Out of Curiosity???

[GR808]

You know I was sitting in front of my tank (as I do everyday), and was wondering if there is a possibility to have too much coral in a reef tank?
With the exception of the Great Barrier Reef, a lot of pictures or diving areas we see, the corals have a lot of real estate between them and the next coral colony. Is there a limit to what we can hold in our mini ecosystem or do they naturally maintain a great distance between the next coral? I would think that competition on a food source would be the greatest determining factor but what else would cause them to flourish in such close proximity like our tanks???
Just something that makes me go hmmmmm?????? :amazed:

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Yes I think so and I have been thinking the same thing. Just can't figure out what I want to let go!

 

[GR808]

Lol, of course Rev, that's almost the million dollar question..
I feel if I can help a friend get started or just to give them something that they don't have, I'll gladly trim my livestock back... Although the case has always been the other way around. It's great to have good friends...

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

The only limitation is places to put frags IMO, you can cover the whole tank so long as the different corals do not touch. That would likely lead to problems later on though.

 

[pickupman66]

nope. they will not stay within their limits. they will grow into and on top of each other, Each Coral competing against the other for the food and light. just like a forest. I dream of the day where I cannot see my rock and the only "Problem" I have is trimming corals from each other.

 

[GR808]

nope. they will not stay within their limits. they will grow into and on top of each other, Each Coral competing against the other for the food and light. just like a forest. I dream of the day where I cannot see my rock and the only "Problem" I have is trimming corals from each other.

I too share that same dream. Fully encrusted colonies whereas no LR can be seen. That would be a thing of beauty.

 

[Captain Nemo]

I have a colony of hairy mushrooms that have FULLY taken over the large rock they are on, is it bad I want them gone??? I am thinking taht to much coral makes the tank look crowded and smaller than it really is...

 

[Seasonedreefer]

IMO you can def have to many corals. I had issues with some growing and getting to close to others and stinging eachother. Then you also have to think about the major 3 ALK,CAL,MAG you can get a tank so stuffed with corals that you have to dump massive amounts of these in to keep your corals happy. This isn't as likely to happen but can. Another thing to think about is certain corals over running everything like Zoos or Xenias. Ive seen these corals plague tanks.