Glitterbomb Favia

The Glitterbomb Favia is a breathtaking LPS (large-polyp stony) coral, known for its intense neon colors, typically featuring a deep purple or blue base with electric green, yellow, or orange highlights around the polyp mouths. Its glitter-like speckles and high-contrast hues make it a standout piece in any reef tank. Native to Indo-Pacific reefs, this Favia variety is hardy, slow-growing, and relatively easy to care for, making it a fantastic addition for both beginner and advanced reef keepers.

Care Guide:

• Tank Size: Suitable for nano (20+ gallons) and larger reef tanks, but thrives in 50+ gallons for long-term stability.
• Temperament: Moderate aggression – extends sweeper tentacles at night, so ensure at least 3-4 inches of space from neighboring corals.
• Lighting: Moderate to low (PAR 75-150); excessive light can cause color fading or bleaching.
• Flow: Moderate – enough to prevent detritus buildup but not so strong that it damages its fleshy polyps.
• Placement:
  • Best placed on lower rockwork or the sandbed, allowing room for slow but steady growth.
  • Avoid placing near highly aggressive corals like Galaxea, Torch, or Hydnophora.
• Feeding:
  • Carnivorous – benefits from target feeding 1-2 times per week with:
    • Mysis shrimp
    • Brine shrimp
    • Reef-specific coral foods (powdered or liquid)
  • Gains additional nutrients from photosynthesis via its zooxanthellae.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 74-78°F (23-26°C)
  • pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Salinity: 1.024-1.026
  • Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
  • Calcium: 400-450 ppm
  • Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm
  • Nitrate & Phosphate: Low but detectable (NO₃: 5-10 ppm, PO₄: 0.03-0.07 ppm) – excess nutrients can lead to algae overgrowth, while too little may stunt growth.

Compatibility:

• Best with other LPS corals, but ensure sufficient spacing to prevent sweeper tentacle interactions.
• Avoid placement near aggressive corals like Galaxea, Torch, or Hydnophora, which may outcompete it.
• Pairs well with soft corals that do not compete for space or nutrients.

Special Considerations:

• Coloration Enhancement: Lower light settings help maintain deep blues and purples, while excessive light may fade the vibrant neon accents.
• Fragging: Can be fragged but requires clean cuts using a dremel or bandsaw to prevent excessive tissue damage.
• Nighttime Behavior: Extends long sweeper tentacles at night for feeding and territory defense.

Summary:

The Glitterbomb Favia is a stunning, hardy, and moderately aggressive LPS coral, perfect for adding vivid colors and texture to reef aquariums. With stable water conditions, moderate lighting, and occasional feeding, it will thrive and become a gorgeous centerpiece in any reef tank.