Lets talk growth rates

[IPT]

New to the SPS world. Had some good stuff with Softies and LPS a number of years ago. Seems like prices are down, technology, understanding, and aquacultured (more stable) coral is up and much improved since I was last serious about reefing.

What kind of growth rates are you people getting? For example. running 4 T5's 39 w and my "X" frag grew 1.5 in in a month....zoo's multplied from 5 polyps to 15 in 2 months (wouldn't that be nice!). I am just trying to get an idea of the growth people are getting according to species, lighting, and I guess feeding styles.

I have no data to offer as I am just resurecting my tank from months of neglect (self employment sure is A LOT of work!!) Inspire me please :)

[drummereef]

Well, here's a Monti Cap I keep under PC lighting. Original frag was from October 2006. The updated pic was from a couple weeks ago. I find the key to be in keeping your alk/calcium in balance and solid throughout the week between water changes. Also keep phosphates to a minimum. ;)

Original Frag (October 2006)
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h215/brettvoelker/Before%20and%20After%20Pics/MontiCapFrag.jpg

Frag Today (April 2007)
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h215/brettvoelker/Before%20and%20After%20Pics/MontiCapToday.jpg

[chinaman4u]

ORA Red Milli, 4" under water, 250w 6" directly above water surface and 175w a little further away. Very high turbulent flow.
I had one month of almost no growth, month two I doubled my photperiod to 10hrs 175w20k & 6hrs 250w10k, most growth shown here was from past two months.

01/01/07 picture taken
http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/8465/dsc01911vh6.th.jpg (http://img253.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01911vh6.jpg)

04/01/07
http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/7792/dsc02217ov3.th.jpg (http://img253.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc02217ov3.jpg)

Not much in a few months, but I didn't even notice the growth until I compared with the old photo I found.

[dc_909]

Jan 10th
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f304/dc_909/MontiGreenEncrusting1.jpg


Few days ago
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f304/dc_909/100_1602.jpg

[IPT]

Sweet - you guys are getting some nice growth!! I'm excited.

(a little off topic) drummereef - how do you like the Nano streams in the 40? I am going to set up a 40 and was considering them. I see you are not SPS dominant though.

[Mr31415]

Check out my before/after gallery - I will add dates soon (http://www.gamma.za.net/reefgallery2/BeforeAfter/index.html)

[drummereef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9667118#post9667118 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by IPT
[B(a little off topic) drummereef - how do you like the Nano streams in the 40? I am going to set up a 40 and was considering them. I see you are not SPS dominant though. [/B]


I absolutely love the 6025s. Before them I had a couple maxi-jets in the tank. You would think the Tunzes would be too much flow for a 40g with mostly softies/lps, since they are a little over 600gph each. But it's the type of flow they produce. It is a very gentle wide spread flow that covers the entire tank. Not a direct laminar flow like the maxi-jets. I highly recommend them, they are great. ;)