WWC Honeycomb Leptastrea

Quick Stats

• Care Level: Moderate
• Coral Type: LPS (Large Polyp Stony)
• Lighting Requirement: Low (75-150 PAR)
• Flow: Medium
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Placement: Rockwork
• Approximate Purchase Size: 1/2"-3/4"

Overview

The WWC Honeycomb Leptastrea is a unique coral because the vibrant orange polyps grow together in a formation that truly resembles a honeycomb. WWC Honeycomb is an encrusting coral that prefers medium to low light and medium flow.

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

This coral thrives in stable water conditions with regular water changes. Corals with a hard skeleton, like this one, will consume calcium and alkalinity as they grow, often requiring additional supplementation. Routine water testing helps ensure these needs are consistently met.

• Specific Gravity (Salinity): 1.024-1.026
• Temperature: 75-78 Degrees F
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Alkalinity: 8-9dKH
• Calcium: 380-450ppm
• Magnesium: 1300-1450ppm
• Nitrate (NO3): 10-30ppm
• Phosphate: 0.01-0.1ppm
• Nitrite (NO2): Undetectable
• Ammonia (NH3): Undetectable

Lighting Requirements

Honeycomb Leptastrea does best in lower light, around 75-150 PAR. Although adaptable to other light conditions, gradual acclimation to these light levels is recommended to avoid stress. 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 the coral’s vibrant color and long-term health.

Ideal Tank Placement

Place Leptastrea directly on rockwork where it will be exposed to the right amount of light and flow. Often times, the best placement is towards the bottom of the rockwork, which helps avoid exposing the coral to intense light.

Water Flow Requirements

Moderate water flow is ideal. There should be enough flow to move the polyps, but not push the tissue against the coral's skeleton. This amount of flow should also keep the coral free of any debris that would otherwise settle on it.

Aggressiveness and Compatibility

Like other encrusting corals, it's important to give Honeycomb Leptastrea room to grow. It's a rather peaceful coral and will only fight with neighboring coral if they come into direct contact. Avoid placing more aggressive corals, especially those with sweeper tentacles, next to Leptastrea.

Feeding and Nutrition

Primarily photosynthetic, this Leptastrea can thrive on light alone, though occasional feedings with coral foods such as Reef Chili and Amino Acids like CoralAmino can enhance its growth and coloration.

Growth Rate and Pattern

This Leptastrea has a moderate growth rate, encrusting over the surrounding rock work to form a matt-like appearance.

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.