Arrangeing of live rock and coral?

[saltwater sasquatch]

I recently purchased my first couple pieces of coral. I rearranged my rock before adding the coral and was wondering if there was a particular way I should arrange the rock. Right now i have a high point in the middle of the tank and it drops to low points on the sides. I tried to post a pic but I am not sure if it was successful. If there is a better way or a certain way I should arrange it I would appreciate any advice.

 

[AdeptMrSniffles]

The arrangement is all up to you, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. How many pounds if LR is that? A good rule of thumb is 1lb/gal., it can consist of a combination of base rock and live rock.

 

[saltwater sasquatch]

I have about 40 lbs of live rock and about 10-15 of base rock.
Not sure if I should get more rock or not as I know some coral needs to be closer to the light.

 

[AdeptMrSniffles]

Sounds like your on the $$ with the lbs/gal. I'm sure you'll rearrange the rocks multiple more times to get it the way you'd like. I'm partial to "the wall" effect, LR stacked to the top. While other people like it spread out for more swimming room for their fish. Others create single, double or even triple islands. What kind of lighting do you have? If it's strong then you should be ok with corals near the bottom. If it's mid range or weak you'll need to get corals higher.

 

[saltwater sasquatch]

I have the nova extreme pro 6X54 watt fixture. From what I read that is more then enough. Does that mean I can put to coral at any level too?

 

[Bifferwine]

With those lights, corals will be fine at any level. I personally like the look of two small islands in the tank, with a pass through in between them. But how you stack your rocks is totally up to you.

 

[AdeptMrSniffles]

Coral placement is determined by what TYPE of coral your finding a spot for, I.e; mushrooms would like low shady areas and SPS would benefit being mid to top.

 

[saltwater sasquatch]

I just got some mushrooms should I place them underneath a rock formation to give them shade or will they be fine out in the open? Sorry if I am asking dumb questions just don't want to lose my investments or make mistakes.

 

[Bifferwine]

Mushrooms should be placed low in the tank, but not in the shade.

 

[Smitty]

Mushrooms will do well wherever you place them, but since you have strong lighting, place them lower in the tank, preferably out in the open...they still need decent light that they may not get under a shaded area.