SPS Encrusting

[Scooter902]

I am having an issue with my SPS only wanting to encrust. Everything from millis to acros. I have good color and fast growth but again its mostly just encrusting.

75 gallon tank with 6 T5's. Calc/Alk/Mag always kept stable. Again not a major issue just an odd growth pattern.

Any ideas?

 

[gsoaxionsk8]

some species of sps tend to encrust more than others in my experience. If not that normally that is a sign of good flow in your tank. Nothing to worry about IMO, just give it time and you will have nice thick colonies

 

[Dustin1300]

How long have they been growing? Often many SPS will encrust for a nice sturdy base before it starts shooting branches and going upwards!

 

[Scooter902]

Anywhere between 3 months and a year. Local guy that got me started said it was good but still would like to see them start growing vertically. I have a pink Milli that is about 4 inches in in diameter without a single branch LOL.

Thanks

 

[mike_cmu04]

Just give it time as long as they are encrusting they will start to shoot up

 

[Quiet1]

good flow and water quality is all that is needed. How much flow?(you might ask). The flow in you tank will be enough when the fish have to actually swim to remain stationary in the water near your corals.

 

[juicesay]

Majority of SPS species want to encrust, form a solid base before they start reaching out to the stars. But believe me, once they start reaching for the stars, they won't stop. Provided you have prestine water levels.

 

[abrian]

I have a pink lemonade frag that has been frustrating me for about a year just encrusting without going up. Suddenly this past couple of weeks 8 -10 branches have started sprouting upwards and it seems you can notice them growing every day. I had about given up on it ever doing anything, but now that it is growing I am amazed at the rate. So, just be patient, when they go they can really take off.

 

[Scooter902]

Thanks folks.... At least I know I don't have to worry.