Do birdsnests never encrust and make a stronger base?

[JoJosReef]

I've never seen my birdsnests or stylos grow out at the base. This one started out as a little twig and is now much larger, but it still has it's little twig base. I feel like an astraea could topple it over. I know that it is STN'ing a bit, but I think that is because of shading (maybe?). Does anyone know what happens with these as they grow bigger? Thanks!

 

[stoney7713]

I've never seen my birdsnests or stylos grow out at the base. This one started out as a little twig and is now much larger, but it still has it's little twig base. I feel like an astraea could topple it over. I know that it is STN'ing a bit, but I think that is because of shading (maybe?). Does anyone know what happens with these as they grow bigger? Thanks!

My stylos have definitely encrusted. My birdnest has definitely a thicker base but hasn't spread out across the rock.

 

[JoJosReef]

My stylos have definitely encrusted. My birdnest has definitely a thicker base but hasn't spread out across the rock.

Thanks! My stylo hasn't encrusted, but that might be due to the large amount of reef cement around it to keep it in place:

I'm wondering if I should chop off the birdsnest, cut away the white parts and try re-gluing it.

 

[stoney7713]

Thanks! My stylo hasn't encrusted, but that might be due to the large amount of reef cement around it to keep it in place:

I'm wondering if I should chop off the birdsnest, cut away the white parts and try re-gluing it.

Possibly, I have noticed that frags with that stuff is slower in never encrusted. Here's a stylo I have on a frag rack, definitely spreading.

 

[386reeftrader]

You may see a small amount of encrusting. Stylo more likely to show this, but these do not spread out over rock work like an Acropora. Generally the lower portions die off as they become too shaded.