My first montipora!

nerses818 · Feb 29, 2012

Ok guys so I just picked up my first montipora today and I just had a question about the best placement for it in my tank. I have a 150g tank and this is going to be my first sps in the tank. I am running 3x250 watt Hamilton metal halides and 2x110watt VHOs. Ill try to get a pic up soon. It's a pink crusting montipora. If anyone can id it that would be great. So I just wanted your opinion as to where the best place to put it would be. The guy at my LFS told me mid height and mid flow. I was also told to not place it direct light after I acclimate so I plan to keep in a shaded area for a few days slowly bringing it out into full view of the halides. Does all this sound about right and is there any other special requirements I should know about? Thnx in advance to all those who chime in

Mcagigas · Feb 29, 2012

Hi nerses818,

I don't have MH lights all T5 (6-54W lamps in total) I've had an orange montipora now for almost nine months. When I first got it i placed it at the bottom of the tank to acclimated to the light. about a month later I moved it to the middle of the tank for a couple of weeks. It eventually ended up on the top of the tank. It has grown from the three inches one plate to multiple plates, extending to almost a foot wide (I have pictures on my album). They are very fast growers. How high are the MH from the top? A buddy of mine has a similar setup as yours and he keeps his monti mid way, with good flow. Good luck and hope this helps

nerses818 · Feb 29, 2012

My halides are about 9-10 inches from the surface. So your saying that I might not even have to keep it shaded? Just placing it lover in the tank would be enough?

nerses818 · Feb 29, 2012

here it is as its acclimating in the bucket

aquabull · Feb 29, 2012

The most critical thing i can think of would be to always slow drip in top-off water, especially when dosing supplements. Salinity changes are not a Montiporas' friend.

Mcagigas · Mar 1, 2012

In my experience with Montis, and I have quite a few (love the species) is that they love light and good water flow. All my montis and pretty much all of my SPS started to take off after I installed an ATO to help with evaporation and helps with salinity swings and I also dose (Bubble Agus) Alk, Calc and Magnesium. All in all montis are pretty hardy as compared to other SPS. They do grow fast so you will have to keep pruning otherwise they will smother the light from other corals that may lie beneath. Your piece looks great, good color. Good luck,

nerses818 · Mar 1, 2012

Thnx guys. I'll try to work something out so the top of causes less of a swing and also do you guys know if this is an encrusting or one that grows outward?