Birds nest coral

Birds nest coral Seriatopora hystrix

The birds nest coral is defined in the hobby as a SPS (small polyp stony) coral. Its the fastest growing stony coral we have encountered growing up to a centimeter per month. An aquarium set up for sps corals does require more expense at initial start up with expensive equipment as chillers etc that one may be able to get away with out on other types of set ups. Equally ongoing cost are much higher with large amounts of power to cool and light the aquarium.

Aquarium care.
The aquarium should be set up specifically to supply sps corals needs ...

Light. Lighting is very important for good growth and showing the coral at its best, the brighter the lights the more colourful the coral is displayed. Mutiple HO T5 tubes can work well to around 40-45cm from there 250 - 400 watt metal halides would be a better option.
Calcium and Carbonates. Calcium referring to the dissolved levels of calcium in PPM should be 380-450. Alkalinity (carbonate hardness) refers to the compounds that together raise the PH of the aquarium water it is commonly measured in DKH or in meq/L The recommended range being 8-13 DKH or 2.8-4.5meq/L. Both calcium and alkalinity are closely linked and should be adjusted in a balanced way or you will have difficulty in getting both within the acceptable range. Don’t presume by elevating calcium (resulting in lower alkalinity) corals will grow at a faster rate both alkalinity and calcium are required in a balanced level for effective calcification. Maintaining Magnesium at 1300ppm helps balance the chemistry.
Stable temperature. temperature should be maintained ideally at 25-26C stability of the temp is important to you don't want the tank getting hot on summer days this can help induce RTN (Rapid tissue necrosis) Where an infection can spread across the coral (Usually from the base upwards) within 24-48 hours.
Low nutrients. Both organic and inorganic nutrients should be at low levels to maintain good colouration and stable water chemistry. High levels of organics are likely to result in the browning off of the coral and again lead to RTN. Use of activated carbon to reduce DOC (dissolved organic compounds), use of a DSB (deep sand bed) to lower nitrates, use of Ferric hydroxide or aluminum hydroxide to remove phosphates and installing an efficient protein skimmer are all highly recommended strategies.
Vigorous water flow. Good water flow with eddies and surge create a healthy oxygenated environment. Preventing sediments and algae's depositing on the coral. Older corals become more susceptible to RTN around the base without oxygenated water flowing throughout the branches.

If you do encounter RTN the most prudent course of action is to cut the healthy tissue away from the infection. Make the cut within the healthy tissue leaving no infection on the remaining coral. Check water parameters usually there is a cause some times the infection can be started by water quality other times, a coral sting or a bit of fish food or poo lodging in the corals branches. In a healthy aquarium the infection should remain in check to the local region on the coral.

Propagation of Birds nest coral. (Wear eye protection this coral can fling of in any direction when cut)
	Select a healthy growing colony, un healthy or stressed colonies from recent shipping etc are likely to succumb to RTN.
	The branches are dense, much tougher than you will expect considering their diameter. Bone cutters are a good choice to cut the branches but aim the branches at some water or a wet towel they will fling away at velocity. Don't use a high speed cutting wheel to much heat will be generated damaging tissue.
	Quite small pieces are viable 10 + polyps. Starting small colonies will lead to a more natural and far stronger encrusting to the substrate.
	Avoid handling this coral to much use plastic forceps and minimize the time out of water to the minimum required to set a bond.
	Place on a towel to drain while preparing the glue.
	Use only a tiny amount of glue. Mounting this coral with epoxy putty is not recommended the flesh buried under the putty will die this can start a RTN. A comparison we under took 30% mortalities with epoxy vs 0% with supa glue.
	Gently hold in place till the glue sets enough to hold.
	Allow the glue to harden for 5 minutes but don't allow the coral to dry out.
	Place in the grow out aquarium, the bond will be quite weak for some weeks and vulnerable to snails etc. If any fragments are dislodged just glue them back in place.