live rock for coral growth

[larison]

I've been using live rock for a while now, but my corals aren't growing as fast as I'd like. Anyone got tips on how to boost growth? Tank's a 40-gallon with LED lighting, weekly 10% water changes, and a mix of Zoanthids and Acros.

[folium]

Yo, what's your lighting schedule like? I've had luck cranking up the blues for a couple extra hours. Also, how's your flow? My Acros blew up when I tweaked the powerheads.

[digger9]

Live rock quality matters a lot. If it's not porous enough or lacks beneficial bacteria, growth will stall. Check your nitrate and phosphate levels too. Corals need just enough to thrive but not so much they get algae issues.

[Koralin]

Yo, what's your lighting schedule like? I've had luck cranking up the blues for a couple extra hours. Also, how's your flow? My Acros blew up when I tweaked the powerheads.

Flow's huge, yeah. I run my MP40s at 70% alternating every 6 hours. Larison, you might wanna test your magnesium levels too. Low Mg can slow growth even if everything else seems fine.

[dorvain]

I've seen better growth since adding more live rock. The extra surface area helps with biofiltration and gives corals more spots to spread. How old's your current rock? Maybe it's time to refresh it.

[tiderun]

Live rock quality matters a lot. If it's not porous enough or lacks beneficial bacteria, growth will stall. Check your nitrate and phosphate levels too. Corals need just enough to thrive but not so much they get algae issues.

Spot on. I'd also add that dosing amino acids can help if your tank's too clean. My SPS started coloring up way better after I started adding them.

[flakes]

Gonna throw in my two cents. You tried feeding them directly? I spot-feed my Zoas with reef roids once a week and they've been spreading like crazy.

[Aulineg]

Honestly, it's all about balance. Too much light, too little flow, wrong params—any of it can mess with growth. Larison, you gotta dial in each piece of the puzzle.

[larison]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll tweak the flow and test magnesium. Appreciate the help!

[folium]

Gonna throw in my two cents. You tried feeding them directly? I spot-feed my Zoas with reef roids once a week and they've been spreading like crazy.

Reef roids are legit. I mix 'em with a little tank water and blast it at my Acros with a pipette. They go nuts for it.