mnemonix - Blue Stag Acropora

[mnemonix]

FRAG INFORMATION
Description of Frag: Blue staghorn acropora
Date of fragging: 19th April 2010
Frag Origin: Fragged from colony in display tank
TANK INFORMATION
Dimensions of tank: 4x2x1
System Volume: 450L approx
Lighting: ATI Powermodule 6 x 54w T5. 3xAti Blue Plus, 3xAti Aquablue special
Circulation: 2xJVP12,000lph, 1xJVP3,000lph (135x turnover)
Filtration: Reef Octopus Core 800i skimmer, Zeovit method.
Maintenance: Clean glass 2x week, water change 50l per week, clean skimmer 3x week, syphon detritus 2x week.
Additives: Calcium reactor, carbon, zeovit, zeozym, coral snow, zeobak, zeostart2, zeofood7, zeo coral vitaliser, zeovit pohls xtra, potassium chloride.
Water Parameters
Temp: 26-28
Salinity: 1.025
Alkalinity: 6.8-7.8 (7.4 target)
Calcium: 420
Magnesium: 1260 (Aim for 1350)
Potassium: 400
Nitrate: 0
Phosphate: 0

Photo Evidence:

[mnemonix]

First update.

15 weeks since the original cut was made.


My system has been mostly neglected during this stage as I am working a flyin/flyout job that keeps me away from home for 3+ weeks at a time.

Still, the frag has grown from a 30mm cutting to 65mm with great colouration.
There is plenty of encrusting growth for ~10mm in all directions.
The cut end has a ~15mm branch, and the original tip has forked into 4 small branches.
Several polyps are elongated and I expect they will form branches by the next update.

[mnemonix]

'Ol Blue sps frag battles on as always. It is a great coral that is hard to upset and requires no maintenance.

This first pic is a great representation of the bright polyp colour.


Another angle.

[mnemonix]

Another quick snap from my last visit home. ~02/10/2010.
Dodgy new phonecam photo.


Single polyps that have encrusted on the plug are starting to grow out and form branches!
There are 4 polyps like this growing. Give it a few more months and this will be a great little colony. I just wish I could show off the colour better.

[mnemonix]

6 months of growth.
From a 3cm x 1cm fresh cut frag, on a 3.5x3.5x1.5cm plug

Now grown to 9.5cm x 6cm x 4cm with a radiant blue base and tips that I just can't capture in photos.

Width: 9.5cm


Length: 6cm


Height: 4cm


Shape:

[mnemonix]

Final update for the comp.
Frag growth is now more rapid than ever, putting on 1cm every couple of weeks.
Bright blue from the growth tips is now showing in the deeper flesh on the branches.
And a great spreading growth form is taking shape.

It has developed from a 3inch stump to a 11cm+ mini colony in the 7 months since initial cut.

Thanks to all those involved in running the comp, it's been great.