Why sps branch vs base?

[Red_Beard]

I have quite a few sps that are growing quite well... upward. They have almost not encrusted at all since adding them. I guess I have provided a supportive home, because they feel secure enough to not encrust more?

All of you experienced reefers, what could cause stick growth to branch and not base?

Here is an exapmle:
The plug is barely encrusted

Full colony

Here it is as a wee frag

 

[KrisReef]

From observation I think that they grow according to the habitat and circumstances present. I think that the frags position on the original colony also has some effect on the growth patterns, as does their dna and the ultimate shape a colony would attain in the wild is going to impact the growth patterns in the tank as well.

I hate my iPhone and can’t comment further without losing my cool here in this restaurant waiting for my meal.

 

[Red_Beard]

From observation I think that they grow according to the habitat and circumstances present. I think that the frags position on the original colony also has some effect on the growth patterns, as does their dna and the ultimate shape a colony would attain in the wild is going to impact the growth patterns in the tank as well.

I hate my iPhone and can’t comment further without losing my cool here in this restaurant waiting for my meal.

Thank you for the comment Kris, hope you enjoy dinner :)
I totally agree that genetics and location will very heavily influence growth, but would think they would have to base out at least a little right?

Has anyone else any frags exhibiting this behavior? Is it more an issue of genus than environment? Where certain strains just in general won't base out and just reach for the sky?

 

[KrisReef]

The base is to hold the coral in place during storms. Reef tanks don’t have storm surge to encourage base formation, imo. Your coral did branch out in a baselike fashion to collect light for continued growth, but again staying attached is not the concern as much as catching the light energy for the coral in your tank environment?????

 

[Red_Beard]

The base is to hold the coral in place during storms. Reef tanks don’t have storm surge to encourage base formation, imo. Your coral did branch out in a baselike fashion to collect light for continued growth, but again staying attached is not the concern as much as catching the light energy for the coral in your tank environment?????

Yeah, that is a fair assesment. There is not much storm surge in my tank, but i would like to think there is enough flow? Maybe not.
Maybe it is as you suggest, a non issue. They have yet to be dislodged and are growing well. My experience with larger sps colonies is still pretty limited, just want to make sure i am not going to run this ship aground for ignorance.

 

[Tahoe61]

Lighting and flow.

 

[Red_Beard]

What role do you think phosphate levels play? I usually run a little elevated, .2 - .3 ish. I have recently read that high phos can cause spindly upward growth and prevent the bulkier dense growth. Anecdotally i have noticed some of that in my stags, growing like a pencil. Growing quite quickly, but all upward, not basing. They are still small ~4 inch and i have no prior stags to compare that to. Uhuo. Just ruminating from the sofa watching my box of water wondering if i am messing up, or if i should just be happy stuff is growing.

 

[bobnicaragua]

I’ve never heard of a relation between phosphate and acropora growth patterns. I know running high nutrients is popular, but my acros seem to do better under.15

 

[Red_Beard]

I have begun adding more Rowaphos and skimming a little wetter to get them down. trying to go slow and avoid any shock.

 

[exnisstech]

This is fuzzy guy refused to grow a base on the plug after being in for a year or so. I gave up and glued it down but it still doesn't seem to be growing a base.

My orange and neon green digi refuse to grow any base at all

I just stick pieces in holes and pray

 

[Red_Beard]

This is fuzzy guy refused to grow a base on the plug after being in for a year or so. I gave up and glued it down but it still doesn't seem to be growing a base.

My orange and neon green digi refuse to grow any base at all

I just stick pieces in holes and pray

Yep. That is where I'm at lol.
That piece to the right of your green digi is based out nice though, and your colors look great!

 

[exnisstech]

Yep. That is where I'm at lol.
That piece to the right of your green digi is based out nice though, and your colors look great!

That one next to the digi is one of my best growers. It was in a $20 bargain bin tank