Sps keep encrusting instead of growing vertically
- Thread starter Dexter_SA
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Patience most likely. Got any pics?
Mine encrust first, figured it was because of high flow, but eventually they start growing up!
Redfoxtang
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I have seen with higher flow they like to encrust a good base then grow vertical. Well that’s what they do in my tank atleast!! I guess is depends on the species as well because my green slimer didn’t care about a bass and just grew vertical.
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They build a base so they can grow taller without falling down.
I believe flow has something to do with this but I think BRS said this was a myth I don’t think it is. All of my corals base out over their tiles and then start shooting out branches
You can see in my dirty frag tank
I believe flow has something to do with this but I think BRS said this was a myth I don’t think it is. All of my corals base out over their tiles and then start shooting out branches
You can see in my dirty frag tank
Lovely corals in that frag tank! I have used a ton of flow over the past 5 years and never noticed more encrusting. I believe it’s more species based than anything else. Also depends on how the corals are mounted. If mounted on a flat surface it’s much easier for them to base out. If mounted on a surface that is round like a golf ball, the coral will tend to grow vertically once it encrusts into the area where the light is not directly hitting it.
jwshiver
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Most of my SPS spent several months encrusting before starting vertical growth. I have a few that encrusted painfully slow for close to a year. Once SPS have decided they have encrusted enough the vertical growth takes off pretty quick.
I have always seen my SPS encrust first, then shoot upwards. As others have said, I believe it's because they need a sturdy base before the shoot upwards so they don't tip over when they start to shoot up.
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