I've had my montipora frag in my tank for 2 months now and there has been absolutely no growth. All my water parameters are fine (according go the LFS). Any suggestions? It's not as dark pink as it was when I bought it.
Montipora help
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Finnaddict
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what kind of monti? Some grow faster than others.
Finnaddict
Active Member
montipora capricornis. Usually a fast grower. If your cal, Mag and alk are good I'd say lighting. Be helpful if we knew the exact parameters.
I've got one that's trippled in size since May. Mine gets good flow and is about the middle of the tank under kessil A360's. What kind of lighting do you have and where is yours located?
unclephatpat42
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Looks like it's bleaching
unclephatpat42
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Is that how it really looks or is your camera not doing any justice
cginter
Well-Known Member
Doesn't look to healthy. What are your Params at? Cal mg alk? But if that's the normal color, sometimes it takesonger for corals to react being in new tank. If it's healthy, it will start to grow soon, just hasn't snapped out of the change of tanks.
I had a few montis not grow for about a month in my tank when I first introduced them, now there growing real good.
I had a few montis not grow for about a month in my tank when I first introduced them, now there growing real good.
Hello fellow Michigander (I think), If you plan on keeping SPS (or corals in general), you will want to pick up a few test kits. They will help you solve issues such as this. Personally, I wouldn't put much stock into the advice you get from an LFS. You would be surprised at some of the things I've heard employees recommend to customers! Invest in a Mg (Salfiert), Ca (Salfiert), Alk (Salfiert), Nitrate (Salfiert), and Phosphate checker (Hanna). Your loss of coloration can be due to high phosphates (over .1). Phosphates also prevent coral growth by binding at the sites where corals would otherwise lay down new calcium carbonate skeleton. High nitrates can also dull the coloration of SPS (or cause STN). It can also be due to low potassium, but that is most likely not the case. Proper parameters are also needed with Mag, Ca, and Alk. With a lower nutrient levels (Phates and Trates), you will need to run lower alk around 6.5-8. I dont think that is the case with your tank though. If your nitrates are >1.0 and phosphate closer to .1, you can get away with a higher alk 9-10. Calcium should be around 420. Mag (as a rule of thumb) should be about three times your Ca. If you have ALL of these things in check, then we can discuss proper flow and lighting.
For flow, you want to ensure your polyps are moving like a field of grass in the wind. SPS can also handle short bursts of chaotic flow, but this flow can also stunt growth and damage coral tissue if prolonged.
For lighting, someone will have to chime in to tell you if the light is sufficient. Although I do have Kessils, I am a T5/MH guy. I'll have to plead ignorance on LED lighting.
Now if you have ALL of these things in check... You can grow massive colonies of that little monti frag
Good Luck!
James
There is the API test kit, but you want to stay away from those. Type in "Salifert" in the search box and all of the test kits I mentioned will pop up. Here is a link to the Hanna Phosphate Checker
http://www.amazon.com/Hanna-Phospha...89368&sr=1-2&keywords=hanna+phosphate+checker
The cost is high up front, but it will save you a lot of guessing and headaches down the road.
http://www.amazon.com/Hanna-Phospha...89368&sr=1-2&keywords=hanna+phosphate+checker
The cost is high up front, but it will save you a lot of guessing and headaches down the road.
Ibassfsh
Community Member
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