ECC Red Cap Montipora

Quick Stats

• Care Level: Moderate
• Coral Type: SPS (Small Polyp Stony)
• Lighting Requirement: Medium (150-250 PAR)
• Flow: Moderate/High
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Placement: Rockwork
• Approximate Purchase Size: 3/4"

Overview

Red Monti Cap (Montipora capricornis) is one of those SPS corals almost everyone ends up keeping at some point. It’s popular because it looks great, grows fast, and doesn’t come with the stress that many SPS corals do. The deep red to orange color really pops under blue reef lighting, and once it starts plating out, it quickly becomes a focal point on the rockwork. For hobbyists looking to get into SPS, this is often a first step.

Note: This is not a WYSIWYG listing. Photo is a representation of the shape, size, and color of the coral you will receive.

Water Parameters

This coral thrives in stable water conditions with regular water changes. Corals with a skeleton base, like this one, will consume calcium and alkalinity as they grow, often requiring additional supplementation. Routine water testing helps ensure these needs are consistently met.

• Specific Gravity (Salinity): 1.025-1.026
• Temperature: 75-78 Degrees F
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Alkalinity: 8-9.5 dKH
• Calcium: 400-450ppm
• Magnesium: 1300-1450ppm
• Nitrate (NO3): 10-25ppm
• Phosphate: 0.01-0.1ppm
• Nitrite (NO2): Undetectable
• Ammonia (NH3): Undetectable

Lighting Requirements

This coral prefers the medium light areas of the aquarium, ideally in the 150-250 PAR range. While it can handle slightly higher light, it's best to acclimate it gradually to avoid stress. For those with mixed reef tanks, a PAR meter is invaluable for fine-tuning light levels across different corals, helping ensure each coral gets the right intensity for its needs. This careful setup supports the coral’s vibrant color and long-term health.

Ideal Tank Placement

Position it where the water current isn’t too turbulent but has a steady flow, preventing detritus from settling onto the coral. Place it in an area where it has some room to grow, keeping in mind that it will shade areas below as it grows larger.

Water Flow Requirements

Moderate water flow is ideal. Aim for movement that’s enough to gently shift the coral’s polyps without blasting it directly, as this helps to keep debris from collecting on the surface and promotes healthy growth.

Aggressiveness and Compatibility

It's important to give Montipora room to grow. Like most corals, it will fight with any other corals it comes into direct contact with. Larger Montipora Cap colonies will shade corals below.

Feeding and Nutrition

While this coral primarily relies on photosynthesis for energy, it can benefit from the addition of Amino Acids like CoralAmino. This can support healthy growth and better coloration, making it easy to get the most out of this coral.

Growth Rate and Pattern

Plating Montipora has a unique growth pattern, where it forms horizontal plates or shelves that extend outward, creating a layered or "stacked" appearance. This growth form adds remarkable depth and dimension to reef tanks, making it a favorite among aquarists who want a visually dynamic coral that fills open spaces effectively.

Plating Montipora is known for its relatively fast growth, making it an excellent option for those looking to cover areas of live rock quickly. This rapid growth can help establish a mature looking reef tank in a shorter amount of time.

Acclimation Process

Acclimation is essential for corals to adjust to their new environment. For a full step-by-step process, refer to our Coral Acclimation Guide.