Rotating Corals?

[KJB32]

Do any of you rotate your corals to make sure each part is getting light, or is it better to leave them in one place, and let them do their thing?

 

[Eve]

My opinion is to leave them alone once you find a spot they like. Every change seems to require an adjustment before they get on track and continue growth. You might have enough to do keeping up with the ones snails knock over without moving them yourself

 

[JB NY]

Nobody rotates them in the wild.

I leave them be.

 

[RichConley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7131447#post7131447 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JB NY
Nobody rotates them in the wild.

Naw, but the lights move in the wild. :rollface:

 

[MiddletonMark]

I'd leave them in one place. IMO, that way they'll `grow into the tank' and while I understand your idea - I've re-arranged my tank too many times [small tank means space issues happen every 4-6 months ... or I could have less corals ].

IME, constant re-arrangement will cause the corals more time re-acclimating than I like. Also can cause corals to grow a little `goofy' looking IMO - as when turned, the coral has a big branch going into a dark corner - instead of into the light.

Given we all want maximum growth/color - I'd strongly advise putting in a good place and leaving it. In my experience, that's what gets the most success, by far.

 

[keckles]

The products of photosynthesis are shared throughout the coral. If you are asking for coloration purposes, each time you move it, the previously shaded portion will appear light/brown. Moving it will also drastically decrease growth.

Basically, don't move it.

 

[jay24k]

Actually the lights don't move in the wild. The earth moves around the light However at the most usable light, the sun is is between 11 and 2 so anything after that really isn't fully utilized. Our lights are generally the same unless they are on the side.

I also agree with the not moving. It tends to make the coral stop till it gets readjusted.

 

[RichConley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7132378#post7132378 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jay24k
The earth moves around the light

Next thing you'll tell me the earth is round.


I agree, dont move em unless you need to.

 

[GreshamH]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7131447#post7131447 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JB NY
Nobody rotates them in the wild.

I leave them be.

I applied for the job, but it was all ready taken

Ditto, let it be!

 

[Salamander]

I agree with not moving.

But not "The products of photosynthesis are shared throughout the coral." I have some corals that seem to shade out the bottom as the top portions grow. Most noticible in Pocillopora sp., not really evident in Acros. Does anyone cut off the bottom pieces before they fade for frags, leave them until they fade and then cut, or just leave 'em be?

Sorry to hijack but seems to be on topic atleast.

 

[keckles]

I am speaking in terms of glucose/sugar production and distribution, not the fact that part of a coral isn't "pretty." That has many more factors involved. There is no need to rotate the coral to ensure that each area is getting enough light; we aren't cooking steak here.

 

[MCsaxmaster]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7132378#post7132378 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jay24k
Actually the lights don't move in the wild. The earth moves around the light However at the most usable light, the sun is is between 11 and 2 so anything after that really isn't fully utilized. Our lights are generally the same unless they are on the side.

I also agree with the not moving. It tends to make the coral stop till it gets readjusted.

Yes and no on the hours. For corals in deeper water (say below 20 m) this is probably true. For corals in shallow water, however, there is actually a lot of documentation suggesting they are photoinhibited during these peak hours and actually do most of their photosynthesis in the early morning and evening. So, I guess it depends on depth and species how one should slice that.

I'd agree though. Moving the coral probably isn't a good option. Now moving lights according to the sun's asmith...now that might not be a bad idea.

cj

 

[jay24k]

Well the sun is at its most intensity between 11 and 2. However, like you said some corals can get all they need from the morning hours.