What coral would you put here?

[zachfishman]

We've recently restructured our large reef exhibit where I work, and I have barren rock to fill with coral! :beer:

In the pics below you can see the empty area in the upper left of the aquarium that I'm looking to fill. We already have numerous branching Acropora, so I'm looking for maybe a soft coral or LPS to add variety and visual interest (visitors love coral that moves). I'd love to put a huge Xenia patch there, if it wouldn't become a nightmare over time.

The flow in this area is strong, and the lighting is medium to high (the system is lit by 6x400w Radiums, but this area isn't directly under one). What about some yellow Fiji leathers, a wall hammer? Any recs appreciated!

 

[Yedgy]

I think that expanse of rock would look stunning covered with a nice encrusting Montipora.

 

[fishman1069]

The flow might be too high for a hammer or even a leather. They usually like lower to medium flow. I know most of the wall hammers 'I've owned liked to just sway gently. How about some green nepthea?

 

[afamousjohnson]

If your thinking xenia.... you could try the silver or blue xenia. Its rad stuff and wont spread around the tank like the pink stuff. All though if you put it in the right spot it will get big. Just had to trim mine last night.

 

[zachfishman]

The Nepthea would be a good option, we were just donated some. I'd need a little bit more to cover that area.

Encrusting Montis would be beautiful too, although I want something that will add a little height and some motion. I'll look into the Xenia too.

 

[cloak]

One of those yellow Fiji leathers would look nice. They tend to like moderate to high lighting & flow. GL.

 

[zachfishman]

One of those yellow Fiji leathers would look nice. They tend to like moderate to high lighting & flow. GL.

I am liking yellow leathers for that space. That's a color (and texture) we don't have in the DT yet. Anybody got some good pics of them in a high light environment?

 

[Mussin]

How about a large green polyp toadstool?

 

[JaYbIrD1969]

The yellow fiji leathers love high light. It might be aggitated by the flow tho. I think I see some koralia type PH's in there? so you may be able to fine tune the flow thru that area.

 

[Pix5c]

I 2nd the yellow leather

 

[usatennisfan]

What about trying to get an anemone to plant there then adding the appropriate clowns to be hosted by said anemone.
Or if you are looking for a coral, why not something a little different like a sea fan.

 

[maroun.c]

I would have had a couple of table accros below that spot where you have the greenish accro and then have some branching SPS or maybe staghorns on top. I believe that would give a balanced levels feel to the tank... If you insist on some swaying corals in there a bubble tip if you'd live with the risk of it moving or not staying there would look nice with some clowns in. or maybe go for a large Euphilia (torch would give the nicest motion)