how do i know a montipora is happy???

Discussion in 'SPS Corals' started by wfb2270, Mar 1, 2010.

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  1. wfb2270

    wfb2270 Corkscrew Tentacle Anemone

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    i got a montipora cap. last week. its my first SPS. how do i know its happy? the monti is still bright green. its a small frag about 1 in in diameter.

    not quite as easy as my SPS. they are easy to tell that they are healthy.

    ill put some pics up later. i need to take one.
     
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  3. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    As long as it doesn't lose color and grows it is happy. Montis have very tiny polyps. Montis are SPS corals.
     
  4. slocal

    slocal Doot!

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    As long as it has a thin, pale growing edge, it's happy.
     
  5. steve wright

    steve wright Super Moderator

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    flow is one thing to consider IME as it grows larger
    If floaters like snail droppings are able to sit on them , then your flow will need attention

    they are a bit trickier in terms of achieving this than the fingered SPS varieties due to the surface area and the ridges can become detrius traps

    Steve
     
  6. wfb2270

    wfb2270 Corkscrew Tentacle Anemone

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    definitly dont have one of those. the edge looks like coral skeleton. i am assuming its cause its a recent frag???? i was trying to decide between this one and a blue rimmed cap. seeing that the blue rimmed was twice as much i opted for the cheaper for a first shot at SPS.
     
    Last edited: Mar 1, 2010
  7. slocal

    slocal Doot!

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    Even though Steve's monti in his avatar is purple, you can still see the growing edge of his monti. It's paler in comparison and smooth. Keep in mind, there are some purple-edged green montis. Those are easy because if you see purple, they're growing.
     
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  9. Av8Bluewater

    Av8Bluewater Giant Squid

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    Also they get better color if they're getting the light they like.
     
  10. wfb2270

    wfb2270 Corkscrew Tentacle Anemone

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    ok so i looked at the frag again. and looked at some google images. i can see the pale edge you are talking about. just not sure if the edge on mine is a sign of growth or just were it has been fragged. this would be much easier with a pic. i'll try and get one
     
  11. wfb2270

    wfb2270 Corkscrew Tentacle Anemone

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    i was told that me 6xT5s would be fine by LFS....anyone disagree??? just stock current bulbs which i have read kinda suck but planed on upgrading later. at least get some use out of the bulbs.

    it is placed slightly below half. tried putting it up high on this long flat rock. but thats also the nerites breeding ground so it was getting knocked off at night.
     
  12. slocal

    slocal Doot!

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    Those lights are more than adequate for montis. How high up in the tank is the frag?