Expert SPS nano aquascape help

[james1990]

I need some direction from experienced reefers. What's the best way to lay out liverock for a packed SPS nano? a lot of overhangs on different height levels? Or maybe just pack the rock cascading up the back wall? The tank is shallow.

The dimensions I'm working with:
Deep Blue 30gal 24x24x10x

I already "winged it" once before in my 10gal cube and I'm looking for an award winning nano out of this set up. I WILL POST A FULL BUILD THREAD, but I need this help first!!

 

[ange062]

I need some direction from experienced reefers. What's the best way to lay out liverock for a packed SPS nano? a lot of overhangs on different height levels? Or maybe just pack the rock cascading up the back wall? The tank is shallow.

The dimensions I'm working with:
Deep Blue 30gal 24x24x10x

I already "winged it" once before in my 10gal cube and I'm looking for an award winning nano out of this set up. I WILL POST A FULL BUILD THREAD, but I need this help first!!

Different levels and a minimalist amount of rock so there is room for the SPS to grow.

 

[plyle02]

Hello,
As a general rule of thumb, I advise as a starting point, exactly what Ange says. I have very minimal rock, I utilize pillar pieces to place acros at higher levels, keep those demanding light lovers up top. Be carefull of plating or tabling corals being up high, understand their respective growth patterns to avoid shadowing lower areas of the tank, especially those that grow rapidly, like montipora. Reserve those corals for lower areas in the tank. I plan on 4-6" of space in circumference of most corals, giving them proper space to flower without constant gardening techniques(discuss later). When you really dial your knowledge in, you will then try to space corals based on coloration, noone wants to stare at an area of all green, purple, orange, or blue, etc... Balance the tank by placing corals in various spots where colors contrast, allowing for depth perception. When the corals begin to encroach upon one another, you will need to develop gardening techniques, this will happen to your tank at some point, hopefully As it does you either start a frag tank, or upgrade. Anyway, I can tell you patience is truly the only way... Best of luck!

 

[Dapg8gt]

^^^^ great advice. Less rock more coral..