reefcalcs

SPS corals

intermediate

Montipora

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

Affiliate links

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 dipIodine-based dip. Kills AEFW, red bugs, flatworms.View on Amazon →Bayer Advanced Complete Insect Killer (coral-safe)Hobby off-label use as the gold-standard SPS dip.View on Amazon →Polyplab Reef Roids coral foodPowder coral food. LPS / chalice / Goniopora staple.View on Amazon →Two Little Fishies Acro PowerAmino acid + supplement targeted at Acropora growth.View on Amazon →Salifert KH/Alkalinity test kitThe hobbyist standard for alkalinity testing.View on Amazon →

Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, reefcalcs earns from qualifying purchases.

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