1000 gallon tank for a beginner!

[SlowAndStupid]

Today I was able to break out the rocks and begin my aquascaping.

First draft outside the tank.

Next draft inside the tank.

I'm undecided on the scape. I wish it went up a little higher but ran out of rock. In addition I'm thinking about moving the highest point further out into the open rather than back against the wall although the way I have it currently allows for a step-wise rise in the height of the aquascape for more corals to get light. I'm not sure if it would be better to keep it that way or move it further out to give more space behind the rockscape. Another option would be to build one larger scape square in the middle and leave the sides open however theres a large brace in the middle above which I suspect would limit light penetration to what's below it. Thoughts?

 

[ozs]

Maybe you could get some shelf rock and attach it to the walls? It would look pretty cool and add the height dimension you're looking for. What kind of lighting are you going to use?

 

[1ocean]

you need to get some marco rock mortar and glue some rock together to give you height. Also what ozs said get some caribsea shelf rock and mortar them to the side and or back to give you shelf. The way the piles of rock are they are gonna cause you issue with flow and trap alot of crap to decay and cause you issues. Need to create open passages so water and fish can swim through. Get the marco rock mortar and then you can create cool stuff...like some stuff I created for my 300...pic below to give you ideas...
I love what you have been doing so far...

 

[twentyleagues]

I agree with @1ocean and @ozs. Kind of anyway. I would definitely be building some unique structures with those rocks using thin super glue, sand or marco rock powder and the marco mortar. The rocks against the wall in a pile will create dead spots and trap detritus. You can use shelf rock on the walls, but I would use what you have to build islands with arches that terminate at the walls. Each one would be its own piece so if you need to remove it you could. Acrylic rod can also be used to help make it stronger and more modular. Doing this will give you more height, more swim space for the fish, better flow in and around the rock, and if done correctly better hiding places for the fish. Dont forget to allow for a few bigger caves and pass throughs to accommodate larger fish.

Depending on what lights you will be using you can angle them to account for the brace. Looks like the brace is glass. It will block a little light, but most will pass through it as long as its cleaned regularly. Had to go back and look at more pics. Now I cant tell what the brace is. But with some thought it can be overcome. With a 5' height you are going to need some serious lights or get your corals up higher. There are options for both with enough effort or money or both.

 

[twentyleagues]

This is my current tank with the structures I had created. Three different structures. I have changed the right one in the top pic now it was to tall for the tank. I just used thin super glue and marco powder. The bond that is created is stronger than the rock itself. I actually broke one of the "branches" off by accident but within the solid rock not at the weld.

 

[SlowAndStupid]

Thanks for the opinions. I'll be climbing back in to keep working on it today.

 

[SlowAndStupid]

Second attempt done for the day.

I'm a little happier with it than the first but not happy with it. I pulled it off of the back wall to give space behind. I still doesn't go high enough but it's not real steady at the moment as I am just laying things in place right now. I am thinking about ordering some arches to add to the tops on the left and right to build up further along with some marco cement.

 

[McPuff]

I agree that marco mortar (e400) will be a nice helper for you. You can make whatever shapes you want then. The rock you already have can be made to create a much larger structure. No worries on it collapsing either. I created some interesting pieces in my build just about 8 years ago. Was a fun process.

 

[SlowAndStupid]

I have some e400 on the way along with some caribsea rock arches to add to the top to help build further upwards.

 

[JAS927]

I think with the mortar you’re going to be able to open up those caves and make that rock go a whole lot further! I’m so excited for this step; for me it’s always the step that feels like it’s all starting to come together!

 

[SlowAndStupid]

Mortar is supposed to arrive Friday though I'm heading out of town tonight til Monday so will start on that project next week. I did also order some caribsea arches and reef trees to be able to add more height. 3 of those arrived today, all 3 arrived broken. Will have to get some epoxy and try to glue those back up. It should be doable though frustrating to have to do so.

My protein skimmer from lifereef arrived this week as well and got it put together last night. Now can also begin work on plumbing that in along with my ATO.

 

[Devaji]

Dude that lifeskimmer is a beast. I have always wanted to try them out. talked to jeff a few times over the years.
love how they can have extensions.

do let us know how it goes with the tank and skimmer.

 

[areefer01]

Mortar is supposed to arrive Friday though I'm heading out of town tonight til Monday so will start on that project next week. I did also order some caribsea arches and reef trees to be able to add more height. 3 of those arrived today, all 3 arrived broken. Will have to get some epoxy and try to glue those back up. It should be doable though frustrating to have to do so.

My protein skimmer from lifereef arrived this week as well and got it put together last night. Now can also begin work on plumbing that in along with my ATO.

I purchased a LifeReef skimmer from Jeff back in 2000. Still going strong today. Best hardware investment I made in this hobby.

 

[SlowAndStupid]

Aquascape is in.

My water station is complete and rodi set up. First barrels of rodi water are filled and ready for mixing. Working on setting up my quarantine tanks next to it as well now.

 

[Bpp124987]

This. Is. Rad.

 

[smitten with ocean life]

that looks way ,way better! great job! cant wait to see it filled with water and fish!

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Aquascape is in.

My water station is complete and rodi set up. First barrels of rodi water are filled and ready for mixing. Working on setting up my quarantine tanks next to it as well now.

Love the aquascape!

 

[toi_ss]

I would of made the tank a paludarium with around 2' of water level and then have the remaining 3' planted with mangroves and other things

 

[Bpp124987]

I would of made the tank a paludarium with around 2' of water level and then have the remaining 3' planted with mangroves and other things

Interesting idea!

 

[twentyleagues]

Its been a minute! Hows it going?