SPS Spacing

Dave Cureton · Jan 4, 2017

Wouldn't it be great if corals came with spacing (and lighting) guidelines like plants do? That said for now do any of the acromasters have recommendations on spacing for different types of sps? I ask being my tank is starting to turn into the fruit stand I have tried to avoid. Darn my lack of self control! Please share your thoughts!

Va_Reef · Jan 4, 2017

Given the growth pattern of most across (tabling to an extent) there isn't really a guideline as they almost all will either grow into each other, or shade out another, with enough time.

I guess the question is, on what sort of timeline are you focusing on?

Dave Cureton · Jan 4, 2017

Va_Reef said:
Given the growth pattern of most across (tabling to an extent) there isn't really a guideline as they almost all will either grow into each other, or shade out another, with enough time.

I guess the question is, on what sort of timeline are you focusing on?

Great points. Not sure I have a timeline. My tank in it's current form has been up for about 2 years. I have been in the hobby for give or take 10 years. Plenty of ups and downs through moves, crashes, upgrades, pests, kids, etc. It's interesting to see what I already knew in that colonies grow exponentially when they are happy and left alone. I guess the better question would be "how much space is recommended in between frags to allow for optimal growth?" Thanks for your input!

Acro maniac · Jan 5, 2017

Thats a hard question to answer as it is basically upto the owner. And what they desire there reef to look like.
I have over 30 acros in a 90g and i would say 20 of them have the ability to consume the entire tank as a mature colony. So i have to frag and trim to keep them healthy.
I also know someone that has a 90 with 3 acros and a few encrusting montis and his display water volume is 30 gal because the acros are so big.
So i would say personal preference.
As long as theres good water flow around them and sufficient lighting.

jimmy2times · Jan 6, 2017

With acros more the better in my opinion it all depends on flow and lighting if you have lots of that then you should have lots of acros to cause it just looks way cooler and u can always drag them for your buddy's to