Corals for my 75g?

[drstratton]

I need some ideas about what corals and where to put them into my tank. I would like to start out with Zoa's, Paly's, Cloves, Ricordias and maybe some mushrooms. Can any of these be close to each other or do they need to be well separated. I've heard that mushrooms can cause problems in your tank, any truth to that? I want something that's not going to take over my tank to quickly and will be easy to control. I will also eventually have LPS and maybe SPS. Here's a picture of my tank. I would like to start out in the center bottom, with Zoa's and go from there! Thanks!!!

 

[drstratton]

I have a Nova Extreme 48" T-5 8 bulb fixture with Lunar Lights. The bulbs are old and need to be replaced, I would appreciate any suggestions on what bulbs to use based on my desired coral load! Thanks!!!

 

[danschargers21]

I have a 4 bulb fixture as well. I use 2 blue plus, one coral plus, and one purple plus ati bulbs, I like the look those give me. Mushrooms and some pallys can take over a tank, especially Xenia's. You can place zoas next to each other with no issue. All soft corals would be fine in your tank, probably lps as well, sps on a 4 bulp fixture might be meh, if you do put them on the very top of the rock as close to the light as possible.

 

[drstratton]

I have a 4 bulb fixture as well. I use 2 blue plus, one coral plus, and one purple plus ati bulbs, I like the look those give me. Mushrooms and some pallys can take over a tank, especially Xenia's. You can place zoas next to each other with no issue. All soft corals would be fine in your tank, probably lps as well, sps on a 4 bulp fixture might be meh, if you do put them on the very top of the rock as close to the light as possible.

Thank you, but I have an 8 bulb fixture. Thank you for the info on the corals.

 

[drstratton]

I think I'm getting closer to figuring out the lighting.

I would really appreciate some input and maybe some pictures of what others have. Thanks!

 

[zingzang911]

i like the scape bro, how long it takes you to set it up?

definitely put some wall hammer

 

[drstratton]

i like the scape bro, how long it takes you to set it up?

definitely put some wall hammer

Thank you! It only took me 30 to 40 minutes to get it set the way I wanted it. I knew I wanted it joined with openings for the fish to swim through! I'm pretty happy with it!

I didn't know what wall hammer was, so I looked it up. That's pretty cool. Thanks!

 

[drstratton]

I need more color so I'm looking for some more input! I'm trying to figure out what LPS coral I can place middle to top in my tank. Maybe even an easy to care for SPS. Here is an updated picture of my tank! I have 3 islands with Zoa's and Paly's a Cespitularia, Sympodium, clove polyp...all, but the clove are on the bottom and you can see the GSP on the back glass! I'm planning on placing Hammer, torch & Frogspawn on the right side and an Elegance coral in the front center as a focal piece. I just am not sure what to do with the mid to top. Thanks!

 

[Salty1962]

Zoas come in so many colors and they are pretty tough. Use gloves when handling due to toxins they give off when disturbed. Mushrooms are they same in colors but can quickly take over a tank. Get ATI bulbs for your light, Blue+, Purple+. They have great PAR which will enable you to have most LPS and SPS corals. Start slow and see how your tank does then add more as you go. Start off with easy corals to test your husbandry skills for success. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress. Looks like your off to a good start

 

[drstratton]

Zoas come in so many colors and they are pretty tough. Use gloves when handling due to toxins they give off when disturbed. Mushrooms are they same in colors but can quickly take over a tank. Get ATI bulbs for your light, Blue+, Purple+. They have great PAR which will enable you to have most LPS and SPS corals. Start slow and see how your tank does then add more as you go. Start off with easy corals to test your husbandry skills for success. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress. Looks like your off to a good start

Thank you! I should have updated that I bought new ATI Bulbs in December. I have some more Zoa's coming today that my son bought for me and everything I have is flourishing. When I had my tank running 5 yrs ago, I had an elegance, frogspawn & trumpet for a year until my dad got sick and my tank crashed. I'm ready for some LPS, just not sure what to place in the upper levels! I feel like I know so much more now than I did 5 years ago, from all of the great information I've gotten on this forum! Thanks again for your advice!

 

[Dragonreef202]

You should be fine with Zoas and plays I would say the some lps may have to be closer to light. Start low and raise according to the coral. I have a 48"4 bulb t-5 fixture that was doing good under that fixture. I also have another 48" t-5 with 2 250w Mj combo fixture. I haven't been getting corals just have a few Zoas and a hammer coral

 

[drstratton]

Thank you!

 

[Whatnow]

Get a Green Toadstool Mushroom Leather. Really easy and grows relatively fast- moves nicely as well.
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q...64100807a6c840a2226a20022fbb51f0o0&ajaxhist=0

 

[drstratton]

Thank you! That's really pretty. Are they easy to trim back, if it starts to get to large?

 

[drstratton]

Double post

 

[Reeferfourlife]

Nice rock work! Remember to start your zoas or paly when you get them on the sand with lower current in the beginning. With your light setup, you can put anything you want in there. Sps more on top, lps in the middle and softies on lower area. Have fun planning. Will be fun to see what you do with this.

 

[drstratton]

Nice rock work! Remember to start your zoas or paly when you get them on the sand with lower current in the beginning. With your light setup, you can put anything you want in there. Sps more on top, lps in the middle and softies on lower area. Have fun planning. Will be fun to see what you do with this.

Thank you, I'm very happy with how the aquascape turned out, now if I can just make it even better with good coral placement and choices! I started everything on the sand and I just recently moved them onto the rock islands in front. They seem to be doing well! I have a bunch of coral picked out and I just purchased a frag QT so I can start buying a few more coral at a time, getting pretty excited about it!