New to SPS colonies. Need pointers and advice.

[fe342185]

My mixed reef is finally on cruise control and sps are showing noticeable growth. Everything is doing well.

After seeing the many pictures of SPS dominated tanks I noticed that most have the colonies close but not touching. Does this mean that when the colonies get large that i will need prune and groom the reef regularly? Or do you just let nature take its course and let the corals figure it out?

Thank you,

 

[Pife]

Both ways work.

 

[ezcompany]

both ways work but when corals battle there is usually a loser, and yes obviously they can die from losing.

 

[fe342185]

Losing colonies due to chemical warfare was my concern.

Thanks for the advice.


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[Potatohead]

It depends on what is going to be touching also. A millepora will typically win out against another acro of a different type, but two other acros may have no issues with each other. It's kind of a trial and error thing.

 

[stonecold]

If you allow nature to tank its course.....

I've personally experienced/seen the outcome in my previous tank. My Red Robin slowly covered my Green Slimmer from the base up. Pretty much exactly as pictured. The pic is not mine.

 

[ReefBum]

I think it is important to have an eye on the future and plan accordingly to make sure you have enough flow when corals get too crowded together. Be proactive on the trimming and increase flow when this starts to happen.

 

[outssider]

I let nature take it's coarse and ended up with fused rock, fused coral and eventually a big mess ! I had pieces so big that I couldn't remove them from the tank....I will never let things get out of hand like that again....