coral placement

[Abissus]

I have a question about how to place corals, namely LPS.

Is it important to place it such that the soft tissues do not touch any rocks? (I think I read about it somewhere) I am having trouble placing them, I tried to place it such that the skeleton (not the base skeleton) is off the rocks, but sometime it seems like if the tissue expands it might touch rocks on the side.

Is there a better way to place LPS that does not come on a rock? I can't just place it flat, I tried to wedge it in a crevice but it does not seem too secure, and sometime run into the same problem I mentioned above (i.e. tissue touching rocks)

Maybe I did not do aquascaping right and did not leave myself good places for corals (argh, I hate aquascaping, but that's another topic)

Thanks

 

[wrightme43]

Underwater epoxy for aquariums. It rocks. Make a big glob, wrap it around the coral and stuff it in a hole. LOL It works good.

 

[fishermann]

I have never heard of a problem with them touching LR. My hammers, bubbles, frog spawn all touch when they are extended and have never had an issue with it. If they pulip out big like mine are doing they can't help but touch. You can wedge them in the rock work or epoxy them like steve said, just try them out in the spot for awhile to make sure they are happy in that spot.

 

[steve-s]

I find it really depends on the species of LPS, lighting and water flow for a given area. It's not usually important to prevent contact of freely extended polyps (except towards other corals) but it is a very good idea to prevent the contact of the immediate flesh surrounding the crown of the coral. Irritation of the crown can often lead to rescession and/or necrosis.

If the base of the coral can be lodged or "affixed" as mentioned above, it's usually all good as long as the crown is free. If a solitary structure like brain, plate or elegance; they are best placed on the substrate upright away from other corals, direct water flow and hard surfaces.

Cheers
Steve

 

[Abissus]

Underwater epoxy is permanant is it not? Is there something that's more semi-permanant (secure but removable?)

Never know when I need to move/remove a coral

Thanks

 

[gobyit]

are there any recommendation for under-water epoxys, perhaps something I can purchase at my LFS?

 

[steve-s]

Underwater epoxy is permanant is it not? Is there something that's more semi-permanant (secure but removable?)

Never know when I need to move/remove a coral

Epoxy puddy will snap free from the rock face if done with a certain sideways force. I usually just pop it off with a standard screw driver. That's with using super glue gel in conjunction with the epoxy.

are there any recommendation for under-water epoxys, perhaps something I can purchase at my LFS?

This is what your looking for... Hold fast epoxy.

Cheers
Steve

 

[gobyit]

Hey thanks for the info. Do you use this stuff? I have a 16 gallon bow front, will it cause my water to get cloudy?(If applied underwater?)

 

[steve-s]

I use it all the time. Quite safe and will not cloud the water. It has a bit of an odor when you kneed it. Nearby corals may close up or slime temporarily when it's placed in the tank but it's very short lived.

Cheers
Steve

 

[gobyit]

AAAgh good to know!!! Thanks again