Montipora reef compatibility check
Montipora spp.
Montipora (Montipora spp.) is an intermediate-level SPS coral that needs at least 30 gallons. It is listed as reef safe; needs stable alkalinity, stronger light, and stronger flow. Plan high light and high flow (placement: upper reef once stable). Add it as late-stage livestock once the tank is at least 4 months old.
Often the first SPS step, but still needs a stable reef system.
Who it is for
Good fit for
- ✓ Tanks of 30+ gallons at the animal's adult size.
- ✓ Reef tanks with corals and invertebrates.
Not a fit for
- ✕ Tanks under 30 gallons, even while it is small.
- ✕ Keepers without some reef experience and stable parameters.
- ✕ New tanks; wait until the system is about 4+ months old.
- ✕ Tanks with soft-coral-level lighting.
Compatibility warnings
- Needs stable alkalinity, stronger light, and stronger flow.
- Good candidate for mixed reefs that already have stable parameters.
- Needs space for plating or encrusting growth.
- Watch for shading as colonies expand.
Professional planning context
- Use the 30 gallon minimum as an adult-planning floor; display length, aquascape, and existing tankmates can raise that floor.
- Hold this entry until the system has at least 4 months of maturity or equivalent stability evidence.
- Placement should be validated against measured PAR, turbulent flow, allelopathy/stinging distance, and future colony growth.
Tank fit and maturity gate
ReefCrafter uses 30 gallons as the planning floor for adult size, swimming room, nutrient load, and aggression margin.
This animal should wait until the tank has enough age, food web stability, or parameter history.
Care notes
- Temperament
- Territorial
- Reef safety
- Safe
- Adult size
- Varies
- Placement
- upper reef once stable
- Diet
- Photosynthetic; benefits from stable alkalinity and nutrients.
- Flow
- High
- Light
- High
- Bioload
- 0.3
- Stocking stage
- Late
Related species
- Birdsnest coral
Same 30-gallon floor.
- Montipora digitata
Same 30-gallon floor.
- Pocillopora coral
Same 30-gallon floor.
- Red montipora capricornis
Same 30-gallon floor.
Equipment that fits
- Kessil A360X Controllable LED with WiFi Dongle
Lists about 280 PAR at 18 in, enough for a high light need.
- EcoTech Marine Radion XR15 G6 Blue LED
Lists about 290 PAR at 18 in, enough for a high light need.
- AquaIllumination Hydra 32HD Reef LED Black
Lists about 320 PAR at 18 in, enough for a high light need.
Related reading
Questions
What size tank does montipora need?
ReefCrafter plans for at least 30 gallons, plus growth space and the stability a larger water volume gives.
Is montipora reef safe?
It is listed as reef safe in ReefCrafter's catalog. Watch for: Needs stable alkalinity, stronger light, and stronger flow.
Is montipora good for beginners?
It is rated intermediate care, so most beginners should add it later, after parameters have been stable for 4+ months.
How much light and flow does montipora need?
ReefCrafter lists a high light need and high flow (placement: upper reef once stable). In planner terms that starts around 250 PAR.