SPS flow-how do you know when it is not enough?

[Reefski's]

what do the corals look like?

how do they die when they are not getting enough flow?

anyone have photos?

i have a Gorgonian that was great for years and then i put it in a spot in where the flow was blocked and very diminished from what it liked. the tissue started bubbling up and peeling off the skeleton. i moved it to a better flow area, cut off the dead parts and now it is recovering and growing again.

that got me wondering what other corals look like when they have the wrong flow.

Carl

 

[saltyh20]

if the polyps aren't moving and the tissue starts coming off you know you don't have enough flow. the die off usually starts at the base where the light doesnt hit it. no nutrients and not enough light. watch polyp extension and movement.

 

[UCedumacasion]

I like my SPS to have noticeable polyp agitation. The polyps on my SPS move in different directions constantly. I've had great growth with this strategy. I'll try to post a video later when my lights go on.

I've also found my best luck looking at the branches of the Acropora sp. and letting them "tell me" what they want. Thicker branches = more flow. You can also manipulate growth patterns by placing pieces in higher or lower flow areas to try to get a different growth pattern.

My SPS doesn't have good PE when its not in an ideal place. I've also noticed color loss and at times mucous (sp?). Good Luck, just remember that no two pieces are going to want the same exact flow and that they will grow in different ways depending on flow and light.