why is my Stylophora not branching?

[copter]

My Stylophora has been in the tank for three months now, but it's not branching like I expected. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 5 nitrate, 8.2 pH, 1.025 salinity. Lighting is AI Prime 16HD at 70% intensity. Any ideas what's up?

[Fable42]

That's frustrating. Have you checked your alkalinity and calcium levels? Stylophora can be picky about those. Also, how's the flow in your tank? They like moderate flow to encourage branching.

[guppy]

I've had similar issues before. What's your alk sitting at? If it's below 8 dKH, that could be the culprit. Also, how often are you feeding? They might need more nutrients to grow those branches.

[flameonix]

Mine didn't branch for ages until I tweaked the flow. They're not fans of dead spots. Maybe try moving it to a spot with more random flow and see if that kicks things off.

[freshbait]

I've had similar issues before. What's your alk sitting at? If it's below 8 dKH, that could be the culprit. Also, how often are you feeding? They might need more nutrients to grow those branches.

Yep, alk is huge. Mine perked up when I bumped it to 9 dKH. Also, what's your magnesium at? Low mag can mess with calcification.

[StormerX]

Lighting could be part of it too. 70% on an AI Prime might not be enough PAR for Stylophora. Have you measured PAR at the coral's location? Aim for 200–300 PAR for best growth.

[morgel]

Stylophora can be slow to start. Mine took six months to branch, but once it did, it exploded. Patience is key, but double-check those params like everyone's saying. Also, what's your temp stability like?

[oceanblue2]

Flow and light are big factors, but don't sleep on trace elements. I dose trace weekly, and my Stylophora's been branching like crazy. Ever tested for iodine or strontium?

[copter]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll test alk and mag today and maybe tweak the flow. Appreciate the help!

[Fable42]

Keep us posted! It's always cool to see how these things play out. Hopefully, a few small changes will get it going.