{"product_id":"crystal-hard-coral-galaxea-sp","title":"Crystal Hard Coral Galaxea Sp","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eCrystal Hard Coral (Galaxea sp.)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e(Also known as Crystal Galaxy Coral, Starburst Coral, or Tooth Coral)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Crystal Hard Coral (\u003cem\u003eGalaxea\u003c\/em\u003e sp.) is a striking \u003cstrong\u003elarge-polyp stony (LPS) coral\u003c\/strong\u003e recognised for its \u003cstrong\u003edense clusters of small, star-shaped polyps\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003ecrystal-like appearance\u003c\/strong\u003e. Each polyp sits atop a pointed skeletal ridge, giving colonies a unique, glittering texture under aquarium lighting. Colours range from \u003cstrong\u003evivid green and turquoise to brown, purple, or cream\u003c\/strong\u003e, often glowing intensely under actinic or blue LED light. Fast-growing and hardy, \u003cem\u003eGalaxea\u003c\/em\u003e is a rewarding coral for intermediate reef keepers — though its \u003cstrong\u003elong sweeper tentacles\u003c\/strong\u003e demand careful placement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eDistributed widely throughout the \u003cstrong\u003eIndo-Pacific\u003c\/strong\u003e, including Indonesia, Fiji, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Found in \u003cstrong\u003eshallow reef slopes and lagoons\u003c\/strong\u003e with moderate light and strong, alternating current.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Crystal Hard Coral is \u003cstrong\u003ephotosynthetic\u003c\/strong\u003e, containing \u003cstrong\u003ezooxanthellae\u003c\/strong\u003e that provide most of its nutritional needs. However, it benefits greatly from supplemental feeding to enhance colour and growth:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMysis shrimp and finely chopped meaty foods\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlanktonic coral foods or marine snow\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePhytoplankton and microplankton blends\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed \u003cstrong\u003e1–2 times per week\u003c\/strong\u003e, especially at night when tentacles are extended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLighting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModerate to high lighting.\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide bright, full-spectrum light from \u003cstrong\u003eLED, T5, or metal halide systems\u003c\/strong\u003e to support photosynthesis and vivid coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePAR levels of \u003cstrong\u003e150–250 ¬µmol\/m¬≤\/s\u003c\/strong\u003e are ideal.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGradually acclimate to high light to avoid bleaching.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Flow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModerate, variable flow.\u003c\/strong\u003e Gentle turbulence keeps the polyps clean and extended while delivering food and oxygen. Avoid strong, direct jets that may damage the delicate polyp tissue or cause retraction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePosition in the \u003cstrong\u003emid to lower levels\u003c\/strong\u003e of the tank, on \u003cstrong\u003erockwork or sandy substrate\u003c\/strong\u003e, where flow passes evenly.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAllow \u003cstrong\u003eat least 15–20 cm (6–8 inches)\u003c\/strong\u003e of space around the coral — \u003cem\u003eGalaxea\u003c\/em\u003e extends long, stinging sweeper tentacles (up to 15 cm \/ 6 inches) at night that can damage nearby corals.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSecure colonies firmly to prevent shifting.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef safe with caution.\u003c\/strong\u003e Compatible with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAll reef-safe fish (clownfish, gobies, tangs, etc.)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSnails, shrimp, and other invertebrates\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLPS and soft corals placed at a safe distance\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAggressive or large-polyped corals within reach of its sweepers (Euphyllia, Acanthastrea, etc.)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eButterflies, angelfish, and puffers that may nip coral tissue\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAggression\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHighly aggressive.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eGalaxea\u003c\/em\u003e corals possess \u003cstrong\u003elong, potent sweeper tentacles\u003c\/strong\u003e used for defense and territory. These can sting and kill nearby coral tissue, even from a distance. Always provide generous spacing in mixed reefs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExperience Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntermediate.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eGalaxea\u003c\/em\u003e is hardy and adaptable but requires thoughtful placement, consistent water quality, and awareness of its aggression potential. Suitable for aquarists with basic LPS experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24–27°C (75–81°F)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.024–1.026 SG\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness (dKH):\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCalcium:\u003c\/strong\u003e 400–450 ppm\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMagnesium:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1250–1350 ppm\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u0026lt;10 ppm\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minimum \u003cstrong\u003e75 gallons (280L)\u003c\/strong\u003e for stability and spacing\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintain high water quality and stable alkalinity for steady skeletal growth. Protein skimming and regular water changes help control organics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef safe with caution.\u003c\/strong\u003e A visually stunning LPS coral for display tanks, but best placed \u003cstrong\u003ealone or at the edge of rockwork\u003c\/strong\u003e to prevent conflict. Under blue lighting, its polyps glow intensely, making it a favourite for creating dramatic nighttime reef visuals.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Real Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56864403915127,"sku":"FSH-01191","price":99.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/0386\/8610\/files\/Crystal-Hard-Coral-Galaxea-Sp.png?v=1773331174","url":"https:\/\/realaquatics.co.uk\/products\/crystal-hard-coral-galaxea-sp","provider":"Real Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}