Corals that don't shade the corals below

[Charlie the Reefer]

Hello everyone,

Tried searching around for this answer. I'm planning my aquascape/where corals will go. There are many threads discussing which corals thrive in low light, for the bottom of the tank.

My question is, are there corals that you can place towards the top of your tank, that will only minimally shade the corals below it? Example, monti caps will completely shade everything below it. Maybe a birds nest would only partially shade?

Basically, I'm just trying to plan out corals I can place at the top of my tank, while retaining the ability to grow stuff nearly directly under it, IF its possible.

Thanks in advance, always appreciate everyone's advice.

Charlie

 

[Bucs20fan]

That is the hard part, even skinny acros and digis when you buy them are small. but they all branch out and will shade what is below them. Best bet is to buy something for the top, and under it at the same time so they grow at the same pace.

 

[i cant think]

Honestly, most coral will totally shade others if given time to grow so your best bet is going for NPS or lower light needing coral at the bottom and the high light lovers at the top.

Or do what some Australians do in their reefs and have corals literally growing ontop of eachother (Although this does come with a risk of caution).

 

[flagg37]

This is the eternal question right? I think what’s been posted is wise; to have higher light demanding corals at the top (usually branching SPS), then lesser light demanding corals lower in the shaded areas (LPS, and softies usually).