Please suggest an encrusting Monti

MJAnderson

Premium Member
Hey all,

My tank has been set up for about 2 months now and I've gotten my tank fairly stable calc/alk wise. I have a 72bow with a 5x54 T5 setup 2" above the tank. I know it's not MH light, but I would like to add an encrusting monti to my highest point. My hope was that it would cover the top and then grow down as far as the lighting was sufficient. I have good flow in that area as it's right by my modded MJ900 and return.

Since this (ok maybe a birdsnest as well) will be my only sps, I'd like something impressive. Thoughts?
 
Well the 3 I would recommend are the true superman, sunset monti or the rainbow danae. They are pricey. There are also some nice encrusting porites. However I think your tank needs to be setup longer than 2 months. There was a good thread by Eric Borneman about tank stability/maturity. I believe its been moved to the advanced topics section. In short even though you can't measure it there any still mini cycles happening behind the scenes for several months. That's why the often given advice to take it slow, watch your tank for the signs of maturity, then add the $$$ SPS.
Good rule of thumb is when your tank can grow dime sized patches of coralline you are ready for beginner SPS. I wouldn't rate any of these beginner.

With T5s you may have to experiment where to keep them. Up high may be too much light.

Good Luck.
 
Thanks for the advice. I can wait. If I can wait 2 months before getting a fish, I can wait another 4 before getting a coral. The sunset monti looks like the winner. I'm a little surprised about your lighting comment though. I was told that unless I went with MH my SPS choices would be limited.
 
i am partial to a confusa
confusa.jpg
 
If you read the T5 threads many people are seeing color loss attributed to light intensity. If you are using the best individual reflectors then you MAY have too much light up high. It really depends on the reflectors and bulb selection. That's why I said you may need to experiment with placement. I'm not the best to ask about T5's. Check out the threads and ask someone like Grim. But there are lots of great SPS tanks lit by T5's.

Start with low/mid placement and work up till you find the sweet spot.
 
Montipora Nodosa come in some really nice bright oranges, greens, blues, and purples and aren't as pricey as some of the sought after montipora danae's. You can usually get a colony for the price of a small frag of a superman, rainbow, etc.
 
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