Accelerating SPS Grow Out in New Tank

[SnowDog]

My 50 cube is overgrown and I'm moving the SPS to a much larger tank. Since I have so much more space I'd like to speed up the coverage and grow larger colonies. Should I split my existing colonies into several large frags and place them next to each other or keep the colonies intact and just let them grow?

 

[joekool]

If it were me I would not cut them up and just space out the colonies so they have more room unless you want the coral in multiple spots. Really it’s whatever is going to make you happy.

The only problem with large colonies is that they sometimes recede were the light doesn’t hit do to shadowing of its self but if your lighting isn’t from straight up and comes in on angles then they would look great.

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

I think either way you will experience pretty much the same amount of growth. Frags can experience boosted growth initially but I think that applies mostly to encrusting varieties. I know one of my Staghorn frags has exploded in growth from it's base but has grown very little vertically.

You'd also be less likely to lose a good portion of coral through possible fragging mishaps if you leave them whole.

 

[SnowDog]

If it were me I would not cut them up and just space out the colonies so they have more room unless you want the coral in multiple spots. Really it’s whatever is going to make you happy.

The only problem with large colonies is that they sometimes recede were the light doesn’t hit do to shadowing of its self but if your lighting isn’t from straight up and comes in on angles then they would look great.

Good point on the lighting. I'm going from a single Radion XR15 to a 6 bulb T5 with Reefbrites on the new tank.

One idea I had was to just move over my five favorite colonies. Split them up into three or four pieces and placement so they would grow out to monster sized colonies. I've often thought keeping the number of coral types of to a minimum would make the tank more stable overall. In this case, I'd go with my Pink lemonade, JF Fox Flame, SC Orange Passion, WD, and WWC Pink Panther.

 

[joekool]

Good point on the lighting. I'm going from a single Radion XR15 to a 6 bulb T5 with Reefbrites on the new tank.

One idea I had was to just move over my five favorite colonies. Split them up into three or four pieces and placement so they would grow out to monster sized colonies. I've often thought keeping the number of coral types of to a minimum would make the tank more stable overall. In this case, I'd go with my Pink lemonade, JF Fox Flame, SC Orange Passion, WD, and WWC Pink Panther.

stability wont be dependent on haw many coral types you have but more so keeping up with there demands/ supplements. Alk being most important for stability and changes through out the day so keeping that stabile ie dosing and measuring followed by Ca, Mg, and watching Po4 and Nitrates. Also Fish poo is a great coral grower within reason.

So Get as many corals as you want just make sure you can support the demand and give them proper placement and you'll be okay.
The lighting you suggest should be fine.

 

[SnowDog]

stability wont be dependent on haw many coral types you have but more so keeping up with there demands/ supplements. Alk being most important for stability and changes through out the day so keeping that stabile ie dosing and measuring followed by Ca, Mg, and watching Po4 and Nitrates. Also Fish poo is a great coral grower within reason.

So Get as many corals as you want just make sure you can support the demand and give them proper placement and you'll be okay.
The lighting you suggest should be fine.

I was referring to "lack of chemical warfare stability"... I had a disaster due to an angry leather coral a few years ago...

 

[joekool]

I was referring to "lack of chemical warfare stability"... I had a disaster due to an angry leather coral a few years ago...

Well don't put a leather in there lol. they don't seem to like anything other than themselves lol.

If you have good filtration and you place properly such as cohabitating and similar corals near each other and give them room you will be fine with a bunch of SPS.
Get a great skimmer or make one that's oversized.

 

[BZOFIQ]

.... I'd like to speed up the coverage and grow larger colonies. Should I split my existing colonies into several large frags and place them next to each other ...?

That is exactly what Joe Yaiullo does at the Long Island Aquarium.