Using other corals to make a barrier for encrusting sps?

[Mebbid]

I'm eyeballing a few different encrusting montipora, but don't really want them taking over too much rock work. Is it possible or even recommended to use some other corals such as a hammer to create barriers that they can't grow past due to the stinging?

 

[mcarroll]

Folks have tried if you spend some time looking up old threads on "coral warfare". IMO results are going to be too unpredictable, but it might still be worthy experiment depending on your situation.

 

[386reeftrader]

It wouldn't really make sense imo.. if you don't want the monti to spread place it on its own rock.

 

[BryanM]

You can try of course, but this sort of thing falls in to the category of "Let nature take its course"

 

[Reginald Reefer III]

Monti vs Acro - usually the acro wins and the monti just kinda grows around it or they stalemate. Montis will typically spread faster than the acro and then you are stuck with a very fast growing monti and the acro can't base.

I made this mistake. Wish I didn't now.