Looking for Goniopora tips

[larrysaltisfun]

Good morning. I just purchased two Goniopora frags. And I’m looking for any helpful tips. Currently I have one leather, a bunch of Zoas , a few frog spawn and couple of hammers. And trumpets.

So from what I’m reading is the Goniopora are definitely going to be more challenging. Thus far my softies and LPS are doing really well.

Two things I’ve read is that these Goniopora like magnesium and manganese if my magnesium is around 1350 should that be sufficient? Should I get an ICP at some point to check my other trace elements or just see how things go? Or should I just add trace elements if it appears that the corals aren’t doing well?

I’ve also read that they like to be broadcast fed but right now my nitrates are 28 and my phosphates (which has been lowered very gradually with phos guard from .53 down to .12 over 10 weeks. My LFS said don’t do any coral feedings right now as they are living off nitrates and that will jack up my phosphate level.

All of my other corals are on the lower third of the tank or on the sand bed in medium to low flow. I got the Gonis yesterday they are around the middle of the tank and started to open up.

I know I should know my PAR which I dont I’m Wondering if anyone had some basic advice that I should start following immediately in addition to understanding my lighting better, i.e. should I broadcast feed or just watch them for now without any specific feeding? Are nitrates and phosphate as indicate ok?

Sorry for sounding like such a novice, but my knowledge of fish is far superior to my knowledge of corals appreciate any input
And thanks

 

[castellanamattia]

Good morning. I just purchased two Goniopora frags. And I’m looking for any helpful tips. Currently I have one leather, a bunch of Zoas , a few frog spawn and couple of hammers. And trumpets.

So from what I’m reading is the Goniopora are definitely going to be more challenging. Thus far my softies and LPS are doing really well.

Two things I’ve read is that these Goniopora like magnesium and manganese if my magnesium is around 1350 should that be sufficient? Should I get an ICP at some point to check my other trace elements or just see how things go? Or should I just add trace elements if it appears that the corals aren’t doing well?

I’ve also read that they like to be broadcast fed but right now my nitrates are 28 and my phosphates (which has been lowered very gradually with phos guard from .53 down to .12 over 10 weeks. My LFS said don’t do any coral feedings right now as they are living off nitrates and that will jack up my phosphate level.

All of my other corals are on the lower third of the tank or on the sand bed in medium to low flow. I got the Gonis yesterday they are around the middle of the tank and started to open up.

I know I should know my PAR which I dont I’m Wondering if anyone had some basic advice that I should start following immediately in addition to understanding my lighting better, i.e. should I broadcast feed or just watch them for now without any specific feeding? Are nitrates and phosphate as indicate ok?

Sorry for sounding like such a novice, but my knowledge of fish is far superior to my knowledge of corals appreciate any input
And thanks

Hi Larry

Nice, wishing you good luck and fun with your Goniopora now! From my experience, they are corals that like stronger flow (polyps should be moving around, but not be blasted around!). I have my magnesium at 1500 ppm at the moment (high, but I am constantly lowering), and they are always open. From my experience, they hate it when someone touches them, so if you see them closed and have shrimps, it could have been the shrimp irritating them.

Other than that, I only broadcast-feed all my corals. My Goniopora doubled in size after 1 year that I have had it, even growing above its skeleton (previous owner did not take good care).

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

IMO medium lighting and good flow. I would suggest to keep doing what your doing, don't look for ways to make it happy, and don't overthink it, its just another coral. Good luck

 

[Marine Betta]

Good morning. I just purchased two Goniopora frags. And I’m looking for any helpful tips. Currently I have one leather, a bunch of Zoas , a few frog spawn and couple of hammers. And trumpets.

So from what I’m reading is the Goniopora are definitely going to be more challenging. Thus far my softies and LPS are doing really well.

Two things I’ve read is that these Goniopora like magnesium and manganese if my magnesium is around 1350 should that be sufficient? Should I get an ICP at some point to check my other trace elements or just see how things go? Or should I just add trace elements if it appears that the corals aren’t doing well?

