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Montipora capricornis Growth Under Varying Tank Conditions

Montipora capricornis Growth Under Varying Tank Conditions. Research and presentation by Charlie Biggerstaff and Marshal Noonan. Background on M. Capricornis. Sceleratinian coral, Acropora family. Typically grow in shallow to medium depths with intense tropical light. Native to Indonesia

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Montipora capricornis Growth Under Varying Tank Conditions

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  1. Montipora capricornis Growth Under Varying Tank Conditions Research and presentation by Charlie Biggerstaff and Marshal Noonan

  2. Background on M. Capricornis • Sceleratinian coral, Acropora family. • Typically grow in shallow to medium depths with intense tropical light. • Native to Indonesia • Known for vase-like shape • Considered fairly fast growing for a hard coral Shimek, 2004 Perun 2012

  3. Research Questions • Do calcium levels in the tank affect the growth of M. capricornis? • Does tank depth affect the growth of M. capricornis? • Does M. capricornis grow better under different types of lights? • Does current flow affect the growth rate of M. capricornis • Do any of the aforementioned variables affect the color of M. capricornis during growth?

  4. Previous Research • T5 and metal halide lamps appear to have the most success. • Contradictory reports on the affects of tank depth. • Some aquarium owners claim faster growth in direct current • Overall limited previous research. Coral Lore 2012 Fishlore 2012 Fatherree 2000

  5. Hypothesis • The growth rate of Montipora capricornis in all three dimensions will be highest in shallow depths under either T5 or metal halide lamps with no shade and moderate calcium levels, and the color of Montipora capricornis will remain constant.

  6. Methods

  7. Fragging • All fragments taken from specimens in 90 gallon tank. • Acclimated to new tanks and then placed on the racks • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gBS2xnbpYU

  8. Measurements • Taken using a ruler • All measurements in centimeters • DID NOT include expanded/flatened out base portion in width.

  9. Set-Ups • Depth experiment set up with two racks in the 70 gallon tank. • Lighting set up with one rack in C3, other three corals on bottom. • Current flow experiment set up with two racks in 70 gallon tank, one directly in from of a powerhead.

  10. Results

  11. Depth Experiment – 70 Tank • On average, corals A, B, and C (shallow) grew in height 57% faster than 1, 2, and 3 (deep). • Negligible increases in width in all cases.

  12. Lighting Experiment – C3 vs. 70 • T5 in C3 vs. metal halide in 70 • Light on C3 burnt out, no light for about two days. • New light was smaller, less effective coverage of tank. • For an unknown period of time this light never went off, resulting in eventual full bleaching of all involved corals.

  13. Lighting Experiment Continued • Results – the corals in the 70 tank under metal halide lighting grew noticeably more, faster. • Keep in mind the bleaching – definite impact on results.

  14. Current Flow Experiment – 70 Tank • Early on the corals in the current actually shrank and started to bleach. • Final results also indicated faster growth outside of current, but only slightly. • Data is relatively inconclusive.

  15. Coloration • In all three experiments there was no observed change in color. • The only exception is the bleaching in C3

  16. Possible Continuation of Research • More Samples • Alternate measuring method • Monoculture tank environments • Uniform water chemistry • Uniform starting specimen sizes – not feasible using our fragging technique. • Work with larger specimens in addition to smaller fragments. • Grow samples without using plugs.

  17. Application of Results • Valuable to aquarium owners planning on growing smaller specimens. • Adds to the limited existing data pool. • Potentially helpful to future conservation efforts. • Useful for coral propagation and sales.

  18. Bibliography "Montipora Capricornis." Blane Perun's TheSea.Org. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Sept. 2012. <http://www.thesea.org/montipora/Montipora_Capricornis.htm>. "Montipora Capricornis" ["Montipora Capricornis"]. Coral Lore Reefkeeping Made    Simple. Coral Lore, 7 Apr. 2012. Web. 29 Sept. 2012.   <http://www.corallore.com/montipora-capricornis-486.htm>. "Montipora Capricornis" ["Montipora Capricornis"]. Fishlore Aquarium Fish Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Sept. 2012. <http://www.fishlore.com/ coral/montipora-capricornis.htm>. "Montipora Capricornis Classification." Animal Diversity Web. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Oct. 2012. <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Montipora_capricornis/classification/>. Fatherree, Jim. Hard Corals: Selecting and Maintaining Hard Corals, Feeding and Algal Symbiosis, Lighting and Water Clarity. Neptune City, NJ: T.F.H., 2000. Print. Friese, U. Erich. Marine Invertebrates in the Home Aquarium. Neptune City, NJ: T.F.H. Publications, 1973. Print. Shimek, Ronald L. Marine Invertebrates: 500+ Essential-to-know Aquarium Species. Neptune City, NJ: TFH-Microcosm, 2004. Print. Tullock, John H. Corals: Everything about Purchase, Care, Feeding, and Compatibility. Hauppauge, NY: Barron's Educational Series, 2000. Print.

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