How to get that lush look?

[squircle]

I don't like the sparse, bare look with a bunch of frag plugs. I know the most common method is just to wait and let the colonies grow out, but I'm talking about full coverage. It is hard to get a dense look without SPS. LPS and Softies don't really like growing together.

Is there any way to get a 'dense' sort of look without using SPS? How?

 

[xiaoxiy]

I don't like the sparse, bare look with a bunch of frag plugs. I know the most common method is just to wait and let the colonies grow out, but I'm talking about full coverage. It is hard to get a dense look without SPS. LPS and Softies don't really like growing together.

Is there any way to get a 'dense' sort of look without using SPS? How?

Just let things grow in; they’ll find their own territory boundaries. The only way to achieve that lush look is for things to grow out.

 

[BeanAnimal]

You can spend the money for larger corals. Many vendors or LFS can arrange to get you large colonies if you are willing to pay.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

My softie tank is pretty lush I feel, no room for anything else.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Give it time and let your corals grow out, and it will look full!

 

[mfinn]

I don't like the sparse, bare look with a bunch of frag plugs. I know the most common method is just to wait and let the colonies grow out, but I'm talking about full coverage. It is hard to get a dense look without SPS. LPS and Softies don't really like growing together.

Is there any way to get a 'dense' sort of look without using SPS? How?

I think you answered your own question.
Buy small, and wait.
You can buy big and no wait.

You can alway go with branching lps that have movement that makes it appear there is more.
Aquascaping with tall stuff in front that help fill the view.

In this hobby it's tough to get that "instant gratification" feeling.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

This is a good example of a softy-focused tank that looks "lush"

https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/reef-...lon-masterpiece-of-unmeasured-parameters.915/

 

[commod0re]

Coral keeping is underwater gardening. The only real way is to wait. Don’t want to wait so long? Get fast growing corals like leathers, GSP, etc.
You can buy larger colonies too but imo doesn’t look quite the same as a truly grown-in reef tank

You could alternatively technically cover everything in frags I guess? But you’re bound to lose some when they start to grow

 

[BryanM]

This is a fairly recent pic of my tank. Its mostly LPS focused and I would think fits the look you're after.

I do leave corals on the frag plugs as it makes them easier to glue in to places that are interesting.

 

[LivinFast850]

Patience is a must in this game. As much as it sucks some times. And as slow as some of these frags grow lol.

 

[CHSUB]

If you follow the fundamentals: light, flow, super clean with near undetectable inorganic nutrients, frequent feeding of ALL animals, water changes, dosing elements ….corals grow so fast (like the ocean) you will be trimming them in under 2 years, but ultimately patience is required!