Montipora Cap placement in my tank

[ashish]

Just got a orange montipora cap; it's about 4'' and mounted on a maricultured oral disk. I know these corals tend to be one of the faster growing corals but I really can't figure out where to put it. I would like it placed higher but might regret it later.

I have a lot of open space in the middle of my tank; would it be fine on it's own 4-5'' rock? Would it be wise to not keep any other SPS around it's path?
From tanks with large monti caps, I've noticed different growth forms. All impressive but some more then others:

I like the way this monti was able to grow out naturally w/o disturbing anything below.
https://www.google.com/search?hl=en...s%2Fsps-corals%2F2069-monti-cap.html;1200;900

Melev's monti-cap grew very large, compared to this picture which is earlier (280g). His monti cap encrusted more like an encrusting montipora. Still was cool but I really want the plate look.
http://melevsreef.com/pics/09/06/fts_062909.jpg

This one grew out amazing.
http://blog.rl180reef.com/index.php?entry=entry070830-201547

Ultimately, I wont the monti to grow round and free. :lolspin:
Anyone who can stir me in the right way please share. Because I love to move my sps multiple times before getting them to the correct spacee:eek1:

 

[Allmost]

put it in an empty area of the tank, so it can fill it up,

remember, you wont be able to place other branching corals under it [no light] but you can put alot over it ... so aim for lower.

 

[ashish]

put it in an empty area of the tank, so it can fill it up,

remember, you wont be able to place other branching corals under it [no light] but you can put alot over it ... so aim for lower.

I have a lot of base rock availableL- flat pieces, round pieces, long pieces, different sizes. I would assume they need a heavy rock to encrust before really taking off.

Would gluing the monti's base to a flat 6'' rock encourage the monti to grow in a round plate way..

 

[Allmost]

not really. just off the frag plug it can grow massive.

 

[ashish]

a 10'' monti (without encrusting room) might tumble over on a 1'' base lol

 

[ashish]

For anyone who cares' this is where I put my monti...=)

<a href="http://s1324.photobucket.com/user/ashish0584/media/IMG_0284_zpsb7c14623.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/u613/ashish0584/IMG_0284_zpsb7c14623.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_0284_zpsb7c14623.jpg"/></a>

 

[Allmost]

a 10'' monti (without encrusting room) might tumble over on a 1'' base lol

then seems like you know better yourself

 

[nogascans]

I would suggest locating lower in tank and be sure to secure it to a nice sized rock. Mine started at frag plug size, and 10 months later its about 12x15" and about 5" high. Really over shadows some areas I wish I could have other SPS, but have to settle for LPS due to shade.

See below:



Sincerely,

David

 

[ashish]

I would suggest locating lower in tank and be sure to secure it to a nice sized rock. Mine started at frag plug size, and 10 months later its about 12x15" and about 5" high. Really over shadows some areas I wish I could have other SPS, but have to settle for LPS due to shade.

See below:



Sincerely,

David

What do you think about my monti placement?
I have it lower in the tank where it can't overshadow anything. I have it on it's own rock so if it does get too large i can always move or frag

 

[belgian_waffleman]

To me, it seems lie a good spot to put the coral.

Waffleman

 

[nogascans]

Sounds about right to me. You can always use the space under the cap for LPS to hide.

Sincerely,

David

 

[ashish]

I actually found a small white crab living in the monti.. Anyone else experienced this? Never heard of one living in a monti cap. Then again it's my first cap