in order to maintain the speckled look does one have to continue to exposte them that extreme of lighting, and is that healthy for the polyp?
In my experience, yes, you need to maintain the intence lighting- or the polyp will morph back to normal.

Is it healthy for the polyp? Good question...one that I am not possitive on. I would guess it is ok though. I have gotten good growth and had healthy polyps that have exhibited this morphing from intense light. The more light the better, right? At least till it gets to be too much....