Dry rock choice for encrusting montiporas?

[matt888]

I'm in the process of building a 210 SPS tank (I will do a build thread once my Geisemann Spectra shows up in the next week or so) and am starting to think more about my rock choice. I will be going with dry rock and most likely choose either Pukani, Reef Saver, or Marco.

My concern is most of this rock, while great for aquascaping and for acros to branch off of, has many holes and crevices that montis don't appear to cover well. "Well" is probably a poor description, more like waisted growth and coverage having to cover all of the surface area (recessed caves, cracks, holes) that may not even be viewable.

Is there a particular dry rock that may be better suited for these montis that I could place in the bottom 1/3 of the display, yet still be asthetically pleasing mixed with the types of dry rock mentioned above?

Thanks!

 

[jerpa]

Personally I would use Marco's mortar to fill in and smooth areas where you would like to place the montis. I wouldn't want to sacrifice the porosity of the entire rock. Less porous rock will also weigh, and therefore cost, more.

 

[ct_vol]

Any shelf rock will do nicely. But as mentioned, it can weigh more and be a bit spendy.

 

[matt888]

Thanks for the feedback. I figure the Acros in the top 2/3 of the tank will be on some pukani or reef saver. The bottom 1/3 will have some encrusting montis and a zoa growout area. Maybe I should get a bunch of shelf rock and just work it into the rockscape at all levels to help "blend" the variations in rock porosity throughout the tank.

I will start a build thread shortly. I'm about half done skinning my stand and have a Geisemann 3x400w/4x80w Spectra coming in a week or so. Flow will be 4 Seaswirls running off an Iwaki 70. Tank will be based 99% off of a fellow reefer's tank, "Emster" on RC. Search for his 180gallon on here to see a gorgeous setup and what inspired me to do this build.

Matt