SPS corals
intermediateMontipora
Montipora spp.
Quick reference
Min tank size
20 US gal
20 gal — most forgiving SPS for nano reefs. First-SPS choice for many.
PAR
150–300 µmol/m²/s
Flow
medium-high
Placement
Mid to upper tank. Plating montipora can shade corals below — plan placement.
Temperature
76–80 °F
Salinity
1.025–1.026 SG
pH
8.1–8.4
Alkalinity
8–10 dKH
Calcium
420–440 ppm
Magnesium
1,300–1,400 ppm
Feeding
Photosynthetic. Optional amino acids.
Compatibility
Montipora-eating nudibranch is a major pest — dip new frags. Otherwise low-aggression coral.
What kills it
Montipora-eating nudibranchs (small, white/transparent). Alkalinity swings. Hair algae outcompeting.
Common mistakes
- •Skipping coral dip on imports — nudibranch pest is hard to spot.
- •Placing plating monti in a small tank — it'll eventually shade out everything beneath.
Equipment & food for this species
Dip new SPS frags before adding (CoralRx or Bayer kills AEFW, red bugs, flatworms). Amino acids and Reef Roids drive color and growth.
CoralRx Pro coral dip
Iodine-based dip. Kills AEFW, red bugs, flatworms.
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Bayer Advanced Complete Insect Killer (coral-safe)
Hobby off-label use as the gold-standard SPS dip.
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Polyplab Reef Roids coral food
Powder coral food. LPS / chalice / Goniopora staple.
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Two Little Fishies Acro Power
Amino acid + supplement targeted at Acropora growth.
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Salifert KH/Alkalinity test kit
The hobbyist standard for alkalinity testing.
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