Top Shelf Aquatics' Coral Care Series - Montipora (Plating)

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There are many different varieties of montipora such as montipora digitata, montipora palawanensis, montipora aequituberculata and montipora capricornis, just to name a few. In this video we will focus on plating montipora or monti cap for short. These types of montipora extend outward to out into the water column. Producing a flower like pedals in a spiral pattern.

It is one of the most recognizable within the aquarium industry. Loved by beginner and experienced hobbyists, this monti is most recognizable as the spiral growth pattern. Some of the most recognizable are the classic Idaho grape, red and green monti cap.

Hobbyists have made amazing new patterns and color combinations by grafting the different colors together. This exchange of pigments between two different coral produce streaks of toxic green, dark green and red. Gorgeous strains of monti cap have taken the hobby by storm such as the sunfire, starburst, toxic green monti cap.

Be sure to provide your monti cap with moderate to high light. These light loving coral will grow into the water column to capture as much light as possible. This can cause shading issues for corals below their large plates.

It is always best to dip these corals in order to eliminate montipora eating nudibranch. These coral pests will only consume montipora and reproduce fairly quickly if not removed. The adults can be stunned and killed by most coral dips on the market but be aware that the eggs are not so easy to destroy. Removal of the eggs thru multiple dips and scrapings may be required.

Montipora does not need to be fed but water stability is key. Thes coral can be very fast growing, so be sure to provide your montipora with an alkalinity between 8-9, Calcium 420-450 and magnesium 1300-1350. Montipora need nutrients to grow and create more coral tissue. Keeping nitrates between 9-15 ppm and phosphates between .03-.06 ppm, providing montipora with deep rich colors and extraordinary growth.

Montipora caps have secured their rightful spot in the reef aquarium hobby and will be enjoyed for years to come.

Music: Uplifting Tropical -www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Zg3lCNdf0c

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