What's your opinion??

[Raffm22]

I recently purchased a used tank. It is a 150 half cylinder tank with all the amenities. It also has a beautiful fake coral insert that covers the two over flow boxes. I'm sure it was really expensive. I am doing a reef setup with the fake coral insert and adding live rock all around it with real coral. Mostly softies,lps and anemones. what is your opinion on mixing the fake coral insert with real live rock and coral? Thanks!

[jasplreef]

IMHO, don't use the fake insert. If your going live reef anyway don't bother with the fake stuff. Over time your real corals will over take the reef and look beautiful.
Cheers.

[coralsnaked]

IMHO Do what makes your Skerry Merry as beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But if you want to go mainstream then you'd have to ditch the artificial stuff. First question I get from any non reefer is "Is all that real or fake?" I personally would'nt want to have to explain the artifical stuff. But I do understand your wanting to cover up the overflow box.

[sponger0]

"Whats your opinion?"

If that isnt the most loaded question ive ever seen on RC lmao

[sponger0]

"Whats your opinion?"

If that isnt the most loaded question ive ever seen on RC lmao

[Ostara]

I agree, I would just wait for the live corals to grow in. What does the insert look like? Can you post pictures?

And coralsnaked, what the heck does that mean? I recall Googling "merry skerry" once because I kept seeing you post it but it just led back to... your posts. I'm guessing that means you made it up but since you use it a lot if you wouldn't mind enlightening the rest of us...?

[Raffm22]

Lol... I will try to put up some picks...

[Raffm22]

[MuffsAbby]

I can't see your picture, just an "X". However, if you like the insert, then use it...and the fact that you referred to it as a "beautiful" fake insert suggests to me that you like it.

One word of caution relates to future maintenance. I have a fake coral insert, although mine is a fish-only tank. I am able to avoid algae and keep the insert looking as good as new by maintaining good water quality AND a minimal lighting schedule (that part is key). My tank is only lit a few hours in the evening when I'm home, and the minimal lighting seriously reduces maintenance on the insert. If you add real corals, you won't be able to use a minimal lighting schedule. So, in all likelihood, your fake insert will become discolored over time and will become high maintenance. If you will be able to remove the fake insert for cleaning every so often, then you'll be fine (a good soaking in bleach will maintain the insert). But, if you won't be easily able to remove the insert once you add the LR and real corals, then I would advise against using it, since it will become discolored and no longer beautiful after about a year, whereupon you'll likely regret your decision to leave it in.