Acros branching vs basing

spsick · Jul 15, 2018

I know, a weird thing to complain about. Just polling the community as it seems odd. Maybe everything is growing so fast it doesn’t need to? Concern mostly being frags I cut/mount as it’s usually seen as a sign of health. My old tank years ago everything based out nicely. That was a high light high nutrient DSB tank. This tank not so much. Everything’s growing well just don’t base out much. Also LPS don’t really thrive, just exist. Possibly related?

Light/ photoperiod?
Nutrients?

Details-
40 gal system,
2 part,
Deltec SCA1350 skimmer,
6x24 sunpower (3 B+ 3 C+)
2bulb 10hrs, 4 bulb 5 hr
5 gal wc weekly.
I run a lower alk these days than old school and have found MUCH more stability and success.

Ca- 420
Alk- 7.5dKH
Mag- 1350
Nitrate- 10
P04- .009
Temp- 78
Ph- 8-8.5

I feed 1 cube a day of LRS Reef Frenzy and have an autofeeder w/ NLS pellets multiple times daily

Tank and frag iPhone pics for attention.

Reefltx · Jul 15, 2018

It has a lot to do with flow as well. I only see one mp10 there.

BoomCorals · Jul 15, 2018

Agreed, what do you have for flow?

spsick · Jul 15, 2018

BoomCorals said:
Agreed, what do you have for flow?

Oops forgot that. 2x Jebao RW4 in a overlapping 2 min ramp, Tunze 1073.040 return. So around 50x turnover.

29bonsaireef · Jul 15, 2018

Usually frags cut from your system, that remain in your system won't really stop growing. The frags cut are already used to your water/params. If I cut a frag in my tank and mount it it will keep growing out. Whereas, one I buy from the store coming from another tank will need time to acclimate, and base out before growing again.

On your larger pieces..flow is definitely going to play a role on growth. Red Dragon, Red Digi and Stylo are all corals that IME don't base out very much. IMO, your acros have enough base.. doesn't look abnormal.

kevlow · Jul 15, 2018

I don't see a problem at all. Your corals look great. I would prefer my stuff spend more time branching and less time basing. Mine like to encrust for 6 months then they will think about branching. lol.