SPS frag spacing

[Lavey29]

How much space do you guys allow between SPS frags when mounting to rocks. I know consideration is given to whether is branches out more or grows in more of a cluster type. Do you angle them to grow differently or always just keep completely vertical for light and flow? I have been giving about 3 or 4 inches in space and probably have to many frags but I thought some would die off being new to SPS but so far everything is growing.

 

[vetteguy53081]

How much space do you guys allow between SPS frags when mounting to rocks. I know consideration is given to whether is branches out more or grows in more of a cluster type. Do you angle them to grow differently or always just keep completely vertical for light and flow? I have been giving about 3 or 4 inches in space and probably have to many frags but I thought some would die off being new to SPS but so far everything is growing.

My general rule is 2-3” apart

 

[Lavey29]

My general rule is 2-3” apart

Do you find shading becomes an issue for corals lower in the tank over time?

 

[vetteguy53081]

Do you find shading becomes an issue for corals lower in the tank over time?

At times yes, hence the spread to allow light to reach base of each one

 

[Remy123]

Spacing is probably good. Will just have to manage branches and future shading as they grow

 

[Charlie’s Frags]

I’ve never worried about spacing

 

[Dburr1014]

How much space do you guys allow between SPS frags when mounting to rocks. I know consideration is given to whether is branches out more or grows in more of a cluster type. Do you angle them to grow differently or always just keep completely vertical for light and flow? I have been giving about 3 or 4 inches in space and probably have to many frags but I thought some would die off being new to SPS but so far everything is growing.

I like to grow colonies, I space 6 or more inches.

 

[Lavey29]

I’ve never worried about spacing

Do you just let your frags find their own space?

 

[Charlie’s Frags]

Do you just let your frags find their own space?

Basically. I keep an eye on all of them and will remount them if they start to encrust to far out. Honestly I wouldn’t worry about it too much. Focus on keeping them alive for now.

 

[Acroporaguy]

If you want to grow out actual colonies, space them 5" apart at least.

 

[Lavey29]

Basically. I keep an eye on all of them and will remount them if they start to encrust to far out. Honestly I wouldn’t worry about it too much. Focus on keeping them alive for now.

Agree, I pretty much have the easier SPS frags but I have tried some in the mid level of the tank to see if I can get them to grow there.

What are your thoughts on zoas surrounding the base as my zoas continue growing like weeds.

 

[Lavey29]

If you want to grow out actual colonies, space them 5" apart at least.

I'm probably 3 to 4 inches currently but I honestly did not expect such a good survival rate on the frags I've added thus far.

 

[Charlie’s Frags]

Agree, I pretty much have the easier SPS frags but I have tried some in the mid level of the tank to see if I can get them to grow there.

What are your thoughts on zoas surrounding the base as my zoas continue growing like weeds.

I wouldn’t put zoas, shrooms or montis around the acros. I have to remove rocks with those a couple times a year bc they get too close. I wouldn’t have any of those in my tank if I could do it all over again.

 

[Lavey29]

I wouldn’t put zoas, shrooms or montis around the acros. I have to remove rocks with those a couple times a year bc they get too close. I wouldn’t have any of those in my tank if I could do it all over again.

Yes hindsight is 20 20

 

[Waters]

I actually had to reboot my last SPS tank due to out of control montis.

 

[Lavey29]

I actually had to reboot my last SPS tank due to out of control montis.

Meaning everything was growing into each other overlapping to much?

 

[X-37B]

After 33 months from startup I took my 120 down. Large corals took up alot of space and constantly needed trimming.
I would error on the side of extra spacing on any future builds if large colonies are what you want.
Your tank will look bare for a year or so but in the long run it will look awesome with large colonies that are given enough space.

I started this nano 5 months ago and just plan on letting it grow as I can not put my hand in the tank now without breaking something.

The goal of this nano was to put in all sticks and let it do its own thing. As it grows in it becomes harder to even trim the corals without disturbing others.
Their are over 30 frags in this 20g nano.

 

[thatmanMIKEson]

Afrer 33 months from startup I took my 120 down. Large corals took up alot of space and constantly needed trimming.
I would error on the side of extra spacing on any future builds if large colonies are what you want.
Your tank will look bare for a year or so but in the long run it will look awesome with large colonies that are given enough space.

I started this nano 5 months ago and just plan on letting it grow as I can not put my hand in the tank now without breaking something.

The goal of this nano was to put in all sticks and let it do its own thing. As it grows in it becomes harder to even trim the corals without disturbing others.
Their are over 30 frags in this 20g nano.

Jeeeeeze it's really looking good, the colors are just amazing, I can't imagine in person! How are you keeping nutrients up in that thing, are you feeding heavy or dosing something? So much color popping there!! Awesome tank when's the 1000g coming?

 

[Waters]

Meaning everything was growing into each other overlapping to much?

The montis were encrusting so fast they were taking over all available space.....this colony started from a small quarter sized frag. That entire island was covered within a short amount of time. Once it encrusts you can't just break it off unfortunately.

 

[Lavey29]

Afrer 33 months from startup I took my 120 down. Large corals took up alot of space and constantly needed trimming.
I would error on the side of extra spacing on any future builds if large colonies are what you want.
Your tank will look bare for a year or so but in the long run it will look awesome with large colonies that are given enough space.

I started this nano 5 months ago and just plan on letting it grow as I can not put my hand in the tank now without breaking something.

The goal of this nano was to put in all sticks and let it do its own thing. As it grows in it becomes harder to even trim the corals without disturbing others.
Their are over 30 frags in this 20g nano.

Beautiful for 5 months time. What is your secret to SPS growth?