{"product_id":"baby-blue-hydnophora-microconos","title":"Baby Blue Hydnophora Microconos","description":"\u003ch2\u003eBaby Blue Hydnophora microconos\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCoral Overview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis \u003cstrong\u003eHydnophora microconos\u003c\/strong\u003e is a standout baby blue strain with contrasting bluish-green polyps and a dense, textured growth form. Compared to more common green varieties, this piece offers a cooler overall look while still showing the tight corallite structure and strong polyp detail that make Hydnophora so recognizable in SPS reef tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHydnophora microconos is valued for its bold surface texture, fast visual presence, and strong coloration under balanced reef lighting. This aquacultured strain is especially appealing for reef keepers looking to add a blue-toned SPS coral with noticeable contrast and a more unusual color profile than standard green Hydnophora.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs it settles in, expect the baby blue body color and bluish-green polyp highlights to show best in a stable system with consistent alkalinity, good random flow, and clean nutrient management. Like many SPS corals, coloration and extension are closely tied to system stability rather than chasing extreme parameters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHydnophora microconos\u003c\/strong\u003e generally does best in \u003cstrong\u003emoderate to high light\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003emoderate to strong, turbulent flow\u003c\/strong\u003e. Place this coral where it receives enough movement to keep the surface clean and the polyps active, but avoid a harsh direct blast that can cause localized tissue stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLighting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate to high reef lighting\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlow:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate to strong, indirect and chaotic flow\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mid to upper areas once acclimated\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Best growth and color come from steady alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, and temperature\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis coral is a good fit for established reef systems where SPS husbandry is already in place. Stable major elements are important, and a balanced dosing program such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ndaquaculture.ca\/collections\/reef-charge\/products\/hydroshock-3-part-complete-system\"\u003eHydroShock 3 Part Complete System\u003c\/a\u003e can help maintain the consistency that aquacultured SPS corals rely on for color and growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHydnophora also has a reputation for being aggressive toward nearby corals, so give it enough space to expand without contacting neighbors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFeeding \u0026amp; Nutrition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike other SPS corals, \u003cstrong\u003eHydnophora microconos\u003c\/strong\u003e gets most of its energy from photosynthesis, but it can still benefit from a reef with balanced nutrient availability and suspended microfoods. It does not need heavy direct feeding to do well, though a mature system with consistent export and import often supports better overall coloration and polyp response.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor reef systems built around broad coral nutrition, products such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ndaquaculture.ca\/collections\/planktura\/products\/rhodomonas-live-phytoplankton\"\u003eRhodomonas Live Phytoplankton\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ndaquaculture.ca\/collections\/planktura\/products\/isochrysis-live-phytoplankton\"\u003eIsochrysis Live Phytoplankton\u003c\/a\u003e can help support the wider microbial and planktonic food web. A stable biological base may also be supported with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ndaquaculture.ca\/collections\/planktura\/products\/palustris-live-bacteria-bacto-fuel\"\u003ePalustris Live Bacteria Bacto Fuel\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKnown Sensitivities\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis coral responds best to consistency. Rapid swings in alkalinity, temperature, or salinity can reduce polyp extension and lead to tissue stress. Newly introduced pieces may look subdued at first after transport, but often improve as they adjust to stable conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHydnophora microconos can also react poorly to low flow zones where detritus settles across the surface. If placed too low or shaded for long periods, coloration may become duller and growth can slow. Because it is an aggressive SPS coral, avoid placing it too close to more delicate neighbors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen adjusting placement, make changes gradually. Sudden jumps in light intensity can shock freshly introduced SPS, even when the final placement is appropriate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eShipping \u0026amp; Arrival Guarantee\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe pack our corals carefully for transit and select shipping methods that help reduce stress on arrival. As with all live coral shipments, some temporary contraction or muted appearance is normal after unpacking. Given stable parameters and proper acclimation, this coral should begin settling in and showing its structure and coloration over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease review our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ndaquaculture.ca\/pages\/arrive-alive-guarantee\"\u003eArrive Alive Guarantee\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ndaquaculture.ca\/pages\/shipping\"\u003eshipping policy\u003c\/a\u003e for full details on coverage, procedures, and timing.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"New Dawn Aquaculture","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47972402200830,"sku":null,"price":39.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0058\/6242\/4647\/files\/Baby-Blue-Hydnophora-Microconos_NDA.jpg?v=1774102788","url":"https:\/\/ndaquaculture.ca\/products\/baby-blue-hydnophora-microconos","provider":"New Dawn Aquaculture","version":"1.0","type":"link"}