Sps Husbandry Differences

[rockster2599]

I was reading Anthony Calfo's article on flourescence which states:-

"Diving the reefs reveals that the two genera from this family that are principally used in the hobby, Acropora and Montipora, largely contain species that have such widely differing requirements that it is no wonder that members of both groups in the same aquarium usually do not fare equally well in color or growth."
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-11/ac/index.php

Which got me thinking that in a lot of the books I have read give almost generic conditions for the keeping of SPS corals. My question is, in a species specific tank how would conditions be different for getting the best from Acropora, Montipora, Seriatopora or pocilliopora species?
Does that make sense?
Rockster

[wayne in norway]

It makes more sense if you phrase it 'in a species specific tank how would conditions be different for getting the best from various Acropora species'.

But you might also consider that the majority of parameters will be the same, the two main variables are light and flow, and the shape and colour of the coral should be a decent guide. Somewhere there's a classic diagram showing the variation of , I think, Montipora digitata with enviroment - are you familiar with this - it's somewhere in Bornemans book. I'll try to get the reference

[rockster2599]

Originally posted by wayne in norway@Nov 8 2005, 14:10
Somewhere there's a classic diagram showing the variation of , I think, Montipora digitata with enviroment - are you familiar with this - it's somewhere in Bornemans book. I'll try to get the reference
I think I get what you mean. Plating species are adapted for lower light and shorter branching species for higher light/greater flow.
Its just that most of the references are comparing SPS species with all other corals so they all say high light, high flow. Could you point me to what you consider a good tank shot with the best placing of Acroporids?
Rockster

[wayne in norway]

Page 82 of Aquarium Corals by E Borneman. The whole books should see you right. I can't think of a particular example of a tank - there are lots out there. You might ask the question which acroporids?

[rockster2599]

Just for fun.
Montipora digitata.
Rockster

[steve rochford]

THe modern coral reef aqquarium by fossa and neilson page 318 shows different shapes and structures according to flow and reef position hth
Steve
Sorry volume 2

[rockster2599]

Originally posted by wayne in norway@Nov 8 2005, 14:10
But you might also consider that the majority of parameters will be the same, the two main variables are light and flow, and the shape and colour of the coral should be a decent guide.
Thanks for the responses guys, although I dont feel anyone has really answered my query. Wayne came close with what he said above but when Anthony Calfo talks about the requirement differences between Acropora and Montipora, does anyone know what these differences are?

Assuming these are light and flow based differences, which requires more light and more flow, or are individual species requirements more significant?

I know most will co exist in the same tank and will show differences in morphology dependent upon light and flow but in terms of growth and colouration do "ideal" condition for Montipora require more or less light and more or less flow than "ideal conditions for Acropora?

Oh this is a purely hypothetical question as I dont own any acroporids ;)
Rockster

[wayne in norway]

The differences between different corals needs are principally differences in flow and light. But these will differ from species to species not genus to genus. Or quite possibly between different examples of the same species. So while it is possible to hold up two different examples of Monitpora x and say this one is from shallow water, lots of light, some flow, and this one is from a deep fore reef and requires more flow , slightly less light to preserve shape colour, it is not possible to say Acropora needs this, Turbinaria that and Porites the other.
Some species are very plastic and adaptable to a variety of conditions , some are less so. In reality most wild caught corals are really selected from a few easily accessible enviroments so the differences are not so great.
You do not commonly see corals from high flow enviroments as they are too dangerous/dificult to collect from compared to a back reef lagoon.

[rockster2599]

Originally posted by wayne in norway@Nov 15 2005, 09:59
But these will differ from species to species not genus to genus. Or quite possibly between different examples of the same species.
Perfectly answered, thank you Wayne :thumbsup:
So Calfo's comment is slightly missleading then?
Rockster

[wayne in norway]

Why don't you ask him what he means? I suspect he's trying to make the point that not all sps require exactly the same conditions.

[rockster2599]

Will do
Rockster

[fire999]

This is not a very thechnical answer. :rolleyes:

But i got 4 sps frags and 3 monti frags 8 months ago , they are all about mid tank with a fair flow. they were all about 25mm to 30mm when i got them.

8 months later they are between 75mm and 125mm wide ..

Not the answer you wanted : :o But just thought i would share it anyway :) :)

None of them seem to be restricted in growth or colour , so i presume there does not need to be so much ( this coral needs this flow and that coral needs that flow thing ) but then thats just my own experience. :thumbsup:

[rockster2599]

Dont appologise the feedback is appreciated :thumbsup:
Thats under T5s?
Cool
Rockster

[simon garratt]

Moved here as i thought we could all chip in some thoughts.

Regards


Si. :)