It's a good idea to have lots of towers put together to form a solid barrier, while putting trenches every two steps on the path to slow them down. It is also recommended you have gems in reserve to use as bombs in case they get past your trap.
I am new to Gemcraft. Is there a place where I could look at step by step in structions? I don't know a lot of what you have said above. I have only gotten to about the 14th level and cannot beat it. I have not made any glowing frames. I don't seem to have enough manna to do all of what you are saying. Is there a walkthrough?