NanoCube 24DX Goals...Advice

[MNtadpole]

I located an impressive nano tank on YouTube that I'm wanting to take some inspiration from (not mine):

The above tank is a 2 year old RedSea 20gal. The particular tank was documented in the following YouTube channel:

I believe the aquarium is owned and maintained by the Instagramer "Reefluo": Login • Instagram

Personally, I think this tank is absolutely amazing and would love to have mine look remotely similar. I am a newbie reefer, so I know my abilities aren't amazing.

So here are my questions to the community:

1.) How does a person cover the rock in the aquarium, like shown above, without suffering chemical warfare between coral species?

2.) How are the quick growing species (zoos & blue clove polyp) not taking over all the connected rock?

3.) How does a newbie, such as myself, move my nano tank in this direction?

Below is where I'm at:

Clearly I have a long ways to go. My tank has only been running for about 3 months.

 

[griss]

1.) How does a person cover the rock in the aquarium, like shown above, without suffering chemical warfare between coral species?

2.) How are the quick growing species (zoos & blue clove polyp) not taking over all the connected rock?

3.) How does a newbie, such as myself, move my nano tank in this direction?

1. Carefully choosing the species of corals is one method, go with low aggression corals and provide ample space. Let them duke it out and winner take all, let nature take its course. I've found (over the years) that even with pretty aggressive species, they will eventually come to a balance. Yes, you might lose a frag/colony or two but, IME, there is always a balance.

2. This might also help answer question one. I don't know exactly how this hobbyist is keeping those in check but, my guess would be through regular pruning/fragging. A bajillion years ago (okay, in the 90s), I introduced Xenia into my SPS dominant 200 because I liked the pulsing of Xenia. That stuff started to take over like crazy. I had to prune it almost weekly to keep it in check and confined to the area of the tank I wanted it. The good thing was, back then, Xenia was highly in demand and I had a LFS I traded it to for store credit.

3. Personally, I think find what corals you want to keep, determine compatibility and maintain good water quality and lighting. Plus, be patient and you'll eventually get there.