I’ve also read that they like to be broadcast fed but right now my nitrates are 28 and my phosphates (which has been lowered very gradually with phos guard from .53 down to .12 over 10 weeks. My LFS said don’t do any coral feedings right now as they are living off nitrates and that will jack up my phosphate level.

All of my other corals are on the lower third of the tank or on the sand bed in medium to low flow. I got the Gonis yesterday they are around the middle of the tank and started to open up.

I know I should know my PAR which I dont I’m Wondering if anyone had some basic advice that I should start following immediately in addition to understanding my lighting better, i.e. should I broadcast feed or just watch them for now without any specific feeding? Are nitrates and phosphate as indicate ok?

Sorry for sounding like such a novice, but my knowledge of fish is far superior to my knowledge of corals appreciate any input
And thanks

ICP tests are never a bad idea to make sure nothing is out of whack. I wouldn’t add trace elements without knowing where they currently stand. Some can have negative effects if they are too high. I target feed my Gonis with reefroids and goniopower. This shouldn’t cause as big of a spike in your nitrates and phosphates. I only broadcast feed amino acids. Light wise, mine are in 100-150 par, and they definitely like flow. I’m not sure where the idea that Gonis like low flow came from, but if a Goni isn’t opening it’s normally because it’s hungry, low manganese and/or iron, or not enough flow. I keep mine in the same general area where I acclimate my new acros and montis if that gives you an idea of how much flow they like.

Water changes and consumption should help to naturally lower your nutrients. Nitrates and phosphates are a tad high, but it’s not terrible. Especially for an LPS tank. I try to keep mine between 10-20 ppm. And phosphates around 0.04-0.08. Every tank is different though.

 

[larrysaltisfun]

Good morning. I just purchased two Goniopora frags. And I’m looking for any helpful tips. Currently I have one leather, a bunch of Zoas , a few frog spawn and couple of hammers. And trumpets.

So from what I’m reading is the Goniopora are definitely going to be more challenging. Thus far my softies and LPS are doing really well.

Two things I’ve read is that these Goniopora like magnesium and manganese if my magnesium is around 1350 should that be sufficient? Should I get an ICP at some point to check my other trace elements or just see how things go? Or should I just add trace elements if it appears that the corals aren’t doing well?

I’ve also read that they like to be broadcast fed but right now my nitrates are 28 and my phosphates (which has been lowered very gradually with phos guard from .53 down to .12 over 10 weeks. My LFS said don’t do any coral feedings right now as they are living off nitrates and that will jack up my phosphate level.

All of my other corals are on the lower third of the tank or on the sand bed in medium to low flow. I got the Gonis yesterday they are around the middle of the tank and started to open up.

I know I should know my PAR which I dont I’m Wondering if anyone had some basic advice that I should start following immediately in addition to understanding my lighting better, i.e. should I broadcast feed or just watch them for now without any specific feeding? Are nitrates and phosphate as indicate ok?

Sorry for sounding like such a novice, but my knowledge of fish is far superior to my knowledge of corals appreciate any input
And thanks

Hi Larry

Nice, wishing you good luck and fun with your Goniopora now! From my experience, they are corals that like stronger flow (polyps should be moving around, but not be blasted around!). I have my magnesium at 1500 ppm at the moment (high, but I am constantly lowering), and they are always open. From my experience, they hate it when someone touches them, so if you see them closed and have shrimps, it could have been the shrimp irritating them.

Other than that, I only broadcast-feed all my corals. My Goniopora doubled in size after 1 year that I have had it, even growing above its skeleton (previous owner did not take good care).

Thank you for your response. Is there any downside to keeping magnesium that high?

 

[larrysaltisfun]

Good morning. I just purchased two Goniopora frags. And I’m looking for any helpful tips. Currently I have one leather, a bunch of Zoas , a few frog spawn and couple of hammers. And trumpets.

So from what I’m reading is the Goniopora are definitely going to be more challenging. Thus far my softies and LPS are doing really well.

