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best lighting for montipora
Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2025 2:05 pm
by Moonglow
My Montipora aren't coloring up like they should. Running AI Primes at 60% for 8 hours, tank's 40 gallons, params are stable, 8.1 alk, 420 calc, 0 nitrates. What's the sweet spot for lighting these guys without frying them?
Re: best lighting for montipora
Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2025 3:30 pm
by Vyro9
Montis can be picky with light. AI Primes are solid, but 60% might be too low for some strains. I run mine at 75%, 10 hours, peak at 80% for 4 hours. Tank's 50 gallons, 8.2 alk, 400 calc, 5 nitrates. Try bumping intensity gradually, like 5% weekly, and watch for bleaching. Also, check your PAR if you can borrow a meter.
Re: best lighting for montipora
Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2025 4:58 pm
by Rainydayz
I second Vyro9's approach. My Montipora caps thrive under similar settings, 70% peak on Radions, 9 hours total. Tank's 30 gallons, 8.0 alk, 410 calc, 3 nitrates. If you don't have a PAR meter, observe the polyps—retracted means too much light, extended means they're happy.
Re: best lighting for montipora
Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2025 5:29 pm
by dougmac
Vyro9 wrote: ↑Wed Apr 16, 2025 3:30 pm
Montis can be picky with light. AI Primes are solid, but 60% might be too low for some strains. I run mine at 75%, 10 hours, peak at 80% for 4 hours. Tank's 50 gallons, 8.2 alk, 400 calc, 5 nitrates. Try bumping intensity gradually, like 5% weekly, and watch for bleaching. Also, check your PAR if you can borrow a meter.
Yep, this tracks. I fried a frag going straight to 80%. Now I ramp up over a month, 5% weekly like Vyro9 said. 75-gallon tank, 8.3 alk, 430 calc, 10 nitrates. Patience is key.
Re: best lighting for montipora
Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2025 6:02 pm
by fluffybird
Montis are chill but fussy. My digis hated my Kessils at first, now they're vibing at 65%, 8 hours. 20-gallon nano, 8.1 alk, 400 calc, 2 nitrates. Maybe cut the blue a smidge if they're looking washed out? Mine perked up when I dialed back the violets.
Re: best lighting for montipora
Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2025 7:58 pm
by marigold
I'm new to Montipora. Running Nicrew lights, 50% for 6 hours. 10-gallon tank, 7.9 alk, 380 calc, 5 nitrates. Should I increase the duration first or the intensity?
Re: best lighting for montipora
Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2025 8:39 pm
by Vyro9
marigold wrote: ↑Wed Apr 16, 2025 7:58 pm
I'm new to Montipora. Running Nicrew lights, 50% for 6 hours. 10-gallon tank, 7.9 alk, 380 calc, 5 nitrates. Should I increase the duration first or the intensity?
Duration first. Bump to 8 hours for a week, then tweak intensity by 5% if they're not responding. Nicrews aren't as strong as AI or Kessil, so you've got wiggle room. Watch for browning—that's usually not enough light.
Re: best lighting for montipora
Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2025 9:01 pm
by Moonglow
Thanks, all. Gonna try ramping up slowly and keep an eye on the polyps. Appreciate the specifics on alk and calc too—helps to know I'm in the ballpark.
Re: best lighting for montipora
Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2025 11:00 pm
by cupid
My LFS told me Montis are low-light corals. Running cheap LEDs at 30%, 7 hours. 15-gallon tank, 8.0 alk, 390 calc, 0 nitrates. They're alive but not growing. Sounds like I've been underdoing it?
Re: best lighting for montipora
Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2025 11:33 pm
by Rainydayz
cupid wrote: ↑Wed Apr 16, 2025 11:00 pm
My LFS told me Montis are low-light corals. Running cheap LEDs at 30%, 7 hours. 15-gallon tank, 8.0 alk, 390 calc, 0 nitrates. They're alive but not growing. Sounds like I've been underdoing it?
Yeah, that's sketchy advice. Montis aren't high-light acros, but they're not mushrooms either. Try 50% and see if you get better growth. Also, zero nitrates might be starving them—aim for 2-5.