Hammer Coral Growth Rate

[Jake337]

Just picked up a 2 headed frag of hammer yesterday for $10 from a local guy. I was wondering how they grow. Do they grow a new branch? Here's a picture of it. iPod quality makes it look like [moderator edit].

 

[TommyP]

Hey jake. From my research, hammer corals begin new brances towards the bottom of the stem. It may take months - years for it to grow - depending on params & feeding.

 

[EriksFish315]

There are branching hammer corals

 

[Qube]

It can also split from one head to two.

 

[Mr. D]

I have a hammer for a few months now and it's been growing new heads no new branches yet... It went from 2 to about 5-6 heads in about 4 months I think so hopefully that could give you an idea.
I only have a 4 bulb T-5HO

 

[Jake337]

I have a hammer for a few months now and it's been growing new heads no new branches yet... It went from 2 to about 5-6 heads in about 4 months I think so hopefully that could give you an idea.
I only have a 4 bulb T-5HO

That's awesome. I have the same lighting so hopefully my will do the same.

 

[daney90]

Im tagging along as I am planning to get one of this coral too

Does it have water parameter requirement?

 

[Ericwm]

Mine has made some great progress in 4 months as well. It went from 3 heads to 5 and another splitting right now as well as 3 new baby heads growing from the base.




This was after it had been in for a week.



This is today, about 4 months later.

 

[Irishmike7979]

Mine took over 8 months to start sprouting heads but now I see a lot of growth around the base







Don't know how we'll you can see but I started with four big heads now there is about 8-10 new ones growing

 

[melosu58]

The number one thing that will help it to grow is PWC`s. Mine have grown alot and IME weekly PWC`s were a big part of it.

 

[EriksFish315]

Weekly water changes are the number one growth rate increase that I have seen from my experience.

 

[Gregcoyote]

Those water changes are pushing phosphate levels down. It is this level IMO that inhibits growth, but too low and there are other corals that will suffer. Kind of a balancing act. I have found I am generally okay in the .05 - .07 range. Once they start dividing,they can grow fast, but sometimes it takes awhile for the coral to get "comfortable."