Acropora Touching

[Acroporaguy]

Hi everyone,

I have a 20g Acropora dominant reef tank. My corals have been growing very well, but now i'm concerned what's going to happen when they inevitably touch each other (small tank problems lol). I can cut off branches and such, but eventually they're going to touch on the base. Being my first acro dominant system I've never had this situation happen before. Will one rtn/stn through the stress of touching another coral? Or do they grow onto each other? Thanks.

 

[P-Dub]

Hi everyone,

I have a 20g Acropora dominant reef tank. My corals have been growing very well, but now i'm concerned what's going to happen when they inevitably touch each other (small tank problems lol). I can cut off branches and such, but eventually they're going to touch on the base. Being my first acro dominant system I've never had this situation happen before. Will one rtn/stn through the stress of touching another coral? Or do they grow onto each other? Thanks.

They will rarely grow into each other. Sometimes, if they are the same coral with different color morphs. If one has a more potent chemical response to its neighbor then the weaker one can be "attacked". More often, with similar acros, they just start a growing race. Whoever outgrows wins. I have had a slow-motion battle going on and has for about a year now. The met and have just started growing vertically where they met. It's a stalemate, still.

 

[Acroporaguy]

They will rarely grow into each other. Sometimes, if they are the same coral with different color morphs. If one has a more potent chemical response to its neighbor then the weaker one can be "attacked". More often, with similar acros, they just start a growing race. Whoever outgrows wins. I have had a slow-motion battle going on and has for about a year now. The met and have just started growing vertically where they met. It's a stalemate, still.

Very cool! Thanks for the response!

 

[P-Dub]

Very cool! Thanks for the response!

Here for you, brother.

 

[dadnjesse]

I don't think it matters how big your tank is. Bigger tank you'll buy more corals. Mine are growing around and through each other.

 

[Acroporaguy]

I don't think it matters how big your tank is. Bigger tank you'll buy more corals. Mine are growing around and through each other.

Haha I guess you're right, if I had a bigger tank I'd also have more coral! Love the natural look of big colonies you've got! I guess I'll let nature do it's thing

 

[Graffiti Spot]

I don't think it matters how big your tank is. Bigger tank you'll buy more corals. Mine are growing around and through each other.

Wow! Love those colonies! Let’s see a better pic of that abro