hi BillB, i have had mine down in the sand facing up, and it was doing ok, it had been like that for a year. i moved it up middle way on a ledge and turned it sideways and now it is doing great. i can't say for sure if this would work for you, i believe it also has to do with the lighting and the waterflo. fox coral don't require a lot of waterflow but they do require quite a bit of light. i don't know if this will help you, may be there is some one else out there that can help with your question. i am sending you a before and after picture, when it was in the sand and now where i moved it up and on it's side. you will be able to tell a big differance. good luck.
tonya-sr