angelfish are notorious for “tasting” polyps.
- Algae Overgrowth: If hair algae starts growing on the mat, it will irritate the polyps and keep them closed.
Dealing with “Melting” or Tissue Loss
If you see the mat of the coral turning gray or “mushy,” it is likely a bacterial infection or a reaction to a sudden drop in alkalinity. In this case, I recommend a dip in a coral disinfectant (like Seachem Reef Dip or Brightwell MediCoral).
After dipping, place the coral in an area with slightly higher flow to help it “breathe” and recover. Always check your parameters immediately if you see tissue loss. Stability is the best medicine.
Fragging and Propagation: Sharing the Love
One of the most rewarding parts of keeping blushing coral is how easy it is to propagate. Once your colony is established, you can easily create “frags” to trade with friends or sell to your local fish store.
Because these corals grow on a mat, fragging is as simple as cutting the mat with a sharp scalpel or bone cutters. You can then use a tiny dab of IC-Gel (super glue gel) to attach the piece to a ceramic frag plug.
Safety Tip: Always wear gloves and eye protection when fragging corals. Some soft corals can release toxins or irritants when cut. It is better to be safe than sorry!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is blushing coral a good choice for beginners?
Absolutely! It is one of the most resilient corals available. As long as you maintain basic water quality and provide moderate light, it will thrive. It is much more forgiving than most stony corals.
How fast does it grow?
In a healthy tank with supplemental feeding, it can grow quite quickly. You might see the colony double in size every 3 to 6 months. This is why I recommend the “island” placement method mentioned earlier.
Does blushing coral need a heater?
Yes, like almost all tropical reef inhabitants, it requires a stable temperature between 76°F and 80°F. Use a reliable heater with a separate controller for maximum safety.
Can I keep this coral with shrimp?
Yes, most reef-safe shrimp like Skunk Cleaners or Fire Shrimp are perfectly fine. However, be cautious with “Peppermint Shrimp,” as some individuals have been known to pick at Clove Polyps if they aren’t well-fed.
What color variations are available?
While the standard variety is stunning, you can find “Ultra” versions with neon green centers, orange tips, or even metallic gold hues. The “blushing” effect is common across most Clavularia species.
Conclusion: Bringing the Reef to Life
Keeping blushing coral is one of the most satisfying experiences you can have in the reef hobby. These corals provide a unique blend of movement, color, and resilience that makes them perfect for any tank. By focusing on moderate light, indirect flow, and stable water chemistry, you are setting yourself up for incredible success.
Remember, the best reefers are the ones who observe their tanks daily. Watch how your polyps react to your light settings and your feeding schedule. Your coral will tell you exactly what it needs if you take the time to look.
Don’t be afraid to start small. A single frag of blushing coral can eventually become the centerpiece of your entire aquarium. Happy reefing, and remember that we are all learners in this amazing hobby together!
