Sps keep encrusting instead of growing vertically

[Dexter_SA]

As the title says. Some of the sps I have keep encrusting instead of growing upwards. Is it a case of waiting patiently for branches to form or is there something else I missing?

 

[x2uranium]

Nope.. they will eventually grow up...most are just painfully slow

 

[Graffiti Spot]

Patience most likely. Got any pics?

 

[leepink23]

Mine encrust first, figured it was because of high flow, but eventually they start growing up!

 

[Redfoxtang]

I have seen with higher flow they like to encrust a good base then grow vertical. Well that’s what they do in my tank atleast!! I guess is depends on the species as well because my green slimer didn’t care about a bass and just grew vertical.

 

[justingraham]

They build a base so they can grow taller without falling down.
I believe flow has something to do with this but I think BRS said this was a myth I don’t think it is. All of my corals base out over their tiles and then start shooting out branches

You can see in my dirty frag tank

 

[Graffiti Spot]

Lovely corals in that frag tank! I have used a ton of flow over the past 5 years and never noticed more encrusting. I believe it’s more species based than anything else. Also depends on how the corals are mounted. If mounted on a flat surface it’s much easier for them to base out. If mounted on a surface that is round like a golf ball, the coral will tend to grow vertically once it encrusts into the area where the light is not directly hitting it.

 

[jwshiver]

Most of my SPS spent several months encrusting before starting vertical growth. I have a few that encrusted painfully slow for close to a year. Once SPS have decided they have encrusted enough the vertical growth takes off pretty quick.

 

[homer1475]

I have always seen my SPS encrust first, then shoot upwards. As others have said, I believe it's because they need a sturdy base before the shoot upwards so they don't tip over when they start to shoot up.

 

[Dexter_SA]

Thanks for all the replies guys. Guess one just need to wait for nature to take its course