Birdsnest growing down?

[likefish]

I have been growing this birdsnest in my BC29 for over a year now. I have fragged off of it several times. It has recently started to grow down when i made the last changes to the tank flow.

Im not complaining as it looks pretty cool. Its time for another cutting as its getting too large but i thought i would see if anyone has had this experience before?



The birdsnest in the top center of this pic is from a frag of the other. It grows like a weed! This is about 6 months growth from a 3" frag

 

[Rxp]

mine are doing the same,they grow down then they begin to grow out.It really is a neat effect because the colonies are more twisted and odd shaped then my other acros

 

[Constrictor6090]

This is....interesting, ive never seen them do that before.

 

[shih87]

your birdnest now is priceless!!! Congrats.
If you figure it out exactly how, please share :inlove:

 

[smtank]

What lighting type?

 

[footballdude2k3]

This is insane, seems like it has to be related to the flow, but I have no idea how that would work.

 

[LoJack]

This is insane, seems like it has to be related to the flow, but I have no idea how that would work.

I would think flow too. I've never seen this before. Its like the designer trees that curve themselves over ... very peculiar.

At least it doesn't look bad, it just doesn't look typical. I'm sure you could frag it off and coerce it to grow the way you want it to.

I've had to do this with certain corals that throw random long branches in a direction I don't want them going ... frag and remount somewhere else.

 

[Dog boy Dave]

If you have high flow and high light light level your corals will grow into the open areas. Often this means growing horizontal or even down into an open area. I see it all the time in my system with all kinds of corals. The reason you don't see it often in most tanks is the corals are influenced by light or flow. If these are lacking they will affect the growth form beyond the effect of the open areas. However, if the corals get enough light and flow then they will grow in to open areas and even branch out when they sense they have they room.

 

[sunny03]

I have the same situation as likefish.

I don't think lightings have any major effect to this growth pattern.

I have a 90w LED directly over this birdnest .

Refer to photo. Birdnest is 3in below water level

I had also place frags at other corner my tank and the growth pattern seem to be also downward.

Refer to 2nd photo. Frsgs around 12 to 13in below water level and are not directly under LED

 

[Touring]

Likefish- what do you keep your alk at? better yet your parameters? your tank looks great.

 

[zv3n]

i had same experience... it was defenetly cause of light in my case. once i mooved it it in a lowerr light i started growing upwards.

 

[likefish]

sorry, neglected this thread...

The tank is a 29 BC with DIY cheapo LED. Very blue tank, 2 stings one all RB the other an attempt at full spectrum.

I do NOTHING to this tank other than 5 gal water change a week. I feed cheap/stale flakes to my 2 firefish and 1 green clown goby. About a month ago i started using "FUEL" from time to time to stimulate my zoas (positive results so far!)

There are 2 encrusting montis in the tank, the freak birdsnest and a florida star coral that i found on a piece of live rock.

Everything does great if i make my weekly water change with Reefcrystals. If i miss my water change by more than a few days the tank gets pi$$ed and looks unhealthy.

Tank volume is maybe 20 gallons as a 5 gal water change drains it just over 1/3 but the rear chamber holds water.

ITs a fun easy tank as long as i keep up on H2o changes. havent tested anything in months, might not want to know!

 

[likefish]

I have the same situation as likefish.

I don't think lightings have any major effect to this growth pattern.

I have a 90w LED directly over this birdnest .

Refer to photo. Birdnest is 3in below water level

I had also place frags at other corner my tank and the growth pattern seem to be also downward.

Refer to 2nd photo. Frsgs around 12 to 13in below water level and are not directly under LED

Mutant birdsnest! Limited edition, first cutting $298 and inch!!!!

 

[likefish]

Full tank shot.

 

[smtank]

It's the light, I have seen it before. Move the BN down and it will grow as it should.

 

[Dongil]

Mine is doing the same thing.

 

[basser1]

You guys now have the new designer "Weeping Willow Birdsnest"!!!

Eat your heart out Reef Raft.......

 

[likefish]

You guys now have the new designer "Weeping Willow Birdsnest"!!!

Eat your heart out Reef Raft.......

:beer: