Does "nipping" effect SPS growth?

[Reefpuck]

My flame angel likes to nip here and there at my SPS. I'm still seeing some growth, but not as fast as I'd like. Without getting into parameters...does nipping agitate SPS enough to where their growth slows down? Colors don't appear effected...but just curious of other's experiences/observations.

I'm getting to the point where I might remove the flame angel...cuz I want that polyp extension back.

 

[Tripod1404]

If it reduces PE of a SPS with naturally high PE, it might reduce growth. Because it would reduce the total available surface area for photosynthesis of the coral. Still, the effect might be too small except really busy acros. It might be more significant for montis, stylos and seriatas that need to have their polyps out for effective photosynthesis (as most zoox is in the polyps in these).

 

[kinggeorge818]

I'd also like to know more about this...my aptasia eating file nips at polyps but not too much. Some Acros that had amazing extension are now a lot less.


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[Tripod1404]

I'd also like to know more about this...my aptasia eating file nips at polyps but not too much. Some Acros that had amazing extension are now a lot less.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

I dived in reefs all over the work and with the exception of few really bushy acros (mainly some acropora milleporas), they have little to no PE during the day. So I doubt just the reduction of PE would severely damage most acros. But montis, stylos and seriatas are another story.

 

[Reefpuck]

If it reduces PE of a SPS with naturally high PE, it might reduce growth. Because it would reduce the total available surface area for photosynthesis of the coral. Still, the effect might be too small except really busy acros. It might be more significant for montis, stylos and seriatas that need to have their polyps out for effective photosynthesis (as most zoox is in the polyps in these).

Thanks for the info. The one's I'm most dissapointed about are the millies that have little to no extension right now.

 

[cFloor]

My tank has a bunch of Angels mixed in with acros. I don't believe nipping slows down growth but it obviously reduces PE during the day, as I've seen on reefs in the wild. I don't worry about it too much.