Alveopora Coral (WYSIWYG)

Price is per frag

Alveopora, like Goniopora, is a beautiful LPS (Large Polyp Stony) coral that is often mistaken for Goniopora due to their similar appearance. However, Alveopora is generally considered slightly easier to care for and less demanding. Here’s a guide to taking care of Alveopora in a reef tank:

Water Parameters:

1. Temperature: 24-26°C (75-79°F)

2. pH: 8.1-8.4

3. Alkalinity: 8-11 dKH (stable alkalinity is crucial)

4. Calcium: 400-450 ppm

5. Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm

6. Nitrates: 1-5 ppm (low levels, but some nitrates are beneficial)

7. Phosphates: < 0.03 ppm

8. Salinity: 1.024-1.026 (specific gravity)

Lighting:

• Moderate: Alveopora prefers moderate lighting (PAR range: 80-150).

• Like most LPS corals, Alveopora contains symbiotic zooxanthellae algae, which provide most of its nutritional needs through photosynthesis. However, they are less demanding than Goniopora in terms of light intensity.

• Avoid placing them directly under intense lighting to prevent bleaching.

Water Flow:

• Low to Moderate: Alveopora thrives in low to moderate water flow. The polyps should gently sway with the current, but avoid direct, strong flow as it can prevent the polyps from expanding fully.

• Moderate water flow also helps prevent debris from settling on the coral, which can stress it.

Placement:

• Middle to Bottom: Alveopora is usually best placed in the middle or lower part of the tank, where it can receive moderate lighting and gentle flow.

• Ensure there’s space around it, as the polyps can extend far when fully open, and it may have semi-aggressive tendencies, though it is less aggressive than some other LPS corals.

Feeding:

• Moderate Supplemental Feeding: While Alveopora is photosynthetic, supplemental feeding is beneficial for optimal health and growth. Target feeding the coral with fine particulate foods like phytoplankton, zooplankton, or specialized coral foods 1-2 times per week will help it thrive.

• Use a turkey baster or pipette to gently direct food towards the coral, ensuring it can capture enough to sustain its nutritional needs.

Stability and Tank Maintenance:

• Stable Water Parameters: Like many LPS corals, Alveopora prefers stable water conditions. Fluctuations in water chemistry (pH, alkalinity, calcium) can cause stress and reduce its ability to extend its polyps.

• Water Quality: Regular water changes and low nutrient levels (nitrates and phosphates) are important. While Alveopora is more tolerant of slightly higher nutrient levels than some SPS corals, poor water quality can lead to stress or tissue recession.

Challenges:

• Sensitivity to Stress: While easier to care for than Goniopora, Alveopora can still be sensitive to rapid changes in water conditions, aggressive tankmates, or excessive flow. Maintaining stability is key.

• Avoid Direct Contact with Other Corals: Alveopora has sweeper tentacles that can sting nearby corals, so make sure it has enough space to grow without touching other corals.

Compatibility:

• Alveopora is semi-aggressive, but it doesn’t have as long or aggressive sweeper tentacles as some other LPS corals. However, it’s still best to provide a buffer zone between it and other corals to avoid potential damage.

With the right care—moderate lighting, gentle flow, stable water parameters, and regular feeding—Alveopora can be a rewarding coral that adds beauty and movement to your reef tank. It’s slightly more forgiving than Goniopora but still requires attention to detail for long-term success.