Encrustation versus vertical growth

[mr&mrsfish]

Does anyone know the environmental aspects that influence encrustation versus vertical growth in SPS? I want more vertical growth and less encrustation.

I currently have several species of acropora that are encrusting nicely but have failed to show vertical growth and/or branch formation. For example, I have one acro that was established as a frag almost 1.5 years ago. The base has encrusted to a diameter of almost 6" without the formation of additional branches and the one initial branch has not grown. I think these are lower light species but I mistakenly placed them in high light conditions.

Thanks.

 

[unbreakable]

Possibly the flow could be too much

 

[ruprecht]

It can be said that corals branch in response to higher flow to increase surface area and particle capture. It can also be said that plate and encrusting forms typically occur in areas of lower light and flow. However, species geomorphology has something to say about that.

 

[saltygeek]

You can try to snip a little piece off of the tip of the initial branch. This might get it going.

 

[Apisto]

There are many species that you are going to get 6 months to a year of mostly encrusting, regardless of what you do. The one you mention might have started over because of a parm. swing sometime along the way.

 

[jbanks]

Welcome to the hobby! This can be one of the most frustrating things ever... Patience and stable params will prevail. I've seen two corals, same species sitting right next one another do totally different things....go figure..

 

[ihavtats29]

from what i have experianced is that a acro will encrust untill it is well secured if flow is high it will continue to encrust

 

[Dustin1300]

I'm mixed on acro. Sometimes they encrust and sometimes they shoot straight up...All depends on the flow and amount of encrusting it has done on the plug