Lack of encrusting on frag plug

drouner · #1 07/27/2007, 11:49 AM

I have several acro frags that I have had for a while (9 months) that have not encrusted unto the plug. These frags are surviving but not really growing much.

Unfortunately they where freebies and I don't know what conditions they like.

I have moved them around the tank trying put them in the right spot. Or at least that is what I am thinking is the cause.

Any suggestions?

teach · #2 07/27/2007, 02:23 PM

I would pop them off and glue them on their sides.

drouner · #3 07/27/2007, 02:30 PM

Thanks for the input. Putting them on their side would do what? I am guessing the "skin" is now in contact with the base and can grow?

J. Montgomery · #4 07/27/2007, 02:34 PM

Putting a frag on its side allows more surface area of the frag to be exposed to direct light.

Lobster · #5 07/27/2007, 02:41 PM

I highly doubt stuffing half the frag into glue is going to magically spur growth, and might just p*ss the coral off more. Nearly a year of no growth is an indication that the coral is merely in survival mode. I would guess your problem is either water quality and/or flow related.

teach · #6 07/27/2007, 03:05 PM

I had a coral that didn't grow for over a year. I acccidentally broke a small piece off of one of the tips. It started growing like crazy at that tip soon after.
Anthony Calfo suggests cutting it into smaller pieces and fragging it sideways. It really does work. I mount all of my sps this way, and get amazing growth.

KellyPug · #7 07/27/2007, 08:46 PM

Not to hijack the thread, but I was wondering what stimulates a frag to grow at the tips versus growing along the base (encrusting the plug/rock)? A lot of my frags like to grow along the base and the tips hardly grow in comparison.

drouner · #8 07/27/2007, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Not to hijack the thread, but I was wondering what stimulates a frag to grow at the tips versus growing along the base (encrusting the plug/rock)? A lot of my frags like to grow along the base and the tips hardly grow in comparison.

No that is a good question. I have blue tip acro that it seems every time I put my hands in the tank I break a tip off. I think it really spurs some growth. Not saying you should try this on all your SPS.

matt the fiddler · #9 07/27/2007, 09:33 PM

some peopel keep angels that nip polyps in their tank to promote growth... the swear by it..

soem corals have to lay down a LARGE encrusation before they go vertical.

mdspsman · #10 07/27/2007, 09:34 PM

For sps i think you need some important conditions. Ca and alk, strong water flow, good light are essential. Check them.

drouner · #11 07/27/2007, 10:53 PM

I've got the flow cover with a CL and Vortech. Cal and Alk is good.