PDA

View Full Version : Monti cap thickness: affected by light, age, or what?


redfishsc
02/01/2009, 08:30 PM
I have noticed that my orange monti cap was fairly thin when I bought it (which seemed normal to me, the first monti I had ever bought or held in my hand).

I've had it several months, and it's only just now starting to grow in diameter , but it's about 2-4 times as thick and "bumpy/warty" as it was when I bought it. In other words, it looks more robust. It's also a richer color.

Does this "thickening" happen in higher light levels with monti? I have it in some pretty strong light (albeit mostly blue light).

My light over this 10g is 2 blue 460 Slimpaqs, 1 UVL Super Actinic, and one 12,000K Actinic White.

calc- 450-500
alk 9-10 dKH
mag 1350
nitrate- 0
phosphate --- 0 to .25ppm, I can't tell b/c I use the cheapo API kit, but I have nearly no nuisance algae.

kemann
02/01/2009, 08:33 PM
its all part of how they grow. They grow radially and the existing part thickens to provide support for the radial growth. The color will be affected my many things such as light, water quality and feeding. It sounds like you have a nice healthy coral.

muzz
02/01/2009, 08:37 PM
The stronger the flow, the thicker the coral to keep it from breaking. Weak flow will create thinner pieces, as the coral will grow out faster looking for flow to help bring nutrients to it.

60Cubed
02/01/2009, 09:30 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14296569#post14296569 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by muzz
The stronger the flow, the thicker the coral .....

Agreed!

You must have better flow in your tank than whoever had it before you.

redfishsc
02/02/2009, 09:31 AM
Wow, thanks guys. I've been afeared that I didn't have quite enough flow for SPS but then again all of mine are growing well.

I may put in a Koralia soon, for a 10g would you recommend the Nano or the 1?

Is the koralia nano much smaller in size than the 1?

snorvich
02/02/2009, 10:58 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14296569#post14296569 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by muzz
The stronger the flow, the thicker the coral to keep it from breaking. Weak flow will create thinner pieces, as the coral will grow out faster looking for flow to help bring nutrients to it.

That has also been my experience. The color is definitely affected by light coloration.