SPS growing horizontally

[r21]

Hi, first post so bit of an introduction. I've been reefing on and off for about 10 years and started a new Red Sea 170 last July, it was cycled for a good 3 months before introducing any livestock and has been very stable since. Tank is monitored by Apex, lights are Radion 5 Blue, flow MP40 at 20-40%. Alk around 8.5, Cal 450, Mg 1350. Salt is Tropic Marin Pro, WC weekly 10%.

Most things are growing well however they are growing a bit oddly, I'm not sure if its flow or lighting but I've tweaked both higher and waited but neither seem to make a difference.

All the SPS are growing horizontally, fair enough the montis I'd expect but others not, I dont think its entirely explained by them basing out. I dont think its a light issue although I've not got a way to test PAR. Light is on full spectrum, max intensity 50% and is about 10" from water surface. Flow is a MP40 varying between 20 and 40%.

In order or growth success, I'd rank it as follows
Montipora v.good
Setosa v.good
Acropora good
Stylophora poor
Pocillopora poor

In terms of non SPS, my gonipora has thrived, zoas all doing well, favia has grown well. Bubble coral and ricordia poor growth

Some pictures

Any ideas on why SPS are growing this way?

Cheers
Rob

 

[Silent]

Is your flow pushing water that way?

 

[melanotaenia]

The Setosa growth looks relatively normal, they usually grow first horizontally and then start throwing vertical growth as it gets larger.

It also looks like you are going to be dealing with chemical warfare soon as those corals start to grow over eachother; the Montipora will win.

 

[r21]

Is your flow pushing water that way?

Flow is from rear right as you look at front of tank

 

[r21]

The Setosa growth looks relatively normal, they usually grow first horizontally and then start throwing vertical growth as it gets larger.

It also looks like you are going to be dealing with chemical warfare soon as those corals start to grow over eachother; the Montipora will win.

Are you referring to the Forest Fire Monti and the Acropora?

 

[G Santana]

Welcome to R2R

 

[melanotaenia]

Your last photo appears to show a few Montiporas surrounding an Acro; as the encroach onto the Acro the Montiporas will win the chemical warfare fight.

Flow could be playing a factor but is likely much more secondary to the type of corals you have and their natural growth patterns.

 

[Dana Riddle]

Coral growths will flatten - become horizontal or plate-like - under lower light intensity in order to collect as much light energy as they can.

 

[r21]

Your last photo appears to show a few Montiporas surrounding an Acro; as the encroach onto the Acro the Montiporas will win the chemical warfare fight.

Flow could be playing a factor but is likely much more secondary to the type of corals you have and their natural growth patterns.

Thanks for clarifying, I could try and move that acro however it appears that if anything the acro is winning, when the lights come on more I'll take a picture but the acro has definitely moved into an area that the forest fire monti was and the monti has bleached and receded.

 

[r21]

Coral growths will flatten - become horizontal or plate-like - under lower light intensity in order to collect as much light energy as they can.

I have considered it to be light related and had upped the intensity but maybe its not enough. I've now upped it a further 15% to 65% and will monitor for a month

 

[I’ma tempermental coral]

Did you increase your flow a little to accommodate the extra light? Many people forget with more light a slight increase of flow is a good idea. In reference to chemical warfare the extra flow will help push those toxins away as coral begins to get a little too close.

 

[jda]

Sometimes they do this to grab extra horizontal territory before growing up again. Some of them will even grow slightly down. Montis are the worst at this. Perfectly normal.