How long does it take corals to grow?

[GreasyMidget]

It seems like you all have super corals or something how long does it take them to grow?

[s1xtyfe3t]

Boy is that a general question... what types of corals are you referring to? The growth rate depends on the tank parameters and lighting as well as the general growth rate of that specific coral.

[GreasyMidget]

Yeah that was general but im a noob so just learning. average growth rate for hard and soft i guess would be a start im sure it all depends on species. ok given that what is the fastest growing soft and hard coral and how fast do they grow...

[MiddletonMark]

So much depends on water quality, light, water movement, and many unknowns.
And then on the exact variety, and how long it's been `settled' in the same spot. Seems to me the longer I let a coral grow out, the longer it's in the same place ... the faster it grows.

So IMO it's hard to estimate.

[Mariner]

Here's a site (http://www.tbcnet.com/~price1/inhabitants.htm) with a number of coral growth pics taken over time. I think it'll give you a good idea of what you're wanting to know.
Do a google search for "coral growth pics" and you should find lots of similar sites.
HTH,
Mariner

[MiddletonMark]

Nice site, Mariner :thumbsup:

[GreasyMidget]

Thanks a lot that is a good site :)

[Obi-dad]

To expand on Mark's comment of many factors influencing growth (light, water chemistry, etc), I have noticed that some frags will take a while to adapt before they start growing fast, especially if they are small. I had one very small frag (about 3/8 inch) and it took 3 months before I noticed any change, now it is growing quicky.

And a comment about water quality, phosphates inhibit calcifcation. I noticed higher growth rates after using some phosban (lighting and other parameters remained the same).