To branch or not to branch

[blkhawk10]

I have some acros that are branching that just encrust, does anyone know why this happens? I've heard of this happening before but couldn't get a definant answer as to why. Can anyone shed some light on this subject? Does it have to do with flow, lighting, filtration, ect? Will we ever know???

 

[GR808]

I asked the same thing a little while back and here is a link to the thread and the replies, hope it sheds some light.
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/general-sps-discussion/58432-encrusting-branching.html

I currently have some sps that are branching rather than encrusting first. not sure why but I have a hunch it could be my water quality. I started using ocean water. who knows

 

[River_Styx]

I believe I read something that said it was so the coral could take up valuable space before it started growing (since in the reef, space is fought over). Also, it would make sence that it would grow a nice base before growing bigger, so as to not fall over :)

 

[KLR]

Agreed^

Im not much od the sps person,yet:xd:, but I would think a frag has to grow a stable base before it starts growing branches up,other wise it would get top heavy. Kinda the same concept as a tree and one of the purposes of its roots,anchoring down the tree.

 

[CJO]

Some of it depends on the coral. I have Tricolor Vilada that has a huge base. However, the Oregon Tort that is right near it has almost no base at all compared to its branches. I'm afraid that it's going to topple over soon!

CJ

 

[returnofsid]

It'll depend on the coral AND the flow. The coral senses the amount of flow. From there, it "decides" how much of a "foundation" it needs, and encrusts accordingly...IMO.

 

[River_Styx]

It'll depend on the coral AND the flow. The coral senses the amount of flow. From there, it "decides" how much of a "foundation" it needs, and encrusts accordingly...IMO.

See, I would think thats another logical course of action (for the coral) but I have this birdsnest frag that is in high flow and instead of making a good base it just made its branches thicker. It even sprouted over 6 baby branches and still no foundtion. But I did make good foundation for it with reef puddy. Maybe thats why? If they feel secure they focus more on branching?

 

[Paul_N]

See, I would think thats another logical course of action (for the coral) but I have this birdsnest frag that is in high flow and instead of making a good base it just made its branches thicker. It even sprouted over 6 baby branches and still no foundtion. But I did make good foundation for it with reef puddy. Maybe thats why? If they feel secure they focus more on branching?

Birdsnest coral are just one of the corals that do not encrust that much. I have had 4 different kinds and they all do very little encrusting. I have had them high and low in the tank and also with little flow or a lot of flow.

IMO this is one of those topics that really has many answers to it. I think, the type of coral,lighting,and flow all play a part in it.