This is my 125 gallon SPS dominated system. In Figure 1, pay particular attention the openness of the front. My focus in this tank is to replicate the properties of a "reef flat" while still allowing area for corals of other reef biotopes. As well, an initial challenge was to develop a system for high water quality animals, while allowing for obscene amounts of food to be dumped in continually.

Figure 2 is more the same with high water energy animals, and a sliver of sand space on the front for placement of Tridacnid clams and fragments. A corresponding sliver is along the back to promote the energy of the water from the return pump. Note that about 80% of the animals featured in this system have been grown from fragments since February of 2000.

Figure 3 catches the tail end of the energy from the heavy duty pumps at the other end. A Maxi Jet 1200 is placed in the corner (Fig 4) and aimed at the front glass to swirl this area periodically on a wave strip.

You may have noticed the lack of fish by now. This is intentional. I'm still divided on whether to add a "six pack" of chromis for vertebrate movement, but observing my purple firefish behave unobstructed by a nasty tang etc is plenty rewarding for me.

Figure 4 was a lower energy "crazy macro algae" lagoon, however, I've removed some of these animals and algae to complete a second high energy zone and to contribute to the overall water energy of the system using a minimal amount of pumps. I really enjoyed this area as a lagoon, and hope to replicate it in the multisystem. However, the green bubble coral (Mr. Nasty), was creating a conflict of interest for other corals. ;)

Figure 5 is the lagoon removed. Note again the openness of the area.

You may have noticed, I do not subscribe to the 2 lbs or even one lb per gallon of live rock referenced in most publications. I think a more natural effect in this size tank is created being a minimalist. As well, a pulsing water motion can be achieved by removing a good deal of rock, and the biological filtration is more than adequately compensated with a full sand bed habitat and types of "macro" algae. 72"x18" of sand bed surface area doesn't hurt either ;) I'm down to about 60 lbs of rock at this point. I'll leave the cliffs and caves to the folks who go *big* where there is enough room to make a natural looking display with that theme :)