Red Montipora Plate (Montipora sp.) – Description & Care
The Red Montipora Plate, also known as the Red Montipora Cap, is a stunning and hardy SPS (Small Polyp Stony) coral from the Montipora genus. This coral is characterized by its flat, plate-like growth structure with vibrant red, orange, or pink hues that create a striking contrast in reef aquariums. The plate can grow in a variety of forms, from flat, branching structures to more encrusting styles depending on the environment. It’s an excellent choice for aquarists looking for bright color and relatively low-maintenance SPS coral.
Care Requirements:
1. Lighting
- High (PAR 200-350)
- Prefers strong lighting and thrives under LED, T5, or metal halide lighting.
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Blue spectrum enhances its red coloration, so ensure your lighting is strong enough to keep the colors vibrant.
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Too much direct light can cause bleaching, so balance lighting with proper tank placement.
2. Flow
- Moderate to High Flow
- Needs strong, indirect flow to keep detritus and nutrients moving away from its surface, allowing for proper polyp extension.
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Consistent flow is key to maintain its health, but avoid direct, strong blasts of flow that could damage the coral or cause stress.
3. Placement
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Higher regions of the tank, where it receives strong lighting and good water flow.
- Can be placed on stable rock ledges or directly on the substrate if you want the coral to encrust over time.
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Leave space between the Montipora and other corals to allow for growth and avoid stinging.
4. Water Parameters
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Temperature: 76-80°F (24-27°C)
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Salinity: 1.025 SG (35 ppt)
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pH: 8.1-8.4
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Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
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Calcium: 400-450 ppm
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Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm
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Nitrates: 2-5 ppm (keep low for best growth and coloration)
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Phosphates: 0.01-0.03 ppm (low phosphates are key to preventing algae growth)
5. Feeding
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Photosynthetic, but it can benefit from occasional supplemental feeding.
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Target feed with small meaty foods like mysis shrimp or phytoplankton, or use coral foods (e.g., Reef Roids).
- Feeding can help boost growth rate and enhance coloration, but proper lighting and water conditions will largely sustain it.
6. Tank Mates & Compatibility
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Peaceful SPS coral, but can be aggressive toward soft corals or other SPS corals that come into close contact.
- Keep it away from large, aggressive corals or other species with long sweeper tentacles that might compete for space.
- Safe with reef-safe fish like clownfish, tangs, and wrasses, but avoid fish that might disturb the coral, like butterflyfish or large angelfish.
7. Special Considerations
- Montipora corals are relatively fast-growing and can spread quickly across rocks or the tank.
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Fragging is easy with sharp coral cutters if needed to maintain shape or promote growth.
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Dip before introducing to the tank to avoid pests like red flatworms or Aiptasia.
- Monitor for signs of coral bleaching or tissue recession as this could indicate poor water quality or lighting issues.
With proper care, the Red Montipora Plate can add intense color and structure to your reef tank while being a relatively easy SPS to maintain
