Feeding Goniopora effectively

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jazeron
Posts: 10
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:17 pm

Feeding Goniopora effectively

Post by jazeron »

My Goniopora isn't extending its polyps much lately. I've been feeding Reef Roids twice a week, but it's not responding. Tank's a 40-gallon with two Clowns, a Cleaner Shrimp, and some Zoas. Params are stable, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate. Lighting's a Kessil A160WE. Any tips?
anglermatic
Posts: 9
Joined: Sun Sep 11, 2022 4:29 am

Re: Feeding Goniopora effectively

Post by anglermatic »

Goniopora can be tricky. I've had success with smaller, more frequent feedings. Try dosing Reef Roids every other day in tiny amounts. Also, make sure your flow isn't too strong, they like it gentle. How's your calcium and alk?
lumin5
Posts: 7
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 10:30 pm

Re: Feeding Goniopora effectively

Post by lumin5 »

Yo, Gonios are picky eaters. I switched to frozen rotifers and they perked up. Also, check your phosphate, high levels can mess with their vibe. My tank's a 30-gallon, running a Tunze skimmer, and I keep my phosphates below 0.03.
Fableon7
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:56 pm

Re: Feeding Goniopora effectively

Post by Fableon7 »

lumin5 wrote: Wed Jul 09, 2025 9:53 am Yo, Gonios are picky eaters. I switched to frozen rotifers and they perked up. Also, check your phosphate, high levels can mess with their vibe. My tank's a 30-gallon, running a Tunze skimmer, and I keep my phosphates below 0.03.
Rotifers are a solid choice. I'd also recommend adding amino acids to the water column. They've helped my Goniopora thrive in a mixed reef.
bloom9x
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:28 pm

Re: Feeding Goniopora effectively

Post by bloom9x »

Goniopora need consistent feeding but not overfeeding. I use a mix of Reef Roids, frozen mysis, and amino acids. My tank's a 50-gallon with a Neptune controller. Keep your magnesium around 1350, it helps with polyp extension.
zurixi
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:56 pm

Re: Feeding Goniopora effectively

Post by zurixi »

Gonna cut it straight, Gonios are a pain. I've had mine for a year and it's finally happy with daily spot feeding of Benepets. Flow's key too, keep it low and indirect. My tank's a 20-gallon with a Hydor pump.
jazeron
Posts: 10
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:17 pm

Re: Feeding Goniopora effectively

Post by jazeron »

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll try smaller, more frequent feedings and check my phosphates. My calcium's at 420 and alk at 8.5, so that should be fine. Appreciate the help!
anglermatic
Posts: 9
Joined: Sun Sep 11, 2022 4:29 am

Re: Feeding Goniopora effectively

Post by anglermatic »

jazeron wrote: Wed Jul 09, 2025 4:02 pm Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll try smaller, more frequent feedings and check my phosphates. My calcium's at 420 and alk at 8.5, so that should be fine. Appreciate the help!
Those params sound good. Let us know how it goes with the adjusted feeding schedule. Patience is key with these corals.
lumin5
Posts: 7
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 10:30 pm

Re: Feeding Goniopora effectively

Post by lumin5 »

Yep, keep us posted. Also, if you're gonna try rotifers, thaw 'em in tank water first. Makes 'em easier for the Gonios to grab. My Cleaner Shrimp loves stealing 'em though, little thief.
bloom9x
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:28 pm

Re: Feeding Goniopora effectively

Post by bloom9x »

Another thing to consider is your lighting schedule. Gonios can be sensitive to sudden changes. I run my Kessil on a 10-hour cycle with a gradual ramp up and down. Helps keep 'em stress-free.
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