Purple Hammer Coral

This Purple Hammer Coral is a stunning addition to any reef aquarium, displaying elegant, flowing polyps with vibrant purple tips that contrast beautifully with its darker base. Its unique hammer-shaped tentacles extend gracefully, adding dynamic movement and a touch of sophistication to your aquascape. This specimen is fully expanded and showcases excellent coloration, making it a focal point in any tank. Its iridescent glow under actinic lighting will captivate onlookers, providing endless visual appeal. This specific coral was photographed under ideal conditions to accurately represent its true colors and form. When acclimated to a suitable environment, its unique growth pattern and rich purple hues will only intensify, creating a spectacular display.

Hammer corals thrive under moderate PAR levels, typically ranging from 75 to 150. Too much light can cause bleaching, while too little can lead to dull coloration and reduced polyp extension. Moderate and indirect flow is essential to keep its polyps clean and extended without causing damage. Avoid direct, strong flow that can cause the coral to retract. Ideal placement is on a rock ledge or in the middle of your aquascape where it can receive adequate light and flow without being blasted. Ensure there is enough space around the coral, as its sweepers can extend and sting neighboring corals.

Hammer corals are photosynthetic, deriving most of their nutrition from the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) within their tissues. However, supplemental feeding with small, meaty foods like mysis shrimp or copepods a few times a week can promote faster growth and enhance coloration. Maintain stable water parameters: temperature 75-78°F, salinity 1.025-1.026, alkalinity 8-10 dKH, calcium 400-450 ppm, and magnesium 1300-1400 ppm. Consistent water quality is crucial for its health and vibrant appearance. Aggression can be an issue with Hammer corals, as they possess long sweeping tentacles overnight; ensure ample spacing from other corals.

Acclimation should be slow and steady. We recommend a drip acclimation method over at least 30-60 minutes to allow the coral to gradually adjust to your tank's water parameters. After acclimation, place the coral in a shaded or lower-light area initially and gradually move it to its desired location over several days to prevent shocking it with sudden changes in light intensity. Observe the coral closely for the first few days to ensure it is extending its polyps and appears healthy. This careful acclimation process will minimize stress and ensure a smooth transition into its new home.

This Purple Hammer Coral is a hardy and rewarding coral for both beginner and experienced reef keepers. Its striking color, elegant movement, and relatively easy care requirements make it an excellent choice for adding beauty and diversity to your marine aquarium. With proper care and stable conditions, this coral will flourish and become a breathtaking centerpiece, providing years of enjoyment. Its resilience and dazzling appearance will enhance the overall aesthetic of your reef system. This coral is a testament to the vibrant beauty found within the ocean's depths, ready to bring that spectacle to your home aquarium. Make sure you're ready to give it everything on this guide for maximum growth and coloration!

We take livestock seriously. That's why we don't sell anything we wouldn't be comfortable putting in our own tank.

As we are direct from source, we import and sell direct to the public. This means you can buy with confidence knowing EMA prides itself on excellent handling and conditioning protocols.

Fish

All our fish held in a quarantine system for a minimum of 3 weeks. During this time, regular water changes are performed, and twice daily (or sometimes more) feedings are performed.

Copper is dosed and checked twice a day for ich and velvet.

During this treatment fish are given formalin baths for brooklynella and a minimum of 3 praziquantel doses is performed for flukes.

Coral

Our coral is quarantined for a minimum of 3 weeks, just like fish. During this time, regular water changes are performed, water testing done, and once a month a Fauna Marin ICP Total is performed.

Corals are inspected for pests/general health and are provided with a pest dip once a week for at least 3 weeks.

If we see signs of pests, the quarantine period is extended and/or additional dips are performed

If coral is bleached/unhealthy, it will remain in quarantine until healthy enough to sell.