Anyone using coral skeletons anymore?

[Nooonan]

I worked in the reef industry years ago but I left and haven’t had a tank since 2019.

I have a home in construction and I am in the process of planning a build. I’d like to have 250 to 350 gallon aggressive fish only tank but what I am imagining doesn’t have any live rock in the display. Instead of live rock, I’d like a 3 structures and I am picturing 3 large heads of blue ridge coral. Unfortunately these would be expensive to acquire so I’m hoping to find some artificial pieces. To make up for biological surface area, I would incorporate plenty of rock in the sump.

Is this still a thing? I’ve been searching all day and haven’t really come across anyone still using skeletons or artificial corals unless they’re using like a reef-form like structure (which I don’t want).

Thanks!

 

[X-37B]

There are alot of cool pieces to be had.
Just do a google search and you will find what you need.
I just did and their are plenty.
Most dont use them anymore from my experience.

 

[Devaji]

you can also use the artificial once from here:
https://oceanaquaria.com/

 

[ygbsmww]

Why not? Are there any cons with using?

 

[Big E]

I worked in the reef industry years ago but I left and haven’t had a tank since 2019.

I have a home in construction and I am in the process of planning a build. I’d like to have 250 to 350 gallon aggressive fish only tank but what I am imagining doesn’t have any live rock in the display. Instead of live rock, I’d like a 3 structures and I am picturing 3 large heads of blue ridge coral. Unfortunately these would be expensive to acquire so I’m hoping to find some artificial pieces. To make up for biological surface area, I would incorporate plenty of rock in the sump.

Is this still a thing? I’ve been searching all day and haven’t really come across anyone still using skeletons or artificial corals unless they’re using like a reef-form like structure (which I don’t want).

Thanks!

Blue ridge grows fast......just buy one larger size piece & expand as you go. There are also plenty of other corals that won't demand a lot of care but will make your tank look a lot nicer.

Coral skeletons are more expensive than the real thing. In our hobby now most skeletons are referred to as branching rock.

I would also look into some of the branching type artificial rock and or bommies............it's on sale often.

Here's some examples---

Tropic Eden Morroca Branch Trio - Pack #1 (Save 40%) | Premium Aquatics

Aquarium & Fish Supplies Superstore. Guaranteed Low Prices. Free Shipping for qualified orders. Aquarium supply for your aquarium fish, saltwater aquariums, freshwater aquariums and ponds. The best aquarium lighting, protein skimmers, aquarium chillers, calcium reactors, aquarium pumps for fish...

premiumaquatics.com

Tropic Eden Morroca Side x Side Irregular Reef Rock - One Piece | Premium Aquatics

Aquarium & Fish Supplies Superstore. Guaranteed Low Prices. Free Shipping for qualified orders. Aquarium supply for your aquarium fish, saltwater aquariums, freshwater aquariums and ponds. The best aquarium lighting, protein skimmers, aquarium chillers, calcium reactors, aquarium pumps for fish...

premiumaquatics.com

 

[SantaMonica]

Another idea... since you'll be having a lot of rocks or crushed coral in the sump, you could just piece/glue some of them together to make the shape(s) you need in the display.