FarmerTy Lava Lamp Goni Coral

(100% Aqua cultured)

Price is per frag,

Goniopora, often referred to as “flowerpot coral” due to its appearance, is a beautiful but somewhat challenging coral to care for. It is an LPS (Large Polyp Stony) coral and requires careful attention to water quality, feeding, and placement. Here’s a guide to caring for Goniopora in a reef aquarium:

Water Parameters:

1. Temperature: 24-26°C (75-79°F)

2. pH: 8.1-8.4

3. Alkalinity: 8-11 dKH (keep it stable)

4. Calcium: 420-450 ppm (important for skeletal growth)

5. Magnesium: 1300-1400 ppm

6. Nitrates: 1-5 ppm (low nitrates preferred)

7. Phosphates: < 0.03 ppm

8. Salinity: 1.024-1.026 (specific gravity)

Lighting:

• Moderate to High: Goniopora corals do best under moderate to high lighting (PAR range: 100-200).

• They are photosynthetic, relying on symbiotic zooxanthellae algae, but they also need supplemental feeding to thrive.

Water Flow:

• Low to Moderate: Goniopora prefers gentle to moderate water flow. Their polyps are delicate, and too much direct flow can damage their tissues or prevent them from fully expanding.

• The flow should be enough to gently sway the polyps without blasting them directly.

Placement:

• Place Goniopora in a spot with moderate lighting and low to moderate flow. They can be placed on the substrate or in the middle area of the aquarium.

• Goniopora is sensitive to fluctuations in water quality and should not be placed near more aggressive corals that might sting it.

Feeding:

• Target Feeding is Essential: Goniopora requires regular supplemental feeding to stay healthy. While they are photosynthetic, they have high nutritional needs. Feed them fine particulate foods like phytoplankton, zooplankton, or a specialized coral food.

• Target feeding with a turkey baster or pipette is ideal. This ensures the coral receives adequate nutrition, especially in nutrient-poor aquariums.

Stability and Tank Maintenance:

• Stable Water Conditions: Goniopora is very sensitive to fluctuations in water parameters. Keep the tank stable, and avoid rapid changes in salinity, pH, or temperature.

• Water Changes: Regular water changes are important to maintain pristine water conditions, as Goniopora is sensitive to nutrient buildup (like nitrates and phosphates).

Challenges:

• Longevity: One of the biggest challenges with Goniopora is its tendency to decline over time in captivity, a condition often called “Goniopora Syndrome.” Regular feeding, stable conditions, and proper placement can help extend their life in an aquarium.

• Pests: Watch out for pests like nudibranchs or parasitic flatworms that can harm Goniopora.

Compatibility:

• Goniopora is semi-aggressive and can extend its polyps to sting nearby corals. Provide adequate space between Goniopora and other corals, especially those with long sweeper tentacles, to avoid aggression.

With the right care, Goniopora can thrive and become a beautiful centerpiece in a reef aquarium, though they do require consistent attention to detail to stay healthy.