Thinking of going bare bottom!

[Reefer Rob]

Interesting you're getting better growth with less flow. I was under the impression you can't have too much flow in an SPS tank, unless a nozzle is pointing directly at a coral. I know corals will alter their growth form, growing shorter and heavier in a very turbulent environment. My Yellow Slimer was doing this until I switched to a flare nozzle on my Wavy Seas.

Definitely better flow around the rocks at the base without the sand. With the sand covering it I'd forgotten how open my rock work is at the bottom. Not sure how much the texture of the sand itself impedes flow.