I just read this article in "Aquarium Fish International," it was about going away from the everyday "Fruit Stand" reef tank. The article talked about how on natural reefs, you run into a sandy bottom with just a couple of rocks but these huge formation of corals growing on them. It also talked about the benefits of a system that is simple. I was just wondering if anyone has read that article and what they thought? I think I might try it.

There's certainly something aestheticaly pleasing to a setup like that. I'd love to see someone here try it.

Yes I am definetly trying it, because I get so sick of building those walls. If you dont fill those walls up with coral then my tank looks ghetto. I really like to keep things as simple as possible.

You should start a tank journal :up:

Good point. I shall. I just cant decide if I want to go with the 20L or the 29gal.

I also don't know if I am supposed to just lay the rocks flat on the ground or what?

Can you link to the article, or was it in print?

It is in print right now at the store.

I really liked the idea.

Hmm, I don't know. I don't see any problems just laying the rock in place.

The picture in the magazine has it with two flat rocks laying on top of one another, and another right next to them that was also flat. I guess the reason they gave was in the coral reef, reefs will spread over the rocks and sometimes will venture between the two rocks. What I like about the flat rocks is that it gives corals like acropora room to grow up into the water column towards the light. The picture they show in the magazine is beautiful. It also goes on to say if you have just a few compatible corals you would have a more safe reef, meaning you wouldn't have coral wars going on in your tank further stressing them. You would also have better circulation, taking away dead spots.

Sounds like all positives to me.

I am really excited about this, only problem is if I do the 75 it's going to take me awhile to get it setup. If I do the 29gal I have it from my first tank.