ORA Spongodes Coral

Quick Stats

• Care Level: Moderate
• Coral Type: SPS (Small Polyp Stony)
• Lighting Requirement: Medium to High
• Flow: Medium to High
• Approximate Purchase Size: 1" - 2"
• Source: Aquacultured

Overview

The ORA Spongodes Montipora grows in a mix of plating and branching shapes, forming thick encrusting bases with finger-like projections. It shows a blend of green and brown coloration, with new growth turning purple under stronger light. This coral grows well in moderate to high light and flow and is a good choice for SPS-dominant reef tanks.

Note: This is not a WYSIWYG listing. Photo is a representation of the shape, size, and color of the coral you will receive.

Water Parameters

Corals do best when water chemistry stays stable. These target ranges are widely accepted for healthy reef aquariums. Regular testing helps maintain consistency within the range, and routine water changes remove dissolved contaminants you may not be testing for. Corals with a hard skeleton, like LPS and SPS (Small Polyp Stony), will require calcium and alkalinity dosing to maintain healthy growth.

• Specific Gravity (Salinity): 1.025-1.026
• Temperature: 76-80 Degrees F
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
• Calcium: 380-450ppm
• Magnesium: 1200-1400ppm
• Nitrate (NO3): 1-20ppm
• Phosphate: 0.01-0.1ppm
• Nitrite (NO2): Undetectable
• Ammonia (NH3): Undetectable

Lighting Requirements

Different coral species thrive under different light intensities. As a general guide, many reef keepers use the following reference points when setting up their lighting:

• Low Lighting: 75 to 150 PAR
• Medium Lighting: 150 to 250 PAR
• High Lighting: 250+ PAR

For those with mixed reef tanks, a PAR meter is invaluable for fine-tuning light levels across different corals, helping ensure each coral gets the right intensity for its needs. This careful setup supports strong coloration and long-term health.

Water Flow Requirements

Corals benefit from flow that keeps nutrients and waste moving without blasting the coral's tissue directly. As a rule of thumb:

• Low Flow: Gentle, constant movement. Good for corals that have a lot of delicate tissue.
• Moderate Flow: Steady movement with occasional surges. Ideal for most soft corals and LPS.
• High Flow: Strong, dynamic movement that keeps detritus suspended. Most SPS (Small Polyp Stony) appreciate this type of flow.

Controllable powerheads make it easier to direct flow where it's needed and adjust the intensity so each coral gets what it prefers. Different flow patterns and changing flow throughout the day can help mimic natural reef conditions.

Acclimation Process

Acclimation is essential for corals to adjust to their new environment. For a full step-by-step process, refer to our Coral Acclimation Guide.