Who Gives A Fish Forums

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.

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.

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.

bricko wrote: ↑Fri May 02, 2025 12:57 am 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

ladies wrote: ↑Fri May 02, 2025 3:51 am 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.

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.