Placing a Birds Nest

[lickyricky]

Hi guys,

I’m an excited to be getting my first ever SPS! My only experience is with LPS and softies. Currently in the tank I have; torch, hammer, Duncan, Xenia, gonipora, GSP, daisies.

I specifically left the highest spot with the most light open in my tank for SPS. My question is, should I place my new birds nest there? Perhaps save for a more light dependent SPS in the future?

Here is a pic of my setup. The highest spot in the middle is where I’m talking about.

Thanks as always friendly reefers!

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

What do you have lighting the tank?

That is a sweet looking lightning maroon, btw!

 

[lickyricky]

What do you have lighting the tank?

That is a sweet looking lightning maroon, btw!

Oh yes I should have mentioned that! And yes my maroon is pretty sweet! Love him
Hydra 26 HD lighting which I have on the following schedule

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

Okay, that's more than enough lighting for sure.

I'd say to the left of the torch on top of that rock would be a good spot, that would still save the top rock for future higher quality SPS. Don't glue it down initially, you can rubber-band it or something to a spot temporarily to see how it likes the spot before gluing it down permanently. Don't wait too long though because if it does like the spot they can grow quickly enough to start gluing themselves down for you (speaking from personal experience haha).

 

[CoralWealth]

I know some people say birdnest love high light but I have found mine to actually like less light then most SPS. I would place it on the left rock too like the above member mentioned.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Agreed, left side is good.

As with any addition of SPS to your tank, dip them in Coral Rx or Revive as directed (quarantine in a separate tank is ideal to fully guarantee not allowing pests into your DT, but not everyone can do this) and place low in the tank to light acclimate for a few days to let them adjust. Once they are okay, raise them up to your desired spot.

 

[IonicBond]

Birdsnest will be very tolerant of more moderate light, so if you are thinking of getting something down the road that needs that spot save it!

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

Just remember that torch corals have long sweeper tentacles and a rough sting, keep the birdsnest away from the direction they flow.

 

[S-t-r-e-t-c-h]

Just remember that torch corals have long sweeper tentacles and a rough sting, keep the birdsnest away from the direction they flow.

If it was my tank, i'd probably move the torch right next to the hammer at the bottom left. Euphyllia don't sting one another and they make for a nice display as they grow together. Will also free up some fairly high value real estate, if the OP is looking for more SPS down the line.

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

If it was my tank, i'd probably move the torch right next to the hammer at the bottom left. Euphyllia don't sting one another and they make for a nice display as they grow together. Will also free up some fairly high value real estate, if the OP is looking for more SPS down the line.

I second this, perhaps even the goniopora too down towards the sand bed. Lots of good SPS real-estate there.

 

[lickyricky]

If it was my tank, i'd probably move the torch right next to the hammer at the bottom left. Euphyllia don't sting one another and they make for a nice display as they grow together. Will also free up some fairly high value real estate, if the OP is looking for more SPS down the line.

How close to the hammer? Right next to it at the bottom or on the ledge above?

 

[lickyricky]

I second this, perhaps even the goniopora too down towards the sand bed. Lots of good SPS real-estate there.

The goniopora is HUGE and there is no place on my LR it would fit except there. Should I place it in the sand?

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

How close to the hammer? Right next to it at the bottom or on the ledge above?

I like my torches to have movement and to stand out so I'm a bit biased, but perhaps on the ledge above the hammer? They can usually touch without issues but torches like space to flow around in.

The goniopora is HUGE and there is no place on my LR it would fit except there. Should I place it in the sand?

I placed mine in the sand, it did well until my clownfish started hosting it (I don't think a maroon would do that if it isn't already though, these were two hyperactive ocellaris clowns).

 

[lickyricky]

I like my torches to have movement and to stand out so I'm a bit biased, but perhaps on the ledge above the hammer? They can usually touch without issues but torches like space to flow around in.



I placed mine in the sand, it did well until my clownfish started hosting it (I don't think a maroon would do that if it isn't already though, these were two hyperactive ocellaris clowns).

My clown is already hosting in my BTA. So would the sand be a good option? Can it still grown and expand in the sand? What about my hermits and stuff walking all over it?

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

My clown is already hosting in my BTA. So would the sand be a good option? Can it still grown and expand in the sand? What about my hermits and stuff walking all over it?

Most people place theirs in the sand, they are found on muddy/silty bottoms in the wild:

They still like a little flow though, so keep the tentacles in motion

 

[lickyricky]

I move the gonipora and was thinking birds nest is one of the following 2 locations. Not sure how much room it needs to grow

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

Upper one of the two right locations you have arrows pointed at, my first birdsnest grew from a 1/2"-1" frag to a softball or so sized colony in around 8-12 months.

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

Save that bottom spot for some more LPS or a zoa garden It's your tank though, so do whatever you want