Branching Hydnophora

[ReefSalt]

Need some info on how to control the growth of my hydnophora grandis(branching),I have it for about 1 year now it was a frag off a dying specimen in a petshop the frag was no more than 3/4"-1".

I threw it in the tank and it landed flat on a large rock where it has taken hold very well. it has a base about 6" x 4" and the branches are now growing upward they are about 3" high.

Now it is growing to fast and spreading over to much rock. what would be the easiest and best way to controll the base from spreading anymore? I would rather it grow upward.

[ReefSalt]

Hmm..no one ever encountered this problem huh?

I found on RC the tank of the month had a pic of a large hydnophora and yikes what it did to his Acro was sad.

[ReefSalt]

Hydnophora Attack

:guns:

[ReefSalt]

now thats what I dont want to happen,so suggestions?

[newguy]

I'm not really sure you can control the growth pattern of it. I've heard of a case where it actually grew towards another coral just to kill it rather than upwards towards the light.

The only thing I can think of trying is moving it away from the light so that it needs to reach up to get more. That might induce it to grow vertically.

[Toutouche]

Unfortunately, tha is one coral that has a nasty sting and it's the nature of that beast. When I had one, I kept it on my softie island right at the top. Corals don't usually grow downward, so it had to grow upward and branching rather than encrust. I don't know of a way to control it, you'll have to go in and do some fragging or removal of it.

[john rock]

I had one as well. awsome looking,very fierce. keep it seperate and I mean a good 4 to 6'' away as there''sweepers'' can go a long way.

[ReefSalt]

Ouch 4"-6" sweepers,I guess I wil have to redo some rock work since its on a large rock.I will probably frag it while I do that.
thanks,

[john rock]

I'm not sure if the sweepers are that long but I'd give them some good distance because as you know now they don't just sting, they devour.

[Toutouche]

Yeah, I too would give it all the space it wanted if you are keeping it.
I also find them very pretty looking, however I would not keep one in my tank because of the problems that will arise with some of the more "expensive/fragile" corals!!