Vertical surfaces vs flat surfaces

[Akwarius]

I remember a discussion somewhere awhile back about growing zoas on an incline. Dont remember where I saw it or which forum, but the author was claiming to have better growth and health of their zoas on a vertical axis. I didnt think anything of it until I noticed that my two frags of VDMs were behaving differently. The first plug is completely flat and horizontal on the bottom of the tank, and has stayed at two polyps for the past two months. The second is attached to live rock vertically toward the bottom of the tank, and has multiplied from 4 to 9 polyps in two months. Both have similar light and flow exposure. I know that this observation is by no means a controlled scientific study, but could the orientation have something to do with the growth?

 

[drainbamage]

I'd wager it more on different lighting conditions and what not (I know they're both near the bottom, but there's many other factors and all) than on the vertical plane. That said, it's rational to presume they're eager to grow out when in an adverse condition (like the vertical on a reef shelf) seeking to grow out and take up as much of the flat space as possible. Problem is it's also just as rational to say that one on a horizontal surface will expand as fast as possible to maximize the area it has to grow out.

But here's a picture of my Pumpkin Eaters growing up the back wall of the aquarium. It's my preffered version of a Canadian Welterweight :bigsmile:

 

[Akwarius]

I agree about the lack of logic behind this. I only mention it because I SWEAR that I've heard someone talk about this before.

 

[mlove]

I do believe I read it in a fragging section as well. It said something like, "and remember guys, mount frags vertically for better growth and development."

 

[Akwarius]

I do believe I read it in a fragging section as well. It said something like, "and remember guys, mount frags vertically for better growth and development."

Could you provide the link?