Oregon Tort Growth Form

[kartrsu]

Fellas,

I’m wondering if my Oregon tort will ever grow more vertically. It’s on an epoxy ball mount (like a thick tall stem) and all it wants to do is extend horizontally. Originally I placed it at the top on the tank where there was strong horizontal flow so its growth form adapted that way. After moving it lower, but in still good PAR, it looks like a big space ship.

Thinking about fragging some big chunks and mounting them vertically. Thoughts? This growth form creates underside shading though all tissue is healthy underneath.

Original placement. Flow was pointed directly at it from the power head on the right.

New placement. Now not in direct flow. The upwards potential branches are beginning to narrowing at the tips with very little growth.

 

[Dburr1014]

They are some slow Growers. Takes forever to get going but then they just go.

 

[kartrsu]

They are some slow Growers. Takes forever to get going but then they just go.

Yeah they are. But mine is growing horizontally primarily. Started from a 1 inch nub.

 

[Science/G]

I think it's perfect and beautiful! I get it though. There are corals that we want to grow a certain way and fill some visual gap, and they just won't cooperate.

 

[kartrsu]

What would happen if I fragged some wedges and mounted them vertically. Maybe two wedges near each other at the base but leaning away from each other. Will it just grow horizontally again? I think this time I will let attach directly to rock versus a raised removable stem.

 

[fish_collector]

Leave it alone, it'll grow the way it wants when it's ready.

 

[spsick]

OT is a defiant little bugger and will grow however it wants to spite you. It’s growing out to gain size and energy but it will grow up eventually.

 

[Reeferbadness]

Here's mine - about 3 years old - seems like it's growing in a few directions LOL

 

[kartrsu]

Thanks for all the feedback. It is a weird coral indeed. Durable too. When it was in high direct flow it would get holes in the flesh. Thought it was sand particle and I turkey basted a bigger hole. In days time, it would heal over. I even have some branches growing DOWNWARDS. Maybe this acro needs a wide strong base versus a 1” mounted stem.

 

[kartrsu]

What conditions do you guys keep your OT in for the best growth? High flow and PAR?