How To Stop Bonsai From Encrusting?!

[Codym808]

So like the title says, I would like to stop my bonsai from encrusting before it takes over my entire main rock structure. I know I could always place acros further away but I’m sure there must be a way around that. My bonsai seems to be branching while also encrusting at a fast right, which is also using up valuable space for the neighboring frags to encrust. Take a look at the photo below of what I mean, it’s hard to see but the encrusted area is heading towards the frag behind it. Could I possibly frag off the small branches on the left and maybe use a brush to remove the large base it has formed?

 

[Swoody]

I would not do anything to harm the coral as obviously you are doing well by it! You could get a small hobby saw blades and hobby scalpel and try to frag parts of the encrusted portions of the bonsai. OR if easier move the frags behind it and let this thing go!!

 

[Travis Stewart]

I want some!!! Lol

 

[nasher8860]

I’m hope you find a solution to this. I’m interested to see what you come up with. Good luck

 

[Codym808]

I would love to leave it alone and let it grow but I want to give my new frags a chance to grow out also. They’re all encrusted to the rock also so I have to figure out how to control the bonsai.

I’m really tempted on “pruning” back the huge base, here’s a top down photo for you guys to see how it’s creeping up on the other frags!

 

[Hella_Reef]

Kalk paste

 

[CMO]

I have this same issue with some zoas encroaching on my sps before they can encrust as much as I'd like. I stop them by putting a barrier of frag plugs or plates around them until my sps encrusts to where I'd like it. Same thing should work here in reverse. Doesn't look pretty but it works for me to hold things back when needed. Just replace the plugs once encrusted and repeat until things are where you want them...

 

[Codym808]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I shall try them out and report back on what worked! Another issue, which I guess is good, is that my coralline algae is growing over everything. It’s using up a lot of 2-part and also slowing my gyres output but that’s a discussion to save for another thread lol

 

[mtraylor]

Its not going to encrust like a monti. That coral is known for encrusting first before branching. For known corals you should plan on appropriate space in future.

Personally i would leave it alone. The other sps nearby will manage. Bonsai is not a super fast grower so you should be ok. Its not envasive either.

It will share space with allot of corals

 

[jda]

This is what Bonsai does. If you don't want it to encrust, then take it out and trade it or give it away.

 

[Sierra_Bravo]

I feel your pain.

I'm just letting mine do what it does; on my rock there is no moving it. I did not know how monti-like this coral acts when it comes to encrusting when I first placed it - it's currently about 3.5" in diameter. The sarmentosa on the lower right is not going to like it very soon.

(My apologies for the over-saturated photo. . . )

 

[jda]

It won't spread forever... it seems to level out at 2-3x the size of the branching mass... mine is probably not even 2x, but I have seen them larger.