Turbinaria Coral Care Guide (Cup / Scroll / Pagoda Coral)
Turbinaria — known as cup coral, scroll coral, or pagoda coral — is a hardy stony coral that grows into elegant cups, ruffled scrolls, and layered shelves, often in cheerful yellows and greens. Though it has small polyps, it’s far more forgiving than most SPS, making it a great intermediate-friendly coral that bridges the gap between easy LPS and demanding SPS. Its sculptural shape makes a beautiful centerpiece. This guide covers lighting, flow, placement, parameters, feeding, keeping the cup clean, and acclimation.
Care Level: Hardy & Adaptable
Turbinaria is one of the more forgiving stony corals. It adapts to a wide range of light and tolerates typical reef conditions well. The main species-specific tip is keeping detritus from collecting in the cup or scroll folds, which good flow handles easily.
Quick-Reference Care Parameters
| Coral type | Stony coral (cup / scroll) |
| Care level | Beginner–Intermediate |
| Lighting | Moderate · PAR 75–200 (adaptable) |
| Flow | Moderate, random |
| Placement | Low to mid rockwork |
| Temperature | 76–82°F (ideal ~78°F) |
| Salinity | 1.024–1.026 (~35 ppt) |
| Alkalinity | 8–11 dKH |
| Calcium | 400–450 ppm |
| Magnesium | 1250–1350 ppm |
| Nitrate | 2–10 ppm |
| Phosphate | 0.03–0.10 ppm |
| Feeding | Beneficial · fine meaty foods 1–2× per week |
| Aggression | Low–moderate · give some space |
Lighting
Turbinaria is adaptable and does well across a moderate range, roughly PAR 75–200. It can be acclimated to brighter light than most LPS, but as always, transition gradually to avoid bleaching. Under good light the small polyps extend and give the cup a soft, fuzzy texture. Its shape develops best when it gets even light across the surface.
Water Flow
Provide moderate, random flow. Beyond keeping the coral clean and its polyps extended, flow serves a special purpose with Turbinaria: it prevents detritus from settling into the cup or scroll folds, which can smother tissue if left to accumulate. Aim flow so it gently rinses across the coral’s surface rather than pooling debris in the center.
Placement
Mount Turbinaria on low-to-mid rockwork. Angle a cup or scroll form so detritus doesn’t collect and so light reaches the whole surface evenly. Give it room to grow — it forms shelves and layers over time — and a little space from neighbors.
Water Parameters
As a calcifying stony coral, Turbinaria wants stable alkalinity (8–11 dKH), calcium (400–450 ppm), and magnesium (1250–1350 ppm), with steady temperature and salinity. It’s more tolerant than true SPS, but stability still gives the best growth and color. A modest nutrient level (nitrate 2–10 ppm, phosphate 0.03–0.10 ppm) supports healthy tissue.
Feeding
Turbinaria has feeding polyps and responds well to fine meaty foods — mysis, chopped shrimp, or a coral food — one to two times a week, ideally when the polyps are extended in the evening. Feeding supports growth and color. Feed in reduced flow so the food settles onto the polyps rather than blowing away.
Common Problems
- Detritus in the cup: the most common Turbinaria issue — improve flow across the surface and gently blow the coral off with a turkey baster during maintenance.
- Bleaching: from too much light too fast — acclimate lighting gradually.
- Tissue recession: a stress signal from parameter swings or smothering debris; stabilize conditions and keep the surface clean.
How to Acclimate Your New Turbinaria
- Temperature match (15–20 min): Float the sealed bag with lights dimmed to equalize temperature.
- Drip acclimate (20–40 min): Open into a clean container and drip tank water in slowly until the volume roughly doubles.
- Coral dip (5–10 min): Use a reef-safe dip per directions, then rinse in clean saltwater.
- Placement: Mount on low-to-mid rock in moderate flow, starting in moderate light and increasing gradually. Angle it so debris doesn’t pool in the cup.
- Let it settle: Polyps may stay retracted for a few days after shipping — that’s normal. Keep conditions steady and give it time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Turbinaria hard to keep?
No — it’s one of the more forgiving stony corals, more adaptable than true SPS, and a good choice for reefers ready to move beyond the easiest LPS.
Why is debris collecting in my cup coral?
The cup and scroll shapes can trap detritus. Improve flow across the surface and gently baste the coral during maintenance to keep it clean.
Does Turbinaria need to be fed?
It benefits from feeding — fine meaty foods one to two times a week improve growth and color, though it also feeds via light.
What is WYSIWYG coral?
WYSIWYG means “What You See Is What You Get” — the exact coral pictured is the one shipped to you.
Shop WYSIWYG Turbinaria & Care Guides
Browse our live coral for sale for this week’s hand-selected WYSIWYG Turbinaria. Explore the rest of our coral library, including the Encrusting Montipora Care Guide, the Chalice Care Guide, and the Cynarina Care Guide.
