MONTIPORA CORAL CARE OVERVIEW

• LIGHT: HIGH (200-300 par) is what we find best. You can learn more about Lighting and it's overall impact on your reef tank in our article Lighting and your Reef Tank

• FOOD: We haven't noticed that any specific feeding strategy is required for Montipora corals. Like most corals they capture nutrients from the water and will do best when supplied a healthy amount of food. Our method is high import, high export. You can learn more about Feeding and Filtration in our article Feeding, Filtration and your Reef Tank.

• FLOW: MODERATE-HIGH. Montipora corals benefit from moderate to high flow. Their polyps arent overly sentisitive to water movement but if too much flow is being provided then Montipora may not extend their polyps. Monti's tend to thrive well where Acropora do. Too much flow, especially direct flow, can cause damage to the coral's tissue or an inability to capture food. You can read more about Flow and its overall impact on your reef tank in our article Flow and your Reef Tank

• DIFFICULTY: MODERATE. Montipora Corals are readily available in aquaculture which means many hobbyists have found long term success. Montipora grow very quickly in ideal conditions and are not as susceptible to coral diseases like STN, RNT, and the like. This is the most 'beginner' of the SPS corals and we recommend people who are looking to get into SPS start here. We rate as moderate because they do require Alk/Ca stability as well as advanced lighting. Like with all corals, specimens have been seen to do well in captivity when the right combination of Food/Light/Flow and Filtration are achieved. 

• PRICE: Low-Moderate. Depending on the piece Montipora corals can range in price. Montipora are fast growing and easily aquacultured. They are highly sought after by the general hobbyist due to their coloration, growth rate and overall ease of care. Aquacultured frags of common color varieties are often available for cheaper prices. Large wild colonies, or unique size and color patterns can make them more expensive.

• COLLECTION ZONE: Indo-Pacific

• SCIENTIFIC NAME: Montipora is a genus of Scleractinian corals in the phylum Cnidaria. Members of the genus Montipora may exhibit many different growth morphologies. With eighty five known species, Montipora is the second most species rich coral genus after Acropora.
  

• AGGRESSION: PEACEFUL. We haven't noticed much aggressions out of this type of coral however we still recommend allowing some space for growth and health. We recommend providing at least 1-2" space.

• NATURAL TEMPERATURE: 82 °F / 28 °C  although most corals can adapt and survive in temps as low as 77 degrees and as high as 84 degrees. You can read more about temperature and how it affects your reef tank in our article Temperature and your Reef Tank.

• PH: Recommend 8.0-8.4, we tend to run around 8.2-8.3 over 24 hours. You can read more about pH in our article pH and your Reef Tank

• NITRATE: 5-10, try to keep stable. You can read more about nitrate and our approach to maintaining it in our article Nutrients and your Reef Tank

• PHOSPHATE: 0.05-0.1, try to keep stable. You can read more about Phosphate and our approach to maintaining it in our article Nutrients and your Reef Tank

• ALKALINITY: Recommend 8-9 dKh. You can read more about how we maintain our alkalinity in our article Alkalinity, Calcium and your Reef Tank

• CALCIUM: Recommend 400-450. You can read more about how we maintain our calcium in our article Alkalinity, Calcium and your Reef Tank
  

More About Montipora Corals

Montipora corals are small polyp stony (SPS) corals that belong to the Acroporidae family.  With 85 known species of Montipora, there are several different growth morphologies present within the genus. Some colonies exhibit submassive, laminae, foliaceous, encrusting, and branching growth. A single colony may exhibit multiple types of growth.  With a variety of body types and growth styles, it isn't surprising that Montipora corals are also found in a wide variety of colors and textures.

Montipora corals require high lighting. We recommend 250-500 PAR depending on the specific species of Montipora. Bear in mind that most corals can be gradually adapted to lighting conditions outside of their normal preferences. Montipora corals also prefer moderately strong water flow in which the flow path is alternating. Please note, these corals are very sensitive to changes in water parameters. Any changes you implement must be gradual.

Through their symbiotic relationship with a photosynthetic algae, known as zooxanthellae, they receive many of their nutrients.  Montipora corals may benefit from broadcast feeding amino acids and zooplankton. To maintain good health, calcium, strontium, and other trace elements should be monitored and added as needed.

When placing your Montipora, please remember that these corals aren't very aggressive and have no real defense against other corals. Be sure to provide enough personal space for your Montipora corals to grow and thrive.