Why are some SPS mounted this way?

[elegant_reefer]

I have noticed that some people mount their SPS flat on a frag plug after fragging, while others mount it straight up. What are the pros and cons of each? Thanks!

 

[cntryboi407]

I've seen that as well but not really sure. If I had to guess maybe to build a strong base for the SPS to begin growing on.

 

[seascape]

it will encrust faster

 

[Elan]

I do both depending on the coral. If you not when you mount a frag any way the first thing it starts to do is spread / incrust the plug or disk. If you mount a coral horizontally it creats mor surface area for it to encrust faster thus creating more branches as it starts upwards.

 

[brward5]

If you read or have heard talks from Anthony Calfo, he is probably the staunchest supporter of the flat mounting method. Basically, it exposes more of the coral to the best light and the best flow. It encrusts and grows faster than if you mount it upright.

 

[cntryboi407]

Well now we know

 

[Acezwild]

If you read or have heard talks from Anthony Calfo, he is probably the staunchest supporter of the flat mounting method. Basically, it exposes more of the coral to the best light and the best flow. It encrusts and grows faster than if you mount it upright.

I agree. I had 2 of the same frags and tried it both ways I had much better growth on the frag laid side ways then standing

 

[cntryboi407]

I agree. I had 2 of the same frags and tried it both ways I had much better growth on the frag laid side ways then standing

I would think that it would hurt the coral initially?

 

[Reef Pets]

I agree with this. The frags will gather more light, flow and encrust faster.
I mount all of my SPS up just because I like the looks of it a little more even though mounting flat would probably be better.

If you read or have heard talks from Anthony Calfo, he is probably the staunchest supporter of the flat mounting method. Basically, it exposes more of the coral to the best light and the best flow. It encrusts and grows faster than if you mount it upright.

 

[saltyfishguy]

With mounting laid over you end up wit ha larger (IE stronger base )
This is what I was told many moons ago and it sure does seem to be true in my experience

 

[sprinklerdudes]

thanks for the info, this gives us insight to a better way of mounting

 

[Acroholic]

Some corals would be pretty hard to mount standing up. My Icefire Echinata was so thin it probably would have gotten knocked off and lost. Mounted sideways it was more secure on the disc. I've cut a couple frags off it and I mounted both on their side for the same reason.
Dave

 

[Elan]

I would think that it would hurt the coral initially?

well yea you will loose the side you glue down but its worth it

 

[Sikryd]

well yea you will loose the side you glue down but its worth it

Not necessarily. You don't have to glue down the whole back. If you put it down at an angle you only have to glue the bottom portion.
It typically is more surface area of glue though.

 

[droblack]

Flat frags are usually better for shipping.

 

[Jason edwards]

Well now we know

And knowing is half the battle.

 

[tangdiver]

With the thicker stags. I even run through ban saw and mount side by side, then no tissue is wasted under superglue. The grow is outstanding when you see them compared 6 months later.

The one upright is taller, but tissue to tissue, the growth from gluing flat is the only way to go. It is alot harder of a sale to new people but that is the way I buy when I can.


Grant

 

[CoralBandit]

and it provides the frag a better opportunity to grow "to your tank" i.e. flow rate, light exposure etc... it will look fuller and grow more evenly in long run

 

[PLNelson]

Ad myself to the list of proponents. For all the reasons posted.

 

[fishypets]

I mounted a one inch pink lemonade frag on its side about six months ago. Today the base is about seven inches and I have five branches shooting up. For this is why I mount my sps frags on their side.