24k Gold Cyphastrea Coral

24k Gold Cyphastrea Coral

Overview

24k Gold Cyphastrea shows golden polyps on a contrasting encrusting base. Cyphastrea sp. is an encrusting stony coral that prefers low to moderate light and gentle to moderate water flow. It relies on symbiotic algae for most nutrition but accepts small particulate foods at night, which can support faster growth and richer color. Place on stable rock with space from aggressive corals; it will slowly encrust nearby surfaces.

Quick Facts

Care Easy
Lighting Low–Moderate
Flow Low-Moderate
Placement Low–Mid
Temperament Semi-aggressive (2–3 inches spacing)

Recommended Parameters

Temp 76–80°F
pH 8.1–8.4
Salinity 1.025–1.026
Calcium 400–450 ppm
AlkAlkalinity 8–10 dKH
Magnesium 1280–1350 ppm
Feeding photosynthetic, microplankton, zooplankton, rotifers, copepod nauplii, cyclops, oyster eggs, enriched baby brine shrimp, powdered coral foods (reef roids, similar)

Care & Placement

24k Gold Cyphastrea (Cyphastrea sp.) does best in stable, nutrient-balanced systems with low to moderate light (PAR 50–120) and moderate, indirect flow that keeps detritus from settling without blasting the polyps. Place frags low to mid in the tank, starting on the shaded side and moving up slowly if color fades, and allow 2–3 inches of space; it’s generally peaceful but encrusts and can grow over neighbors. Target or broadcast feed 1–3 times weekly with fine particulate foods (rotifers, reef roids, enriched baby brine) after lights dim to support growth and color. Maintain temperature 75–78°F (24–26°C), salinity 1.025 (34–35 ppt), pH 8.0–8.4, alkalinity 8.0–9.5 dKH, calcium 400–450 ppm, magnesium 1250–1350 ppm, nitrate 2–10 ppm, and phosphate 0.02–0.08 ppm; avoid rapid swings, especially in alkalinity. Acclimate with a 30–45 minute drip and light-acclimate using lower placement or screens over 1–2 weeks. Monitor with weekly tests and, if available, a PAR meter. Common issues: bleaching from sudden light increases (lower light and feed), browning from excess nutrients or very low PAR (improve export or slightly raise light), and tissue recession from unstable parameters or low flow (stabilize dKH, raise flow, check for pests). Dip new frags, secure on clean rock, and keep mild but consistent flow to prevent film algae and sediment buildup.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the 24k Gold Cyphastrea Coral

  • Why does my 24k Gold Cyphastrea lose its gold and turn dull or brown under reef lights?
    This morph prefers low to moderate PAR (roughly 50–120) with strong blue spectrum. Too much white or sudden PAR jumps can wash out or brown the tissue. Keep nutrients non-zero (NO3 ~5–15 ppm, PO4 0.03–0.1) to avoid paling. Light-acclimate over 2–3 weeks, increase flow slightly, and avoid shading by faster encrusters. Color often rebounds within a few growth cycles.
  • How aggressive is Cyphastrea sp., and how should I space it to avoid issues?
    It’s generally peaceful with short, weak tentacles, but it will steadily encrust and can overgrow zoanthids or the bases of slower corals. Give at least 2–3 inches and avoid placing next to stinging LPS like favias or acanthophyllia. Mount on an “island” rock or back wall to contain spread. It tolerates indirect flow that keeps the surface clean without peeling tissue.
  • What’s the best feeding approach for stronger gold coloration and steady growth?
    Polyps extend more after lights out. Target-feed fine particle foods (rotifers, reef-specific microfoods, very small mysis slurry) 1–2 times weekly 30–60 minutes after your blue ramp begins. Light amino use can help, but consistency matters more than quantity. Maintain stable alkalinity and trace elements via regular water changes; avoid blasting food into tissue—gentle flow carries particles across polyps.
  • Any tips for fragging a plated or wall-encrusted 24k Gold Cyphastrea without heavy losses?
    Score the skeleton around the growth margin with a rotary tool or bone cutters, then snap along the cut to spare polyps. Aim for frags that include active edges, not just old base. Dip in iodine, mount with gel glue so tissue isn’t smothered, and cure in lower light with moderate flow. Expect 7–14 days for visible healing and new encrustment.