LPS corals
advancedGoniopora (flowerpot)
Goniopora spp.
Quick reference
Min tank size
40 US gal
40 gal — needs sand bed space and parameter stability. Not a nano coral.
PAR
75–150 µmol/m²/s
Flow
low
Placement
Sand bed (not rockwork) for most species. Low indirect flow.
Temperature
76–80 °F
Salinity
1.025–1.026 SG
pH
8.1–8.4
Alkalinity
8–9 dKH (stable, low end)
Calcium
420–440 ppm
Magnesium
1,300–1,400 ppm
Feeding
REQUIRED — Reef Roids, oyster eggs, brine shrimp 2–3× per week. Photosynthetic alone is insufficient long-term.
Compatibility
Aggressive sting range (sweeper tentacles). 6+ inch buffer from other corals.
What kills it
Slow tissue recession (most common). Bristleworm infestation. Alkalinity instability. Insufficient feeding (huge cause).
Common mistakes
- •Buying wild-collected over aquacultured — survival rate is far lower.
- •Treating it as fully photosynthetic — it needs targeted feeding 2–3× weekly.
Equipment & food for this species
LPS appreciate weekly target-feeding. CoralRx dip on new frags catches brown jelly and bristleworm hitchhikers.
CoralRx Pro coral dip
Iodine-based dip. Kills AEFW, red bugs, flatworms.
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Polyplab Reef Roids coral food
Powder coral food. LPS / chalice / Goniopora staple.
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Salifert KH/Alkalinity test kit
The hobbyist standard for alkalinity testing.
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Julian's Thing target feeder
Best target feeder for coral spot-feeding.
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