- Description
- Reviews
Lush Corals presents the UC Grandmaster Goni
This WYSIWYG frag is in excellent health and has been fully aquacultured in our systems for years to ensure our customers receive healthy and pest free coral.
The frag is photographed on a 3/4" frag plug for sizing.
ABOUT GONIPORA CORAL
Goniopora are among the most enigmatic Large Polyp Stony (LPS) corals. Known as “flower pot corals” for their bouquet-like tentacles, they’re prized for their vivid colors and flowing movement. However, they’ve long had a reputation for being difficult to keep, with many wild-collected specimens struggling in captivity. The good news: some species are now proving far more adaptable in reef tanks.
Lighting Requirements for Goniopora Coral
Goniopora corals generally prefer moderate lighting, though tolerance can vary slightly by species. Too much light can cause them to retract, while too little may stunt their growth.
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Ideal PAR Range:
100–150 PAR is optimal for most Goniopora species. -
80–100 PAR: Safe starting range, especially when acclimating.
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150 PAR+: Can be tolerated by hardier species, but monitor for signs of stress.
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Spectrum:
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Goniopora benefit from a blue-dominant spectrum (400–470nm) to enhance color and encourage polyp extension.
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A balanced full-spectrum setup also works well, especially with some white light to simulate daylight.
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Lighting Type:
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Performs well under LEDs, T5HO, or metal halide lighting.
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Ensure gradual acclimation to brighter lights to avoid bleaching.
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Placement Tips:
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Mid to lower sections of the tank depending on your lighting strength.
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Always watch for signs like retracted polyps or fading color, and adjust accordingly.
Water Flow Requirements for Goniopora Coral
Goniopora corals thrive in moderate, indirect water flow that allows their long, flower-like polyps to sway gently without being blasted.
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Flow Type:
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Moderate, varied flow is ideal.
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The goal is to keep water moving across the coral to help with gas exchange and nutrient delivery, but avoid direct jets that can damage or stress the polyps.
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Why It Matters:
Goniopora have long, delicate polyps that can retract or become damaged under high, direct flow. Proper flow encourages full extension and prevents debris buildup. -
Placement Tips:
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Position them in areas with gentle, random flow, such as the edges of a gyre or in the lower-middle zones of the tank.
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Avoid placing them directly in front of powerheads or strong wavemakers.
