{"product_id":"montipora-hirsuta","title":"Montipora Hirsuta","description":"\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eType: \u003c\/strong\u003eHirsuta Montipora\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eName:\u003c\/strong\u003e N\/A\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Small frag plug\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFixing:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan\u003eSmall\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Frag Plug \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e20\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003emm Diameter \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGreat starter SPS frag, grows well in the right conditions and is very random in how it grows. This is a fast growing SPS in the right conditions, so only a small frag is needed.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWe recommend you let your system settle for approx 12 months before adding SPS. Dosing main elements (Kh, Ca and Mg) is also an important part of keeping SPS successfully)\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eThis coral has been grown from one of our mother colonies here in the UK\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMontipora hirsuta Coral Care Guide\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMontipora hirsuta is a fast-growing SPS (Small Polyp Stony) coral known for its vibrant colouration and unique growth patterns. It is an excellent choice for reef aquarists looking to add texture and dimension to their tanks. Proper care ensures its longevity and enhances its stunning appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLighting Requirements\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eRequires \u003cstrong\u003emoderate to high lighting\u003c\/strong\u003e (PAR 200-350) for optimal growth and colouration.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eLED, T5, or Metal Halide lighting systems work well.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eGradually acclimate to intense lighting to prevent bleaching.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Flow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003ePrefers \u003cstrong\u003emoderate to strong water flow\u003c\/strong\u003e to prevent debris buildup and promote healthy polyp extension.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eRandom, turbulent flow is best achieved using wave makers and powerheads.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaintaining stable water conditions is crucial for Montipora hirsuta’s health:\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75-78°F (24-26°C)\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.025 SG (35 ppt)\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1-8.4\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eAlkalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8-10 dKH\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eCalcium:\u003c\/strong\u003e 400-450 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eMagnesium:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1250-1350 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eNitrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u0026lt;10 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePhosphate:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u0026lt;0.03 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement in the Aquarium\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eBest placed in the \u003cstrong\u003eupper to mid-section\u003c\/strong\u003e of the tank to receive adequate light and flow.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eKeep a safe distance from aggressive corals to prevent chemical warfare.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding and Nutrition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003ePrimarily photosynthetic but benefits from supplemental feedings.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eOccasional target feeding with coral foods like \u003cstrong\u003ephytoplankton, zooplankton, and amino acids\u003c\/strong\u003e can enhance growth and coloration.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth and Propagation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eMontipora hirsuta grows encrusting to plating, forming intricate structures over time.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eCan be easily fragged by cutting small sections and securing them to a frag plug or rock.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Issues and Troubleshooting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eBleaching:\u003c\/strong\u003e Caused by excessive lighting or unstable water parameters.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTissue Recession:\u003c\/strong\u003e Often due to poor water quality or lack of flow.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePest Infestation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Watch out for Montipora-eating nudibranchs and other parasites; dip new corals before introducing them to your tank.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003ePeaceful with most reef-safe fish and invertebrates.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eAvoid aggressive corals that can outcompete it for space and resources.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003eBy maintaining optimal conditions, Montipora hirsuta will thrive and become a beautiful, dynamic addition to your reef aquarium. Happy reefing!\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Coral Centre","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48677096521977,"sku":"Placement: Middle\/Top, Lighting: Medium\/High, Flow: Medium\/High","price":16.15,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0820\/3173\/9129\/files\/Photoroom-20250217_090826_1.png?v=1784337783","url":"https:\/\/lecomense.com\/products\/montipora-hirsuta","provider":"Lecomense","version":"1.0","type":"link"}