Acan Garden Design

[Mikedawg]

So in a couple of weeks I'll be through cycling a RedSea Max 260 with two hydra 26's, live Tukani rock and CaribSea Fiji Pink sand. I've got about 5 "free standing" acan lord frags with about 6 heads each and 3 small rocks with about 5 small frags each. A lot of acans and of various colors.

Trying to get some ideas as to placement that will give me a natural look and one thought is that I could place them all together on sand bed and have a field of varying colors. I've had them butted up next to one another before, but not for more than a few months and I did leave some room for them to grow at the edges of the grouping. What would be the long term impact on their growth if they are placed next to one another? Would you advise that I leave space between them and, if so, how much? Any pics to share?

Of course I could also glue them to lower rockwork with same design and this would solve the problem described below.

So, I'm tired of blowing sand off them when blennies, wrasses, etc. have a party and cover them up. Thinking maybe I'll build a "rubble corral" to control this somewhat; ever seen one that looked natural?

Thanks, this is my dream build and I'd like not to have to move too much coral around after it's placed.

 

[Reefing Madness]

 

[ChiCity]

Sticking them to flat rocks with superglue is your best bet...
Also, I would place them in a back corner of your tank as they really don’t need much par or flow, especially the rainbows.
Give them space, as they grow quickly on a flat surface and stretch out as growth occurs

 

[Mikedawg]

Thanks, I was thinking same, particularly so they don't get bulldozed over. I don't particularly like corals that form an unnatural hump and will try to give all of them a good flat surface to grow on. And you're right, they should have enough space to grow horizontally. Hate to relegate them to the back, but most important is that they are healthy and grow. Thinking I might have perfect place for them where I meet their water conditions and they still provide wonderful color and shape.