Mushroom corals are some of the most forgiving and rewarding corals you can keep, making them perfect for both new and experienced reef keepers. Their bold colors, interesting textures, and ability to thrive in a range of conditions have made them a staple in many reef tanks. This guide will walk you through mushroom coral care so you can keep them growing, spreading, and looking their best.

Basic Requirements for Healthy Mushroom Corals

Mushroom corals (Discosoma, Rhodactis, Ricordea, and related types) are soft corals that generally prefer stability over perfection. They tolerate a wide range of parameters, but they do best when things stay consistent.

Water Parameters

Target the following for long-term success:

• Temperature: 76–79°F (24–26°C)
• Salinity: 1.024–1.026 specific gravity
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH
• Nitrate: 5–20 ppm
• Phosphate: 0.03–0.1 ppm

Tip: Mushroom corals often look better with a little bit of nutrient in the water. Ultra-low nutrients can cause them to shrink or detach.

Lighting and Flow

Mushroom corals are naturally found in shaded or lower-light areas of the reef, and your tank should reflect that:

• Lighting: Low to moderate PAR (50–120 PAR is usually ideal)
• Flow: Low to gentle, indirect flow

If your mushrooms are stretching upward or losing color, they may want more light. If they stay tightly closed, curl at the edges, or appear to be “lifting” off the rock, the light or flow may be too strong.

For more detail on dialing in your reef lighting, see our guide on reef tank lighting settings.

Placement, Feeding, and Growth

Placement in the Aquarium

Start mushrooms on the lower half of the tank, especially under modern LEDs. Great spots include:

• Lower rock ledges with some shade
• Isolated “mushroom islands” to manage spreading
• Areas with gentle, swirling flow rather than direct powerhead output

Because many mushrooms can spread quickly, consider placing them on their own rock away from prized SPS or LPS colonies. Over time, they can form a colorful carpet that adds movement and texture.

Feeding and Nutrition

Mushroom corals host symbiotic zooxanthellae, so they get much of their energy from light, but they also benefit from occasional feeding:

• Broadcast feed fine coral foods 1–2 times per week.
• Target feed small meaty foods (like mysis or reef roids) sparingly.
• Turn off flow briefly while feeding to let food settle.

Tip: Overfeeding can lead to nutrient spikes and algae. Start light and watch how your mushrooms respond over a few weeks.

For broader nutritional advice, check out our post on coral feeding basics.

Common Problems and Simple Fixes

Shrinking, Melting, or Detaching

If your mushroom coral starts shrinking or detaching from the rock, investigate:

• Lighting too intense: Move it to a lower, shaded area.
• Flow too strong: Redirect powerheads or relocate the coral.
• Rapid parameter swings: Test salinity, temperature, and alkalinity and correct slowly.

Managing Overgrowth

Healthy mushrooms often multiply. To keep them from taking over:

• Start them on an isolated rock “island.”
• Regularly remove new polyps from areas where you don’t want them spreading.
• Plan your aquascape with future growth in mind.

For help planning that layout, see our article on aquascaping ideas for reef tanks.

With stable water, gentle light and flow, and a bit of patience, mushroom corals can become one of the most reliable and colorful groups in your reef. Whether you’re building your first soft coral garden or adding texture to a mature SPS system, these hardy corals reward simple, consistent care with steady growth and endless variety.