Any thoughts on putting corals on backside of live rock?

Kenojrg · Nov 19, 2023

Hey guys! I recently started a nano tank, I converted my fluval flex into a saltwater tank. I just want everyone’s thoughts on wether it’s ok to put corals on the back side of live rock. I feel kinda bad cause they’ll be kinda hidden. I recently ordered more frags from TSA due to their Black Friday live sale and I don’t want to over crowd the front cause of course I want to give space for other corals to grow. Do any of you guys put corals closer to the back of your live rock? I attached a photo of my nano so you guys get a better look.

Moonrock · Nov 19, 2023

every tank and person is different. ive even seen people glue frags to the back glass or overflow before. as long as it has flow and light to live, its ultimately up to you. i have plenty of corals i cant see from any side but they have all the requirements to thrive.

EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal · Nov 19, 2023

Corals aren't vain... they don't care if people can see them. As long as they get proper flow and light, you're fine.

mfinn · Nov 20, 2023

As long as they get light and flow, they should be fine.
But if you can't see them, why?

Reefkeepers Archive · Nov 20, 2023

They'll do fine, in fact once I finish covering the front side of my rockwork I want to eventually cover the back. The fish are probably wondering why only one side of the rock has coral lol

Kenojrg · Nov 20, 2023

Moonrock said:
every tank and person is different. ive even seen people glue frags to the back glass or overflow before. as long as it has flow and light to live, its ultimately up to you. i have plenty of corals i cant see from any side but they have all the requirements to thrive.

I actually have a gsp glued to the back wall of my tank. But it does make me feel better that some people have corals that they can’t see from certain angles. I guess I get a little worried putting them somewhere I can’t see cause I like to observe and make sure they’re opening up and growing well

Kenojrg · Nov 20, 2023

EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal said:
Corals aren't vain... they don't care if people can see them. As long as they get proper flow and light, you're fine.

I’m glad you put it that way, I guess it’s just me personally who feels bad about putting them in an area where they’re not noticeable

Kenojrg · Nov 20, 2023

Reefkeepers Archive said:
They'll do fine, in fact once I finish covering the front side of my rockwork I want to eventually cover the back. The fish are probably wondering why only one side of the rock has coral lol

Lol I thought about that too in regards to the fish, we’re trying to replicate a little part of the ocean and their natural environment, so it’s probably weird not having coral towards the back of the rock work

WhatCouldGoWrong71 · Nov 20, 2023

My next tank will be a peninsula for this exact reason.

mfinn · Nov 20, 2023

Kenojrg said:
I’m glad you put it that way, I guess it’s just me personally who feels bad about putting them in an area where they’re not noticeable

Seems like buying a nice picture and then putting it in a closet.
But in the end it's your tank. Your choice.

Kenojrg · Nov 20, 2023

mfinn said:
Seems like buying a nice picture and then putting it in a closet.
But in the end it's your tank. Your choice.

100% agree with that. But you are right it’s my tank at the end of the day I’m the one looking at it everyday and doing the maintenance on it. Most likely will do what benefits the corals best in the end.

mfinn · Nov 20, 2023

Kenojrg said:
100% agree with that. But you are right it’s my tank at the end of the day I’m the one looking at it everyday and doing the maintenance on it. Most likely will do what benefits the corals best in the end.

You got it.
Sometimes we forget what you would do is perfectly fine even though some others might not.

kevgib67 · Nov 20, 2023

Kenojrg said:
Hey guys! I recently started a nano tank, I converted my fluval flex into a saltwater tank. I just want everyone’s thoughts on wether it’s ok to put corals on the back side of live rock. I feel kinda bad cause they’ll be kinda hidden. I recently ordered more frags from TSA due to their Black Friday live sale and I don’t want to over crowd the front cause of course I want to give space for other corals to grow. Do any of you guys put corals closer to the back of your live rock? I attached a photo of my nano so you guys get a better look.

What type of clown is that?

Kenojrg · Nov 20, 2023

kevgib67 said:
What type of clown is that?

pretty sure it’s a naked clown fish. Bought them from my local Petco they were just being sold as a premium clownfish

Dburr1014 · Nov 20, 2023

I Aquascape so I can look down the side of the tank all the way down the back of the Rock. I have mounted corals back there and eventually they pop over the top so you can see them from the front. It gives it more of a 3D look more natural.