24k Leptoseris

The 24K Leptoseris, often called the 24K Gold Lepto, is a stunning SPS (small-polyp stony) coral, prized for its intense golden-yellow coloration that glows vibrantly under actinic blue lighting. Native to the Indo-Pacific, this encrusting coral grows in a smooth, plating pattern, making it an excellent choice for covering rockwork with a bright, eye-catching layer of color. Despite being an SPS coral, it is hardier and more forgiving than Acropora, making it a great introduction to SPS for reef keepers.

Care Guide:

• Tank Size: Suitable for nano (20+ gallons) and larger reef tanks, but thrives in 50+ gallons for stability.
• Temperament: Peaceful, does not have sweeper tentacles but may overgrow nearby corals.
• Lighting: Moderate to high (PAR 150-300); too much light can cause bleaching, while too little can dull its vibrant gold color.
• Flow: Moderate to high – prefers strong, indirect flow to prevent detritus buildup and encourage healthy growth.
• Placement:
  • Best placed on lower to mid rockwork, allowing space for encrusting growth.
  • Avoid placing in areas with shadows, as it thrives under even lighting.
• Feeding:
  • Primarily relies on photosynthesis via its zooxanthellae, but can benefit from:
    • Broadcast feeding of reef amino acids and phytoplankton.
    • Occasional powdered coral foods like Reef Roids for enhanced coloration and growth.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 74-78°F (23-26°C)
  • pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Salinity: 1.024-1.026
  • Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH (stable levels are crucial)
  • Calcium: 400-450 ppm
  • Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm
  • Nitrate & Phosphate: Low but detectable (NO₃: 5-10 ppm, PO₄: 0.02-0.07 ppm) – too much can encourage algae growth, while too little may stunt growth.

Compatibility:

• Very peaceful, works well in SPS-dominated tanks.
• Best placed near other encrusting or plating SPS corals but should not be placed too close to aggressive LPS corals like Torch, Hammer, or Galaxea.
• Avoid placement near fast-growing encrusting corals (e.g., Montipora) that may overtake it.

Special Considerations:

• Coloration Enhancement: The golden hue intensifies under blue-heavy spectrum lighting, especially under LEDs with strong actinic (450-470nm) output.
• Fragging: Can be fragged by cutting sections of the encrusting plate, but healing takes time.
• Growth Pattern: Unlike branching SPS, Leptoseris encrusts and plates outward, making it great for covering bare rock areas.

Summary:

The 24K Leptoseris is a hardy, vibrant, and fast-growing SPS coral, perfect for adding a bright golden glow to reef aquariums. With stable water conditions, moderate to high lighting, and strong flow, it will thrive and develop into a striking encrusting colony, making it an excellent choice for both beginner and advanced SPS keepers.