Got my first coral!!

Looks like Goniopora to me which are pretty difficult to keep alive for any long period of time. If they sold you that as a frogspawn I'd take it back and get a refund.

 

yep that is what i thought, I thought it was a pretty good lfs, after i decided to get it and they told me they use straight tap water in all their tanks, I should have walked away. when it was closed it looked like a rock or brain.

 

crap it is a goniopora heres a link i just found and theres mine right on top, ugh i won't buy anything there again. Applied Sustainable Aquaculture - Goniopora I guess i need to go get some zooplankton and a turkey baster so i can start feeding, i have strong light and good flow, so I think it will do fine...i hope...

 

What you bought, if I'm not mistaken is an Alveopora. Its also known more commonly as a flowerpot coral. You can tell by how many little tentacles there are on each polyp branch. If there are 12, then it is more than likely an Alveopora.

I have been doing some research on them and am considering buying one when my new tank fully cycles.

They like medium lighting and should probably be placed mid way in terms of height in your tank. Do not put it in an area where this is a lot of current. Moderate current will do just fine. The amount of lighting will determine the color and shade of the coral.
Its a cool coral. Have fun with it and also remember to moderate calcium and alkalinity levels.

Hope that helped.

 

Count the number of small tentacles on the end of the polyp...
24=goniopora
12=alveopora

=) happy reefing

 

Darn it I want to count the tentacles but its sooo hard.

 

I have a feeling that it has 24. The alveopora tends to have a shorter tentacle than that of the goniopora.
If this is true, i think you should put it in a place with a bit more water flow than i had suggested. (moderate)
Maybe someone else knows something about these (Gonioporas) that I dont.

Hopefully they can help you.
Good luck =)

 

Hmm it kinda looks like Alveopora to me, but both Alveopora and Goniopora are similar looking.
Where as Goniopora is near impossible to keep Alveopora isnt exactly a walk in the park.

If i was you bud i'd take it straight back to the shop and get full cash refund - they have totally mislabeled what they have sold you! Then i would find a new shop - one that uses tap water can't be good!