Ability of coral to escape from rock islands

[maxberter]

I just added lights to my previously lightless tank. They are two 30W lights.
So now I am considering adding some coral. I am considering adding GSP or pulsing xenia to one or more of the 3 island rocks in my tank.
However, the rock islands are very close to my main rock structure. Maybe as close as 0.5" in some places.
Would coral such as GSP be able to escape from the island rock with such a close distance? Or does the rock need to actually be continuous?

 

[Fishfreak2009]

It can definitely grow and stretch across a distance that small. Just have to keep a close eye on it and keep it pruned regularly

 

[maxberter]

It can definitely grow and stretch across a distance that small. Just have to keep a close eye on it and keep it pruned regularly

I've never had coral before. If it were to make it to the main rock before I noticed and take hold, is it impossible/really hard to get it off the main rock completely?

 

[CasperOe]

I've never had coral before. If it were to make it to the main rock before I noticed and take hold, is it impossible/really hard to get it off the main rock completely?

Well no; you can kill it off no bother but remember these are living animals we're dealing with here! You don't want to do that, please!

 

[kevgib67]

Mine grows arms reaching up and out trying to reach something to continue to grow on. I just take bone cutters and clip off the extension and glue them to a plug. I get a small store credit at my lfs. I do this about once a year. I’ve avoided pulsing xenia as they let loose polyps that will grow where they land. Much more difficult to keep contained.

 

[Reefkeepers Archive]

I just added lights to my previously lightless tank. They are two 30W lights.
So now I am considering adding some coral. I am considering adding GSP or pulsing xenia to one or more of the 3 island rocks in my tank.
However, the rock islands are very close to my main rock structure. Maybe as close as 0.5" in some places.
Would coral such as GSP be able to escape from the island rock with such a close distance? Or does the rock need to actually be continuous?

Xenia, definitely. GSP, probably

 

[FishRFriends!=Food]

You can look for a ruby xenia, doesnt release polyps like the standard pulsing and grows slower.