Two things I’ve read is that these Goniopora like magnesium and manganese if my magnesium is around 1350 should that be sufficient? Should I get an ICP at some point to check my other trace elements or just see how things go? Or should I just add trace elements if it appears that the corals aren’t doing well?

I’ve also read that they like to be broadcast fed but right now my nitrates are 28 and my phosphates (which has been lowered very gradually with phos guard from .53 down to .12 over 10 weeks. My LFS said don’t do any coral feedings right now as they are living off nitrates and that will jack up my phosphate level.

All of my other corals are on the lower third of the tank or on the sand bed in medium to low flow. I got the Gonis yesterday they are around the middle of the tank and started to open up.

I know I should know my PAR which I dont I’m Wondering if anyone had some basic advice that I should start following immediately in addition to understanding my lighting better, i.e. should I broadcast feed or just watch them for now without any specific feeding? Are nitrates and phosphate as indicate ok?

Sorry for sounding like such a novice, but my knowledge of fish is far superior to my knowledge of corals appreciate any input
And thanks

ICP tests are never a bad idea to make sure nothing is out of whack. I wouldn’t add trace elements without knowing where they currently stand. Some can have negative effects if they are too high. I target feed my Gonis with reefroids and goniopower. This shouldn’t cause as big of a spike in your nitrates and phosphates. I only broadcast feed amino acids. Light wise, mine are in 100-150 par, and they definitely like flow. I’m not sure where the idea that Gonis like low flow came from, but if a Goni isn’t opening it’s normally because it’s hungry, low manganese and/or iron, or not enough flow. I keep mine in the same general area where I acclimate my new acros and montis if that gives you an idea of how much flow they like.

Water changes and consumption should help to naturally lower your nutrients. Nitrates and phosphates are a tad high, but it’s not terrible. Especially for an LPS tank. I try to keep mine between 10-20 ppm. And phosphates around 0.04-0.08. Every tank is different though.

Do you replace manganese and iron based on the ICP then run a repeat and see if you need to continue to add? Or do you just add it on a set schedule?

 

[larrysaltisfun]

IMO medium lighting and good flow. I would suggest to keep doing what your doing, don't look for ways to make it happy, and don't overthink it, its just another coral. Good luck

Sage advice I asked three people that are very well qualified and I got three different great answers One of the reasons why I love this hobby I appreciate you, Mr. Jim Morrison.

 

[Marine Betta]

Good morning. I just purchased two Goniopora frags. And I’m looking for any helpful tips. Currently I have one leather, a bunch of Zoas , a few frog spawn and couple of hammers. And trumpets.

So from what I’m reading is the Goniopora are definitely going to be more challenging. Thus far my softies and LPS are doing really well.

Two things I’ve read is that these Goniopora like magnesium and manganese if my magnesium is around 1350 should that be sufficient? Should I get an ICP at some point to check my other trace elements or just see how things go? Or should I just add trace elements if it appears that the corals aren’t doing well?

I’ve also read that they like to be broadcast fed but right now my nitrates are 28 and my phosphates (which has been lowered very gradually with phos guard from .53 down to .12 over 10 weeks. My LFS said don’t do any coral feedings right now as they are living off nitrates and that will jack up my phosphate level.

All of my other corals are on the lower third of the tank or on the sand bed in medium to low flow. I got the Gonis yesterday they are around the middle of the tank and started to open up.

I know I should know my PAR which I dont I’m Wondering if anyone had some basic advice that I should start following immediately in addition to understanding my lighting better, i.e. should I broadcast feed or just watch them for now without any specific feeding? Are nitrates and phosphate as indicate ok?

Sorry for sounding like such a novice, but my knowledge of fish is far superior to my knowledge of corals appreciate any input
And thanks

ICP tests are never a bad idea to make sure nothing is out of whack. I wouldn’t add trace elements without knowing where they currently stand. Some can have negative effects if they are too high. I target feed my Gonis with reefroids and goniopower. This shouldn’t cause as big of a spike in your nitrates and phosphates. I only broadcast feed amino acids. Light wise, mine are in 100-150 par, and they definitely like flow. I’m not sure where the idea that Gonis like low flow came from, but if a Goni isn’t opening it’s normally because it’s hungry, low manganese and/or iron, or not enough flow. I keep mine in the same general area where I acclimate my new acros and montis if that gives you an idea of how much flow they like.

