Red Mushroom Coral

Question
Hi Todd, i've had a fish only saltwater aquarium for about 4 years now, i recently started adding coral. i have a 30 gal tank, with three fish, (tomato clown, 3 stripe damsel, spotted mandarin), two turbo snails and about a dozen hermit crabs. I've added my red mushroom coral three days ago, the pet store said they would shrivel up when i put them in my tank and would stretch back out when they were aclimated. Is this normal and how long will it take for them to stretch out again?

Answer

John,

I have had good experiences with this type of coral.  They are one of the hardiest of all corals. I have found that they do shrivel up when stressed or sick.  If your water parameters are good. (You have a spotted mandarin which are not easy to keep so I am assuming that your h2o is great). Also you should have a broad range of lighting they should rebound in about 5-7 days. They also do not like strong current so keep that in mind. Please do not due any water changes until this coral perks-up. They also need to adjust to the lighting and water movement so pay special attention to this if after 10 days the coral looks bad you may have a problem.

Good Luck
Todd