Explain Acan growth to me

[benihana]

So I was feeding my Acans last night and noticed that there are about 5 baby polyps growing, but they are growing on the side of the coral/rock. It got me thinking about how LPS like this actually grow. I understand that Acans/Micros have a stony structure to them, but how thick is it? Do they create a new rock structure as they grow and therefore do not need any rock to grow over, or do they need a rock structure to attach their stony structure to?

Hope this makes sense

TIA!

 

[JenDub]

These are encrusting corals which means they form a thin layer of calcium skeleton as they grow. In nature they would typically encrust a rock or bleached head of coral, this is why you see perfectly flat and domed wild colonies.

If you want them to grow it is best to provide them with a nice flat rock. It is also important to mount the frag so the flesh is flush with the new rock so it can start encrusting easily. To do this you can dig out a little hole or you can put epoxy putty around the frag to form a smooth transition.

HTH =)

 

[Duce]

I have mine on those Maricultured Acro base...would they encrust?