When will I get it??

[Sheol]

Ok, tank is in its ninth month. Some failure, some successes (sic). But one thing eludes me. When will I accquire the art & talent of correct coral placement. I've only lost one coral ( a candycane) but it just doesn't quite have the effect I want. Is there some secret I must accquire? To I need to train under a Jedi master to get this? Why?
Any help? Sympathy?
WaterKeeper: Your advice?

Matthew

 

[dwillingm]

Do you mean placing corals securely and in proper locations for them to thrive, or the general aquascaping/aesthetics of the tank?

 

[davocean]

I just put corals that need bright light towards top, good space between agressive corals, and then go with what looks aesthetically pleasing.
Contrast from colors.
Look at pics and read alot.
Posting pics helps.

 

[Sheol]

Both actually. I'm not too bad at the light thing & try to read up on the aggression level of my various corals. I still get surprises there though. IE, a hairy green mushroom nearly killed my Turbinaria. I had no idea the things were THAT potent. I suppose I'm leaning more to the aesthetic thing actually..
Sorry, wish I had a digital camera, but between tank care & maintance, plus a fresh set of kidneystones ( Arrgggh! ) there is no money in the budget for one..

Matthew

 

[WaterKeeper]

Sorry my young Padawan but I tend to use the force on fish more than coral

I use <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1890087483/reeflink" target="_blank"><b>Aquarium Corals</b></a><br>Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History<br><i>by Eric Borneman</i><br><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1890087483/reeflink" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/1890087483.01.TZZZZZZZ.jpg"></a> as a guide but it is only a guide and placing corals can be chancy. At least the book gives you some idea on light and flow needed but it is often a crap shoot when it comes to aggression between species. I've heard of tanks set up with no problems with two species where others say the same two will not co-exist. And this is with experienced people. I guess the bottom line is when adding new corals to observe them as much as possible until they settle in.