Gonis & Alves

How to Care for Goniopora and Alveopora Corals in a Home Aquarium

Goniopora (flowerpot coral) and Alveopora are beautiful LPS corals with long, flowing polyps that add motion and color to reef tanks. While once considered difficult, many hobbyists now successfully keep them with proper care:

  • Lighting: Moderate lighting is ideal. Avoid intense light that can cause polyp retraction.

  • Flow: Provide gentle to moderate, indirect water flow to keep their polyps moving without stressing them.

  • Placement: Place them in low to mid-tank areas with plenty of space for full polyp extension.

  • Feeding: Regular feeding helps them thrive. Offer micro foods like phytoplankton, reef roids, or powdered coral foods several times a week.

  • Water Parameters: Keep stable reef parameters—temperature 75–80°F, salinity 1.024–1.026, calcium 420–460 ppm, alkalinity 8–10 dKH, magnesium 1300–1400 ppm.

Consistency and gentle care are key to keeping Goniopora and Alveopora healthy and vibrant.