1st Aquascape in 5g Tank

[BSVKilbey]

Hi all,

Continuing on from my "Build Thread" I thought it would be relevant to just get some ideas/feedback here as it's more relevant.

I bought myself some Dry rock today from my LFS and 3KG of it and temporarily scaped the tank.

I also saw some barnacles which I had to buy however is it all too much for this tank?

Honest answers only, please. If it looks s*** I won’t be offended. They are only balanced there and not set yet. Still, time to move.

I also have a pretty meaty chop saw that can cut into these if needed.

Appreciate your feedback.

 

[KingTideCorals]

Are you planning sand with the system? My biggest thing too is whether you have space between the rock and the glass to clean.

The barnacle bunch, was it from an LFS? Whats the stocking plan?

 

[BSVKilbey]

Are you planning sand with the system? My biggest thing too is whether you have space between the rock and the glass to clean.

The barnacle bunch, was it from an LFS? Whats the stocking plan?

Thanks for replying,

I have the Sand it was delivered yesterday, I just need to clean it out.

I agree I think there is too much in there, however, I was trying to get the right rock/water balance.

The barnacle bunch is from the LFS and no made of plastic.

My issue is I think the LFS sold me TUFA rock and not the rock I need for a tank this size.

Do you think it will be an issue? It is less porous.

The stocking plan is mainly soft coral with shrimp or snails along with 1 fish like a Domino Damsel?

 

[BSVKilbey]

UPDATE:

So I decided to re-do the scaping!

I was kind enough to be gifted some rock, would be rude not to use it. There is a lot of it so getting the right size for the tank is key.

The flat top piece is quite large it would block a lot of light. I drilled out a hole about 1inch in diameter to allow light to pass through to the sand bed.

Looks quite chunky at the bottom but that is all below the sand line and to provide excellent support.

Thoughts?

 

[Miami Reef]

Much better!

 

[N3mo]

Looks much better.

I do however think that more can be done if you break the rocks into much smaller pieces and build a nice nsa mini scape. More interesting arches and loops can be done which can really set the tank apart from the heavy chunky rocks.

 

[fish farmer]

Much better. Can we see a shot of the second scape in the tank?

 

[BSVKilbey]

Much better. Can we see a shot of the second scape in the tank?

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I had some things to do.

Here is a picture of it now in the tank.

I do take the point onboard about breaking them up into smaller pieces.

 

[BSVKilbey]

UPDATE!

Ok, 1st things 1st! I managed to snap up a good deal on a Jebao 2SW, which works great. However.... I was not too fond of the aesthetics of a black fan at the back.

Using the Barnacles, I decided to spend some time and patience making housing for the Jebao.

I then emptied the tank and put the rock in. It looked great however, something was missing!

These were the results.

 

[BSVKilbey]

I decided the chunky Rock would look superb in a bigger tank.....

Out went all of the water and the sand!

I flipped the rock upside down and glad that was suggested as it provides more area for Coral! The Barnacle Jebao is a winner! Works a treat diffusing the flow 3 ways!

In addition to that, I added a black background and a clear sheet of perspex to cover the top completely and reduce evaporation.

 

[fachatga]

Is the rock sitting on top of the sand?

 

[BSVKilbey]

Is the rock sitting on top of the sand?

No, it is at the very bottom of the glass, Hence why you can see a small section at the top, it was quite a thick piece.

Also, the sand looks quite deep, but again that's due to the big rick in the middle.

 

[fachatga]

Cool. Looked a bit like it was on top. Really like the second pass.