Clove Polyps – Gold Streaked

Description

🌟 Clove Polyps – Gold Streaked (Clavularia spp.) Care Guide

Quick Stats:

• Common Name: Gold Streaked Clove Polyps

• Scientific Name: Clavularia species

• Type: Soft Coral

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

• Temperament: Peaceful (but fast spreading)

• Growth Rate: Fast (can explode under ideal conditions)

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🧪 Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 76–80°F (24–27°C)

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Salinity: 1.023–1.025 (SG)

• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

• Calcium: 400–450 ppm

• Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm

• Nitrates: 2–10 ppm

• Phosphates: 0.01–0.03 ppm

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☀️ Lighting:

• Lighting Needs: Moderate

• Notes:

  • They love moderate PAR (~100–150).

  • Under strong blue lights, the gold streaks really pop.

  • Too much intense light can cause them to stay closed.

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🌊 Water Flow:

• Flow Needs: Moderate to Strong

• Notes:

  • Water movement should be enough to keep the polyps waving gently.

  • Helps prevent detritus buildup and keeps them healthy.

  • Avoid direct blasting flow or they may retract.

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🍽️ Feeding:

• Diet: Primarily photosynthetic (zooxanthellae symbiosis).

• Supplemental Feeding:

  • Optional but helpful for growth and vibrancy.

  • Fine particle foods like reef roids, coral frenzy, or phytoplankton once or twice a week.

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📈 Placement:

• Where to Put It:

  • Low to middle areas in the tank.

  • Rockwork, frag racks, or isolated islands work well.

  • BE CAREFUL — they spread fast, sometimes smothering neighboring corals if not kept in check!

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🛠️ Special Notes:

• Spread Control:

  • They grow via mat-like stolons across rocks or sand.

  • Consider isolating them on a separate rock if you don’t want them taking over your aquascape.

• Pest Alert:

  • They’re generally pest-free, but watch for algae or cyanobacteria growing over the colony.

• Resilience:

  • Pretty hardy against parameter swings, but consistent quality water will make them thrive.

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🧽 Maintenance Tips:

• Trim or frag regularly if you want to control their spread.

• Run good water flow to prevent detritus buildup.

• Target feed for quicker growth and better color.

• Regular water changes help maintain water quality and trace elements.

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Fun Fact:
When a healthy colony of Clove Polyps opens up, it looks like a mini “underwater wheat field” swaying in the current — especially the Gold Streaked ones under actinic blues! 🌾✨