{"product_id":"birds-nest-hard-coral-seriatopora-sp","title":"Birds Nest Hard Coral Seriatopora Sp","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eBird’s Nest Hard Coral (Seriatopora sp.)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e(Also known as Bird’s Nest Coral or Needle Coral)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Bird’s Nest Coral (\u003cem\u003eSeriatopora\u003c\/em\u003e sp.) is a popular \u003cstrong\u003esmall-polyp stony (SPS) coral\u003c\/strong\u003e admired for its \u003cstrong\u003edelicate, twig-like branches\u003c\/strong\u003e that intertwine to form dense, nest-shaped colonies. Polyps are fine and tightly spaced, creating a fuzzy appearance when extended. Colouration varies from \u003cstrong\u003epink, green, yellow, and purple\u003c\/strong\u003e to \u003cstrong\u003ebright neon shades\u003c\/strong\u003e, depending on the species, lighting, and water conditions. Fast-growing and visually striking, \u003cem\u003eSeriatopora\u003c\/em\u003e adds height, structure, and vibrant movement to SPS or mixed reef systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eNative to the \u003cstrong\u003eIndo-Pacific region\u003c\/strong\u003e, including the Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, Tonga, and Indonesia. Typically found on \u003cstrong\u003eupper reef slopes and lagoon areas\u003c\/strong\u003e, where it thrives under intense light and strong, turbulent currents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Bird’s Nest Coral is \u003cstrong\u003ephotosynthetic\u003c\/strong\u003e, hosting \u003cstrong\u003ezooxanthellae\u003c\/strong\u003e that supply the majority of its energy through photosynthesis. Supplemental feeding enhances growth and colour:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarine microplankton or phytoplankton\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFine powdered coral foods (e.g., Reef-Roids)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmino acid or trace element supplements\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed \u003cstrong\u003e1–2 times per week\u003c\/strong\u003e to support active growth, especially in ultra-clean systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLighting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHigh lighting required.\u003c\/strong\u003e This SPS coral thrives under bright, full-spectrum illumination from \u003cstrong\u003eLED, T5, or metal halide\u003c\/strong\u003e lighting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePAR range: \u003cstrong\u003e250–400 ¬µmol\/m¬≤\/s\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGradually acclimate to higher light intensity to prevent bleaching.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntense lighting enhances pastel and neon pigmentation.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Flow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStrong, turbulent flow.\u003c\/strong\u003e Random and multidirectional currents are essential to keep the branches clean of detritus, deliver nutrients, and maintain oxygen exchange. Avoid direct, laminar jets that can damage fragile branches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePosition in the \u003cstrong\u003eupper third of the tank\u003c\/strong\u003e, where light and flow are strongest.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMount securely on stable rockwork or a coral plug — the branches are brittle and can break easily if disturbed.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAllow space around the colony for expansion and to prevent shading neighbouring corals.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeaceful and reef safe.\u003c\/strong\u003e Compatible with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReef-safe fish such as gobies, tangs, clownfish, and wrasses\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInvertebrates (shrimp, hermits, snails, urchins)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther SPS corals with adequate spacing\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCorals with long, stinging sweeper tentacles (e.g., Galaxea, Euphyllia)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge angelfish or butterflyfish that may nip at polyps\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAggression\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeaceful.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eSeriatopora\u003c\/em\u003e does not have long sweeper tentacles but is sensitive to contact from aggressive corals. Leave several centimetres of spacing to avoid tissue loss from chemical or physical irritation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExperience Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntermediate to advanced.\u003c\/strong\u003e While hardy once established, the Bird’s Nest Coral requires \u003cstrong\u003estable water chemistry, strong light, and consistent flow\u003c\/strong\u003e to maintain health and vibrant colouration. Suitable for reef keepers comfortable managing SPS water parameters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24–27°C (75–81°F)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.025–1.026 SG\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness (dKH):\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCalcium:\u003c\/strong\u003e 400–450 ppm\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMagnesium:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1250–1350 ppm\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePhosphate:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u0026lt;0.03 ppm\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u0026lt;10 ppm\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minimum \u003cstrong\u003e75 gallons (280L)\u003c\/strong\u003e for stability and adequate flow zones\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegular testing and dosing of calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium are essential for skeletal growth and resilience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFully reef safe.\u003c\/strong\u003e A showpiece coral that adds dimension and colour to SPS and mixed reefs. Its intricate, branching structure provides natural shelter for small reef fish and invertebrates, creating a realistic reef environment.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Real Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56864403095927,"sku":"FSH-01176","price":99.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/0386\/8610\/files\/Birds-Nest-Hard-Coral-Seriatopora-Sp.png?v=1773331157","url":"https:\/\/realaquatics.co.uk\/products\/birds-nest-hard-coral-seriatopora-sp","provider":"Real Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}