ACI Sunrise Cyphastrea Coral
Aquamans Revenge Montipora Coral shows thin plating growth with fine, textured polyps. Montipora sp. Coral is a small-polyp stony coral that grows as plates or encrusting layers; it prefers moderate to strong light and moderate to high, variable water flow. It is photosynthetic via symbiotic algae, and occasional small particle foods can support growth and maintain color. Place on stable rock with room to spread, and keep clear of aggressive, stinging corals to prevent tissue damage.
photosynthetic, microplankton, phytoplankton, zooplankton, rotifers, copepod nauplii, powdered coral foods, marine snow, amino acid supplements
Color swings usually trace to light spectrum and nutrient balance. Keep NO3 around 5–15 ppm and PO4 0.03–0.08 ppm; ultra‑low nutrients can wash it out, while high PO4 dulls it. Favor strong blue/UV (14–20K look) and acclimate slowly. Stable alkalinity (7.8–8.6 dKH) is key. Trace elements like iron/manganese help greens; avoid overdosing—use ICP to confirm.
Moderate–high, cross‑flow encourages thicker, controlled plates; laminar flow can create thin, sprawling ledges. Mount the initial frag slightly vertical or on a tilted plug to steer upward plating and reduce shadowing. Trim rim edges before they overhang prized neighbors. Provide open space around the colony; once it gains momentum, it can fuse to rock and outpace nearby sticks.
Check at night with a blue flashlight and orange filter for white frilly nudis and crescent egg spirals under rims. Remove affected pieces, scrape eggs, and dip in a Montipora‑safe coral dip (repeat every 3–4 days for 2–3 weeks to catch hatch cycles). Rinse between dips. A wrasse like Melanurus can help with stragglers, but manual/chemical control is primary.
