maze brain and favia need rock?

[jadeguppy]

Do they need a rock to grow across or will they expand well on a bare bottom or sand bottom? I want to promote maximum growth. So far I have already figured out that the maze brain does not play well with the favia. Naugty little war! Any suggestions are welcome. They are my first of these two types.

 

[urchinkiller15]

I am guessing they need rock or a hard surface to grow on. I doubt they would grow across sand.

 

[joshkennedy07]

You can grow them on a smooth rock, must be smooth to avoid damaging the coral, or if you grow them on the sand they will try to grow in a spherical shape - If you intend to frag them it is best to epoxy the coral to a large smooth rock.

 

[jadeguppy]

So they will get a more natural shape on the sand? I think the maze brain will look better shaped more like a brain than a plate. Will it grow fast enought for me to frag a small piece in a few months and then grow it both ways? The brain is a 1" frag right now and the favia has a few mouths. If I keep it on a rock, but move it occasionally until it gets bigger, will that promote similar growth to placing it on a sandbed?

Thanks for the help! I haven't been able to find this information anywhere else.

 

[hops523]

From what Ive read the maze should be on a rock, because the sand will irritate it.