Red Montipora Cap - Did I make a Mistake?

[ParticleMan]

Just picked up this frag from one of my local LFS. I was looking for something I could attach to the vertical side of one of my rocks that would look nice and grow. What I didn't realize was this is a crazy fast coral that will basically just take over my fluval 13.5 tank. I haven't attached to anything yet, should i return it? Are they as scary as all the horror stories I've read now about them being the SPS equivalent of Xenias? Any advice on placement and/or return would be appreciated.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Maybe someone can correct me but to me it looks more like setosa than a cap.

 

[Marine Betta]

Just picked up this frag from one of my local LFS. I was looking for something I could attach to the vertical side of one of my rocks that would look nice and grow. What I didn't realize was this is a crazy fast coral that will basically just take over my fluval 13.5 tank. I haven't attached to anything yet, should i return it? Are they as scary as all the horror stories I've read now about them being the SPS equivalent of Xenias? Any advice on placement and/or return would be appreciated.

Monti caps are not as bad as encrusting montis, but they can take over the rock work. If you prune it and/or put it on an island, it should be fine. What par and flow do you get on your sand bed? It’ll want a decent amount of both.

 

[steveschuerger]

Maybe someone can correct me but to me it looks more like setosa than a cap.

growth pattern does suggest setosa. While encrusting and modestly quick growing they’re easily worked with. I don’t think your tank is in imminent danger of being overwhelmed

 

[fishyjoes]

They grow fast, but it will take months or years to become a problem and then all you have to do is trim it back

 

[DSC reef]

Montipora Capricornis grew much faster in my tanks than setosa. That looks to be setosa, I'd give it an area and watch it grow.

 

[Marine Betta]

Maybe someone can correct me but to me it looks more like setosa than a cap.

I agree, that looks like setosa. This is probably one of the easiest species to manage when it comes to controlling growth.

 

[ParticleMan]

Awesome, the plan was to let it crawl up the side of the right tower...nice contrast with the white-bluish rock. Glad to hear that it is manageable. I guess LFS don't always know what they got. lol As for the flow it's very good, have a mini-hygger powerhead on the right side and dual RFG nozzles on the right with an upgraded 230gph pump. The light is an AI Blade Grown light.

 

[ParticleMan]

growth pattern does suggest setosa. While encrusting and modestly quick growing they’re easily worked with. I don’t think your tank is in imminent danger of being overwhelmed

Meow :)

 

[steveschuerger]

To give you an idea for growth speed
Dec 10, 2023

July 8, 2024

 

[ParticleMan]

Wow that's quite a bit. Guess it won't be long before I frag it.

 

[IPT]

Easy to frag both, but the Monti Cap grows significantly faster than the setosa. That one you have, as mentioned looks like a setosa.

 

[Science/G]

Montipora capricornis