The Emerald Lakes Leptastrea is a compact, brightly colored LPS coral that’s perfect for adding sparkle to low-light areas of your reef. Its neon green and teal tones glow under blues, making it a standout on the sand bed or shaded rock ledges.

Placement & Lighting

Leptastrea are surprisingly forgiving, but smart placement will keep them at their best.

• Light: Low to moderate PAR (50–120). Too much light can wash out color and cause tissue recession.
• Placement: Sand bed or lower rockwork, especially in areas where other corals struggle.
• Flow: Moderate, indirect flow that gently moves the polyps. Avoid direct blasting from a powerhead.

Tip: If the Emerald Lakes Leptastrea stays tightly closed for days, try moving it to a slightly shadier spot with softer flow.

Care, Feeding & Growth

Once settled, this coral is hardy and can grow into a dense, encrusting colony.

• Parameters: Keep alkalinity 8–9.5 dKH, calcium 400–450 ppm, magnesium 1300–1400 ppm, and stable salinity at 1.025–1.026.
• Nutrients: Emerald Lakes Leptastrea prefers a “not too clean” tank. Aim for low but detectable nitrate (5–15 ppm) and phosphate (0.03–0.1 ppm).
• Feeding: Target feed 1–2x per week with fine meaty foods (reef roids, mysis slurry, or powdered coral foods) when tentacles are extended.
• Compatibility: Its sting is mild, but still give 1–2 inches of space from sensitive neighbors.

Fragging tip: Use a diamond saw or bone cutters to trim the edge of the encrusted base, then mount frags on small plugs or rubble for easy trading.

With stable parameters, gentle light, and occasional feeding, Emerald Lakes Leptastrea will reward you with rich color and steady, encrusting growth that fills in bare rock beautifully.