Water changes and consumption should help to naturally lower your nutrients. Nitrates and phosphates are a tad high, but it’s not terrible. Especially for an LPS tank. I try to keep mine between 10-20 ppm. And phosphates around 0.04-0.08. Every tank is different though.

Do you replace manganese and iron based on the ICP then run a repeat and see if you need to continue to add? Or do you just add it on a set schedule?

Elevated levels of magnesium (+1600 ppm) can paralyze and kill snails and clams. There could be some negative effects on coral, but 1500 ppm is still acceptable. I keep mine between 1350 and 1440 ppm.

I wouldn’t add trace elements without an ICP test first. I do at least one ICP test a month. You could probably get away with dosing a little manganese once a week or so. I wouldn’t dose iron or some of the other heavy metals without the ICP test though.

 

[steveschuerger]

Moderate lighting, though can take higher par if properly acclimated(I’ve had a few in 240-260 par in the past), moderately strong flow . Yes they like mag and mg . They can be fickle but honestly if you give them good clean environment they should good to go. My mag is usually about 1380-1430 and they don’t mind nitrates even around 50 although I try to keep mine about 25-30

 

[castellanamattia]

Good morning. I just purchased two Goniopora frags. And I’m looking for any helpful tips. Currently I have one leather, a bunch of Zoas , a few frog spawn and couple of hammers. And trumpets.

So from what I’m reading is the Goniopora are definitely going to be more challenging. Thus far my softies and LPS are doing really well.

Two things I’ve read is that these Goniopora like magnesium and manganese if my magnesium is around 1350 should that be sufficient? Should I get an ICP at some point to check my other trace elements or just see how things go? Or should I just add trace elements if it appears that the corals aren’t doing well?

I’ve also read that they like to be broadcast fed but right now my nitrates are 28 and my phosphates (which has been lowered very gradually with phos guard from .53 down to .12 over 10 weeks. My LFS said don’t do any coral feedings right now as they are living off nitrates and that will jack up my phosphate level.

All of my other corals are on the lower third of the tank or on the sand bed in medium to low flow. I got the Gonis yesterday they are around the middle of the tank and started to open up.

I know I should know my PAR which I dont I’m Wondering if anyone had some basic advice that I should start following immediately in addition to understanding my lighting better, i.e. should I broadcast feed or just watch them for now without any specific feeding? Are nitrates and phosphate as indicate ok?

Sorry for sounding like such a novice, but my knowledge of fish is far superior to my knowledge of corals appreciate any input
And thanks

Hi Larry

Nice, wishing you good luck and fun with your Goniopora now! From my experience, they are corals that like stronger flow (polyps should be moving around, but not be blasted around!). I have my magnesium at 1500 ppm at the moment (high, but I am constantly lowering), and they are always open. From my experience, they hate it when someone touches them, so if you see them closed and have shrimps, it could have been the shrimp irritating them.

Other than that, I only broadcast-feed all my corals. My Goniopora doubled in size after 1 year that I have had it, even growing above its skeleton (previous owner did not take good care).

Thank you for your response. Is there any downside to keeping magnesium that high?

To my knowledge and experience no. All my corals are open and happily growing.

 

[Science/G]

One thing about my two Goniopora.....they don't like it if my nitrates get below 10 ppm FWIW

 

[trigon 350]

Moderate lighting, though can take higher par if properly acclimated(I’ve had a few in 240-260 par in the past), moderately strong flow . Yes they like mag and mg . They can be fickle but honestly if you give them good clean environment they should good to go. My mag is usually about 1380-1430 and they don’t mind nitrates even around 50 although I try to keep mine about 25-30

Hey, I was just wondering at what level you are keeping your po4 for goniopora?
Thanks

 

[steveschuerger]

Hey, I was just wondering at what level you are keeping your po4 for goniopora?
Thanks

Last check it was around .03 or just above