150 gallon aquascape feedback

[TimeTwister]

I am starting a new build based on a 150 (5x2x2) gallon aquarium I just ordered from SCA. It is drilled for the shadow overflow so I won't need to worry about working around a tall internal overflow. While I wait for it to get here I wanted to start trying out some aquascape ideas. All the rock is from my old 75 gallon tank and just finished getting bleached (though it may need a second round).

What do you think of this so far? It will be bare bottom if that matters.

 

[Adam G]

I think t looks awesome. Looks minimal but plenty of surfaces to mount corals. Well done.

 

[wsoldier]

I like it as well. Lots of passageways, a few islands, and good use of surface area on top.

 

[TimeTwister]

Thanks for the feedback all. For a first attempt I am actually pretty happy. If I still like it after a couple days I'll pick up some fiberglass rods and drill some holes for support. Been a while since I had to build a rock scape, what's the current favorite product to actually bond the rocks together?

 

[KrisReef]

I like it but the stack on the right looks like it might tip over. It makes me nervous (we have frequent earthquakes in CA.)

 

[TimeTwister]

I like it but the stack on the right looks like it might tip over. It makes me nervous (we have frequent earthquakes in CA.)

No earthquakes here, but I did have the same concern since it is a top heavy pillar. It is pretty steady as is, and balanced better than it looks, but who knows what the coral will do to balance as it grows or if fish bump into it. One thought I had was to mount it to a sheet of plexi and epoxy some rubble rock to it to hide the plexi. Should solve any support issues.

 

[NY_Caveman]

No earthquakes here, but I did have the same concern since it is a top heavy pillar. It is pretty steady as is, and balanced better than it looks, but who knows what the coral will do to balance as it grows or if fish bump into it. One thought I had was to mount it to a sheet of plexi and epoxy some rubble rock to it to hide the plexi. Should solve any support issues.

I was thinking an acrylic sheet to balance it also. I like it. Interesting angles, shapes and protrusions. Usually I find the largest structure wants to be the tallest, but this is a case where that beautiful, tall right structure really works. I have a feeling fish will love the shaded area below it.

My only thought is the middle structure seems out of place. It is dead center and roughly the same height as the left structure. Perhaps just removing the top shelf piece would tie it more naturally into the left structure. Of course, coral selection, placement and growth will change the appearance over time. Just my opinion of course.

Overall it looks great!

 

[jrlg]

nice design the I like the low caves on the left and the tall tower on the right, and looks like a reef, following to see how everyone recommends gluing together.

 

[TimeTwister]

I was thinking an acrylic sheet to balance it also. I like it. Interesting angles, shapes and protrusions. Usually I find the largest structure wants to be the tallest, but this is a case where that beautiful, tall right structure really works. I have a feeling fish will love the shaded area below it.

My only thought is the middle structure seems out of place. It is dead center and roughly the same height as the left structure. Perhaps just removing the top shelf piece would tie it more naturally into the left structure. Of course, coral selection, placement and growth will change the appearance over time. Just my opinion of course.

Overall it looks great!

I completely agree about that middle structure, but not sure what to do with it. I have a few more pieces of rock I can use to swap it out or try different things. I am also not sold on the one rock I put on top of the left arch to give it height. I want height there to create more levels, but not sure if that one looks natural or not. A little epoxy and rubble pieces may help to blend it in better. As for base stability I saw a neat idea over on Melev's Reef facebook group where someone made epoxy balls and squished three or four of them around the base rock to create "feet".

 

[NY_Caveman]

I completely agree about that middle structure, but not sure what to do with it. I have a few more pieces of rock I can use to swap it out or try different things. I am also not sold on the one rock I put on top of the left arch to give it height. I want height there to create more levels, but not sure if that one looks natural or not. A little epoxy and rubble pieces may help to blend it in better. As for base stability I saw a neat idea over on Melev's Reef facebook group where someone made epoxy balls and squished three or four of them around the base rock to create "feet".

Good idea. I was going to do the same if needed. I got lucky and got away with no glue or rods. Stable, but I would not put an urchin in there, LOL