Just one SPS per rock thropughout...

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

I was kicking around unique aquascaping ideas and keep coming back to this one. I am thinking of having just one SPS per rock as opposed to mounds or large rocks with multiple SPS on it/them. Sort of a displaying of each like they were prized. This would also keep them from having any chemical warfare as they grow out. I was considering keeping my superman, rainbow and green aussie encrusting monti's all on one large rock and let them cover it in monti madness over the months.

Anyone already do something like this?
Anyone think it is a great or horrible idea?

I realize I would have low laying rockwork to do this and not much bottom pane openess.

 

[Finland]

I am regretting not doing it that way. I put multiple on single large rocks, thinking they have plenty of room. Now that they are bigger and growing into each other, I could kick myself.

 

[ReefHoboBum]

that's a fine idea, but remember that if you mount it on a rock too small, the coral will tip over when it grows heavier than the rock. Another downside is that you won't be able to keep as many corals as you would like because each rock is dedicated to only 1 coral.

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

How heavy do acro's get ?

 

[Hookup]

would be a very interesting scape... but not for me. I couldn't restrict myself to only a 1/2 dozen corals...

keep the rocks small/flat and keep them burried mostly in the sand bed... the contrast of white (or black sand if you go that way) and the colored SPS would be pretty cool for sure...

i'd say go for it...

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

That does sound good, but I have a very high flow tank that was changed to barebottom about a month ago after not being able to get the sand to settle in the least.
It is onl a 40g breeder, but I think I could fit upwards of say 10 show pieces.
Still contemplating...

 

[returnofsid]

It's not just about the weight of the coral, as it grows, but also about how the flow effects it, as it grows.

If you mount a branching SPS, on a small rock, as the SPS grows branches, the flow is more likely to blow it over, since there's more branching being hit with flow.

So, there's nothing wrong with your idea at all. Just plan it out properly, with the future in mind.

 

[returnofsid]

It's not just about the weight of the coral, as it grows, but also about how the flow effects it, as it grows.

If you mount a branching SPS, on a small rock, as the SPS grows branches, the flow is more likely to blow it over, since there's more branching being hit with flow.

So, there's nothing wrong with your idea at all. Just plan it out properly, with the future in mind.

 

[MammothReefer]

You've got more restraint then me if you can pull it off. I've always wanted to do a tank with like 3 corals max but I can't seem to do it.. A nice stag, a nice plating piece, and and something to add some movement.

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

Movement comes from my happy and isolated(so far at least after initial wandering) rbta I am nursing back from a total bleaching when bought.
I have my 9 favorite pieces right now that I would choose 4-6 of and I still need a strawberry shortcake.
I have plenty of large rock I could chisel into 4-6 proper pieces.

 

[ezerasurfr]

maybe its just me, but I like the coral warfare look. looks more natural to me, plus I like to see the way the corals "mix" together...

not saying dont go for it, just giving my opinion on it.

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

ez....believe me I am still only contemplating, as every month I find an SPS that is just too gorgeous to not find a spot for in my reef.
I just thought it could look very unique. I was hoping someone else had already done this so I could see some pics.
I even need to decide on which plan of attack if I do go this route.
Do I choose 1-2 high, 1-2 medium and 1-2 lower light loving sps and aquascape accordingly.....or something else...

 

[Whisperer]

My weird idea is that of 2-inch diameter PVC pipes of different heights with large hole on the sides (for pods refuge) randomly place in the tank and having corals on top of each and some on the sides. Over time, these pipes will be covered with coralline. They will look like abandoned posts from an offshore oil rig or something. This set up will also permit nice waterflow. Waddaya think?

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

Now that would be unique...similar to the guy on here with the very nice sps collection on top of varying height tile towers. If you do this you will need to make one of the holes, actually ideally a "half-hole" on the bottom of each tower for things that settle inside your tubes.

 

[Whisperer]

I haven't seen that tile towers. I have been contemplating on this idea for a while. Yes, a couple of half circles at the bases will reduce accumulation of detritus inside. Good idea.

 

[allsps40]

I also like to let the corals grow into each other, looks more natural. To each his own.

 

[stevejrnc]

Sounds cool but might end up looking like a prop system
instead of a reef

 

[MammothReefer]

My weird idea is that of 2-inch diameter PVC pipes of different heights with large hole on the sides (for pods refuge) randomly place in the tank and having corals on top of each and some on the sides. Over time, these pipes will be covered with coralline. They will look like abandoned posts from an offshore oil rig or something. This set up will also permit nice waterflow. Waddaya think?

sounds like it would be a haven for detritus.

 

[ezerasurfr]

you could always start your tank this way (ie, 1 SPS/rock ect) and if you dont like it add frags later. I mean, its an interesting concept worth giving it a shot. You wouldnt be jamming your tank full of corals from the start anyways, we all get enough to start and add nice specimens to it as we find them. Like always, working out the aquascaping will be the hardest part.

 

[lolgranny]

Eagles, you say you want it this way till you go...OH I LIKE THAT.... CLICK... BUY... haha. I said the same myself and you would laugh at how crowded it has become.

Cant wait till i see what ya come up with. I like seeing new ideas. Good luck boyo