Montipora encrusting vs plating, which is better?

[jigglebee]

Been thinking about adding some Montipora to my tank, but can't decide between encrusting and plating. Which one's gonna give me less hassle and better colors? Got a 40-gallon with T5 lighting, 78 degrees, and a couple clowns.

[foggy_mind]

Encrusting Montipora spreads like crazy, which is cool if you want coverage. But plating gives that 3D structure. What's your flow like? High flow might mess with plating more.

[bricko]

I've had both in my 75-gallon for years. Encrusting is easier to manage, but plating looks epic under Radion lights. Just gotta watch for shadowing as they grow.

[SkyDivePro]

I've had both in my 75-gallon for years. Encrusting is easier to manage, but plating looks epic under Radion lights. Just gotta watch for shadowing as they grow.

Yep, shadowing's a real issue. I lost a few Zoas because my plating Monti got too big. Now I keep it on the sandbed.

[ladies]

Encrusting all the way if you're new to SPS. Less fussy about placement, and you won't freak out if a fish bumps it. My plating one snapped when my tang got spooked.

[jigglebee]

Thanks for the input, everyone. Gonna start with encrusting and see how it goes. Maybe add plating later if I feel brave.

[twiller]

Plating Montis can be sketchy in smaller tanks. They need space to stretch out. My 50-gallon's too cramped, so I stick with encrusting.

[floraplay]

Colors depend more on your lights than the type. My encrusting Monti's neon green under blues, but my buddy's plating one's just meh. Could be his cheap LEDs.

[buddyo]

Encrusting all the way if you're new to SPS. Less fussy about placement, and you won't freak out if a fish bumps it. My plating one snapped when my tang got spooked.

Same happened to me! Took months to regrow that broken edge. Not worth the stress.

[bristlenose]

Plating's dope if you got the room. My 120's packed with 'em, and the layers create sick caves for my gobies. Just keep your alk stable.