Uranium Cabbage

Lighting

Moderate light around 80 to 150 PAR is ideal. Cabbage leathers hold their neon tone under mid-level lighting and tend to toughen or shrink slightly under very high light. Too little light softens the glow but doesn’t harm the coral.

Flow

Moderate, rolling flow. Cabbage leathers shed a thin waxy layer every so often, and consistent water movement helps them shed cleanly. Without enough flow they stay droopy, gather film, or fail to reopen fully after shedding.

Placement

Mid to low rockwork. They prefer broad, open surfaces where they can form layered, curved plates. Avoid tight crevices where the edges rub against rocks. They grow outward rather than upward, so leave horizontal room.

Water parameters

They’re durable soft corals and tolerate a wide range, but best color and growth come from stable, nutrient-friendly water.

Calcium 400 to 420.
Alkalinity 8 to 9.
Magnesium 1300 to 1350.
Nitrate 5 to 20.
Phosphate 0.05 to 0.15.

These leathers do better in systems that aren’t stripped of nutrients. Too-clean conditions cause slower growth and duller color.

Feeding

Primarily photosynthetic. They don’t need direct feeding. Dissolved organics already present in the tank are enough. Occasional amino acids can increase polyp extension, but they aren’t required.

Growth behavior

Fast. Cabbage leathers form thick, overlapping plates that resemble layered leaves. They occasionally self-frag by dropping small sections. Periodic shedding is normal; they may stay closed for a day, then reopen brighter than before.

Sensitivities

Tough coral with few weaknesses. Key considerations:
• Needs consistent flow to avoid buildup of shed film.
• Can shrink temporarily after a parameter swing.
• Produces mild chemical toxins that can irritate nearby LPS or softies if packed tightly.

Running carbon periodically keeps allelopathy under control.

Compatibility

Peaceful, no stingers, but can irritate neighbors through chemical warfare if touching or overcrowded. Give it a few inches of personal space and it behaves well.