Coral Growth Manipulation

derek4real

derek4real

Member
I have often seen the same corals in different tanks and have noticed that they grow differently based on many variables.

Does anybody have a link or article on this?
 
I know you were hoping for a simple answer - but the question itself is truly book-worthy.

There are a myriad of influences on coral growth rates, it is is a gross over-simplification to limit the discussion to lighting and water chemistry alone.

Seriously, it is a topic of Phd. proportion. Not to discourage you - we are all continuing to learn about this very topic. I highly recommend the book that Phuzzy pointed out.

TZ
 
^ like what has been said, There are TONS of variable that affect coral growth. I hope that you find what you are looking for. I would also like to see what your finding are.
 
I was told by a research scientist from Harbor Branch Oceangraphic Inst. that the late Len Muscatine was the "coral godfather" and I should look up some of his journal articles. :) Great topic.
 
Just curious... are you doing a research paper or is it just for general knowledge?

Here's the Google Books link to the book phuzzy posted
 
Last edited:
While at the LFS yesterday I was discussing lighting with one of the employees and what he does on his tank is run 6500K MH bulbs for a month on and a month off. During the off he runs I think a 20K bulb or maybe a 14K. He claims to get really good growth this way.
 
I heavily feed lps for good not great growth
I know this is unscientific but I do belive in it that sometimes it's a persons
mojo/luck/blue thumb or what ever you wanna call it
 
main reason for bringing this discussion is my friend has a Pink Lemonade that is growing just vertically and another friend having his table out.

Then I saw a guy selling frags of Pink Lemonade that looked like the top of a xmas tree. about 1.5 tall with lots of multiple branches.
 
Thesickness: I agree. A healthy consistent environment pretty much sums it up.

stevejrnc: I also feed my LPS frequently and the results are indeed good. By constant feeding my acans went from translucent to their full green color, my candy canes started splitting and have doubled in the number of mouths, a brain that had some damaged tissue has fully recovered.

VacavilleFC3S: I use T5s and my Montipora was out of control when I had a 2 actinic and 2 10K combo. Now that I've switched to the 2 blue +, 1 fiji and one aqua blue special it has slowed down a lot.
 
derek4real said:
main reason for bringing this discussion is my friend has a Pink Lemonade that is growing just vertically and another friend having his table out.

Then I saw a guy selling frags of Pink Lemonade that looked like the top of a xmas tree. about 1.5 tall with lots of multiple branches.
Click to expand...

Maybe it's a different type of acro all together or there's not enough flow encouraging it to branch?
 
If its growth pattern you are interested in flow/lighting should be the determining factors. Many montipora, acropora, ect, species can be found in different growth forms depending on where they are on the reef. Example, if they are found on the reef slope vs. crest or in a lagoon. Aquarium Corals, by Eric H. Borneman is also a good book.
 
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