Green Star Polyps

Green star polyp coral, also known as GSP coral or simply GSP, is a popular choice among reef hobbyists due to its vibrant green color and hardiness. Here are some care guidelines for keeping green star polyp coral in your reef tank:

1. Lighting: Green star polyps thrive under moderate to high lighting conditions. Provide them with a suitable light source, such as fluorescent or LED lights, that delivers a spectrum of light similar to that of natural sunlight.
2. Water Parameters:
   • Temperature: Maintain the water temperature between 75°F and 80°F (24°C and 27°C).
   • Salinity: Keep the salinity levels stable at around 1.025 specific gravity.
   • pH: Maintain the pH levels between 8.1 and 8.4.
   • Alkalinity, Calcium, and Magnesium: Ensure proper levels of alkalinity (8-12 dKH), calcium (400-450 ppm), and magnesium (1,250-1,350 ppm) to support coral growth.
3. Water Flow: Green star polyps prefer moderate water flow. Position them in an area of your aquarium where they receive gentle to moderate water movement. Too much flow can cause the polyps to close up, while stagnant water can lead to algae growth on the coral.
4. Placement: GSP corals are known to grow rapidly and can encrust over rocks, substrate, and even other corals. Be mindful of their growth potential when deciding on their placement in the tank, as they can quickly spread and shade other corals if not controlled.
5. Feeding: Green star polyps are photosynthetic and primarily obtain nutrition through photosynthesis. They have symbiotic zooxanthellae algae within their tissues that provide energy. However, they can also benefit from supplemental feedings. You can target-feed them occasionally with liquid coral foods or small particulate foods like plankton or powdered reef supplements.
6. Maintenance: Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure the health of your green star polyp coral. Trim back the coral if it starts to encroach on other corals or overgrow its designated area. Additionally, remove any accumulated detritus or algae that may settle on the coral to prevent blockage of its polyps.
7. Aggressiveness: While green star polyps are generally peaceful, they can exhibit some level of aggression towards other corals by growing over them and shading them from light. Keep an eye on their growth and trim them back as needed to prevent them from smothering nearby corals.

By following these care guidelines, you can provide a suitable environment for your green star polyp coral to thrive and contribute to the beauty of your reef aquarium.