Fire and Ice Rhodactis

Rhodactis sp

Saltwater Coral Species Group: Mushroom Rhodactis Family: Discosomidae

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Water parameters

Temp 76-80 F Temperature

Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.

 pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of Hydrogen

Measuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.

 NO3 1-20 ppm Nitrate

While less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.

 NO2 <0.0001 ppm Nitrite

It is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia

 PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm Phosphate

It is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.

 NH3 <0.1 ppm Ammonia

It is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death

 Ca 380 - 450 ppm Calcium

Supporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae

 KH 8 - 12 dKH Alkalinity

It acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.

 Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm Magnesium

It enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.

 SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG Salinity

Essential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals

 ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction Potential

A higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.

About Fire and Ice Rhodactis

General information

In general, mushroom corals coming from the genus Rhodactis are classified as a false coral without a skeleton, although their internal structures are the same with stony corals. Their stalk is very small that is located just above the pedal disc which is the area where they attach themselves to the substrate.

For the Fire and Ice Rhodactis, they are predominantly colored blue with red dots on the margin. This are the water parameters for cultivating Fire and Ice Rhodactis: 

  • Calcium: 400 – 450 ppm
  • Alkalinity: 2.86 – 4.29 MEQ/L (8 – 12 dKH)
  • Phosphates: 0
  • Magnesium: 1200 – 1350
  • Strontium: 8 – 10
  • Temperature: 72° – 78° F (22° – 26° C)
  • Salinity / Specific Gravity: 1.023 – 1.025
  • pH: 8.1 – 8.4

Diet & nutrition

In the wild, Fire and Ice Rhodactis has developed a symbiotic feeding relationship with marine algae called zooxanthellae that is living within their tissues. But in captivity, you have to feed them with nanoplankton and you may add dissolved organics in the water.

Determining sex

A mature tank is highly recommended in propagating Fire and Ice Rhodactis. They must be set at the botoom of the tank to simulate their natural wild environment.

Breeding & spawning

The Fire and Ice Rhodactis requires moderate lighting and moderate waterflow.

Origination

The Fire and Ice Rhodactis can be found in the waters of the Indo-Pacific Ocean.

Cautions

The Fire and Ice Rhodactis has a semi-aggressive behaviour. Proper spacing must be observed in relation to other coral species in the tank.

Acclimation process

The Fire and Ice Rhodactis is a marine species. Therefore, salinity must be maintained thoroughly at 1.023 to 1.025 specific gravity.

All photos

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