I have to confess. When I see the word Spongodes I immediately think of Sponge Bob SquarePants. I know, it is a scientific name for a species of Montipora but it is very similar to the name of that dude who lives underwater in a pineapple house. But wait, did you know the creator of the Nickelodeon series taught marine biology? Perhaps I am on to something here.
Ok, let’s get back on track and talk about this gem of a coral from ORA. The Spongodes has a very interesting growth pattern to go along with its vivid green and brown colors. It is an encrusting coral but what makes it unique are the thick fingers that grow vertically out of its encrusting plate.
The ORA Spongodes requires moderate to strong lighting and will do fine when given the proper PAR under T5s, metal halides and LEDs. Stronger lighting will cause new growth to turn a striking purple color.
As for placement, it will do well in the middle to upper part of the tank where it should receive medium to strong flow. It is not a beginner coral as is the case with other Montipora so it is best to have some success with other hardier SPS before giving this one a try.
Additional Resources
If you would like some help with a new tank build, including help designing a custom aquarium, or help re-configuring your current setup then you can visit this page for more information. And if you are looking to add some equipment, I do sell GHL, Pax Bellum, Reef Octopus Calcium and Kalk Reactors and Royal Exclusiv products, including Dreamboxes, which is the equipment I use and recommend. I also sell Reef Brite metal halide and LED fixtures as well as Maxspect & IceCap Gyres.
As for additional insights and information, please explore my many other reef tank and SPS related articles as well as my YouTube channel. For an even deeper dive into reef tank care you can check out my Reef Keeping Master Class. This online course is an immersive and one of a kind educational tool designed to help reef aquarium hobbyists build and maintain a beautiful SPS reef tank. The course is a series of video presentations with some supplemental video from my YouTube channel. There are also quizzes to help students retain and understand the information presented in the course.
Need some frags…..I can help with that as well 🙂 Please visit my SPS Frag store to see what is available.
