Space Invader Pectinia Coral:
(written by Dave Burr)
Space Invader Pectinia Coral's neon green and yellow coloration provides a beautiful contrast to other corals in an aquarium. It's unique structure makes it a great showpiece for any reef aquarium.
Aquaculture: We acquired a 3/4" frag of Space Invader Pectinia back in 2009 and have been growing it well since. We mounted our Space Invader Pectina on a small rock which we had cut in half and glued to the back of our 800 gallon reef tank. This positioning has seemed to provide perfect conditions for it while keeping it away from other prized corals.
Placement: Mount the Space Invader Pectinia using IC gel glue, or putty, on an exposed rock or ledge in the lower two- thirds of the aquarium where they will receive moderate currents and low to moderate lighting. Leave 3" - 4" around this coral as it has sweeper tentacles that can sting nearby corals at night.
Feeding: Although symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae hosted within them supply some of their nutritional requirements through photosynthesis they do benefit from supplemental feedings of Oyster-Feast, Roti-Feast, or small mysis shrimp.
Tentacles: It does have sweeper tentacles that come out at night so make sure to leave 3" - 4" between it and other corals.
Lighting & Flow Requirements: Space Invader Pectinia Coral requires moderate water flow and low to moderate lighting (PAR 150-250). T5's, Metal Halides, or LED's can all grow Space Invader Pectinia Corals when the proper PAR levels are provided. We recommend a 14-20K color spectrum for best coloration.
Care Level: Easy
Lighting Requirements: Low - moderate (PAR 150-250)
Water Flow: Low - moderate
Aggressiveness: Aggressive - sweeper tentacles
Range: Indo Pacific, Grown at Vivid Aquariums
Family: Pectiniidae
Water Conditions: 75-80° F; sg 1.024-1.026 (1.025 is ideal); pH 8.1-8.4 Ca 420-440 ppm, Alk 8-9.5 dKH, Mg 1260-1350, Nitrates <10ppm, Phosphates, < .10ppm
Water Chemistry: It is important that proper calcium (420-440 ppm), alkalinity (8-9.5 dkh - run it 7-8 if you are carbon dosing) , and magnesium levels (1260-1350 ppm) are maintained. Raising magnesium levels gradually up to 1400-1600 ppm can help to combat algae outbreaks, just keep CA and Alk in line as you raise the Mg. Nitrates should be below 10 ppm and phosphates should be below .10 ppm. We recommend doing a water change when Nitrate levels rise to 10 ppm. It is important to replace your phosphate media when phosphates rise to .10 ppm. Media Reactors make the most efficient use of your phosphate media by fluidizing it.
Dosing: Vivid Aquariums uses and recommends dosing pumps to automate the dosing of additives and keep your levels more constant. A dosing pump can alleviate the chore of manually dosing your aquarium with Ca, Alk, & Mg 2,3, or 4 times per week and will benefit your aquarium by keeping your levels constant through frequent small additions of Ca, Alk, & Mg. Our tanks all progressed when we switched from 3 manual dosings per week to 70 automatic dosings per week and we got a lot more work done.
