How to Care for Mushroom Corals in Your Reef Tank
- , by Mark Davis
- 2 min reading time
Mushroom corals are hardy, colorful, and perfect for reef tanks of all levels. Learn the ideal lighting, flow, feeding, and water parameters to keep them thriving.
Why Mushroom Corals?
Mushroom corals (Discosoma, Rhodactis, and Ricordea species) are one of the most popular choices for reef aquariums — and for good reason. They're hardy, colorful, and forgiving, making them ideal for beginners while still captivating experienced reefers with rare collector varieties like the Powerball Bounce Mushroom.
Mushrooms are soft corals that thrive in a wide range of conditions. They reproduce readily, come in an incredible array of colors and textures, and can tolerate the occasional parameter swing that would stress more sensitive corals.
Lighting
Mushroom corals prefer low to moderate light — typically 50–120 PAR. Too much light can cause them to shrink, bleach, or detach from their rock. Place them in shaded areas, lower in the tank, or under overhangs. Bounce Mushrooms can do their best in lower light (30–80 PAR) or higher light (100-200) to preserve their signature bubble-like vesicles.
Flow
Keep flow low to moderate. Mushrooms like gentle, indirect water movement that allows their polyps to sway naturally. Strong direct flow will cause them to curl up and retract.
Feeding
Mushrooms are largely photosynthetic but benefit from occasional target feeding with fine foods like Reef Roids, oyster feast, phytoplankton, or finely minced mysis shrimp. Feed 1–2 times per week for faster growth and richer coloration. Turn off flow pumps for 15–30 minutes after feeding.
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 76–80°F (24–27°C)
- Salinity: 1.025–1.026 SG
- Alkalinity: 7–9 dKH
- Calcium: 380–420 ppm
- Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
- Nitrates: 10–25 ppm (they prefer some nutrients)
- Phosphates: 0.05–0.15 ppm
Placement
Place mushrooms on rock rubble or sandy substrate in the lower to mid sections of your tank. They will naturally attach and spread over time. Avoid placing them near aggressive LPS corals like Torches or Hammers, as they can be stung by sweeper tentacles.
Common Issues
- Shrinking or curling: Too much light or flow — move to a calmer, shadier spot.
- Bleaching: Too much light or a sudden parameter change — reduce PAR and check water chemistry.
- Detaching from rock: Stress response — place in a low-flow container with rubble until it reattaches.
- Slow growth: Try target feeding and ensure nutrients aren't too low.
Collector Varieties: Bounce Mushrooms
Bounce Mushrooms (Rhodactis sp.) are among the most sought-after corals in the hobby. Their distinctive bubble-like vesicles and vivid colors make them true showpieces. They require the same care as standard mushrooms but are more sensitive to high light and flow. Patience is key — vesicles develop slowly under stable, low-light conditions.
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