300XL Aquascape Thoughts

[SparklesMcgraw]

Hello beautiful aquascaping experts. I am in the process of scaping my new 300XL and wanted to get some feedback/ideas.

I wanted to keep it fairly open and reasonably NSA based but ended up with the below. The right side I’m happy with and need to complete the left. Was going to go with another arch similar the right side but maybe a different height but thought it may end up being too symmetrical? Or I could do a small coral tree sticking up or maybe a non complete arch (floating at one side). Was initially going to go with just two coral tree structures but i do like the lagoon look and the tank being only 3feet wide makes it tricky to get too much open space without going super minimal.

Looking forward to any ideas or suggestions! Used solely Carib sea life rock. Two shapes boxes specifically.

Thanks

 

[JaaxReef]

Looks cool! You might want to consider adding a few rocks to make a few caves for fish to hide/sleep in.

What kind of coral will you be keeping?

 

[SparklesMcgraw]

Thanks for that I was wondering if there were enough sleeping spots. The cave at the bottom middle is pretty big and there are one or two other ‘holes’ I guess. Do you mean lower down like angled against one side?

 

[JaaxReef]

Thanks for that I was wondering if there were enough sleeping spots. The cave at the bottom middle is pretty big and there are one or two other ‘holes’ I guess. Do you mean lower down like angled against one side?

Something like that would work for sure. Maybe in a couple places to also make it a little less symmetrical? I like the scape idea, and you could be intentional about where you do it to not mess up the design, but compliment it. I did something similar, but a little more chunky and larger, for my 4ft tank in May and I’ve been happy with it. Originally I didn’t have as much rock, but I ended up adding more as I’ve added more fish so they have more territories and sleeping space.

 

[SparklesMcgraw]

Cheers for that. Taking a look at what rock I have left to see what I can come up with. Seriously beautiful tank you have there. The extra width really helps space out the design. Great job

 

[JaaxReef]

Cheers for that. Taking a look at what rock I have left to see what I can come up with. Seriously beautiful tank you have there. The extra width really helps space out the design. Great job

Thanks!

You are on your way and it looks awesome so far! Just need to consider fish and territories and I bet it will still look stunning!

 

[Berlibee]

Looks cool, I like it.

 

[SparklesMcgraw]

Thanks folks. Added one other small piece and seriously considering leaving it like this. Still got some rock though so will keep thinking. Want to take the time to get it right.

 

[sp1187]

what corals do you intend?
what fish do you intend?
are you viewing mostly standing in front of the tank, or sitting down in the room it is in?

 

[MoKan Reefer]

If it were me personally, I don't know what your coral plans are but I'd make a couple branches off the top of the structure for possible sps or even torches (so the tentacles don't sting neighbors). I really like the look though

 

[SparklesMcgraw]

what corals do you intend?
what fish do you intend?
are you viewing mostly standing in front of the tank, or sitting down in the room it is in?

Nothing set in stone really. Love acans, scoly, chalices, frogspawn and bubble tips. Plan to give sps a try once the tank matures also. Fish wise, love clowns, dwarf angels and blennies but haven’t decided exactly what to keep yet. Mainly viewing straight on.

 

[SparklesMcgraw]

If it were me personally, I don't know what your coral plans are but I'd make a couple branches off the top of the structure for possible sps or even torches (so the tentacles don't sting neighbors). I really like the look though

Thanks. Good idea to add some branches. Any thoughts on how close to the water line I could put them? Just conscious of allowing enough depth for growth over the years

 

[MoKan Reefer]

Then what you have should work perfectly. Like I said if it was me I'd add a few unique branches to the top but I love torches also lol

 

[sp1187]

Nothing set in stone really. Love acans, scoly, chalices, frogspawn and bubble tips. Plan to give sps a try once the tank matures also. Fish wise, love clowns, dwarf angels and blennies but haven’t decided exactly what to keep yet. Mainly viewing straight on.

ok, I got nuthin' then.
and that's not a criticism, so don't take it as such.
happy reefing.

 

[SparklesMcgraw]

ok, I got nuthin' then.
and that's not a criticism, so don't take it as such.
happy reefing.

Care to elaborate? Happy to get some criticism or advice if I’m missing something?

 

[sp1187]

Care to elaborate? Happy to get some criticism or advice if I’m missing something?

my advice to those looking for it on their aquascapes is based of what they intend to keep in the tank.
and also what (equipment) they want to hide in their tank.
I advise "go high" like break the surface high. I have my reasons why.
I prefer separate structures as opposed to a single one. I like slopes that you can see stuff from top to bottom as opposed to a vertical wall. so my slopes run down from front to back, not right to left.
like I said, it wasn't a criticism me not having any advice. besides, it's all cemented together already I think.
take a look at my build and you will get any idea of what I mean.

 

[SparklesMcgraw]

Really appreciate that. Amazing tank it, might be the most natural looking one I’ve ever seen. Did initially plan on two structures but gravitated towards this look. Gonna keep playing around today but feels good to be close to finally filling her up.

 

[SparklesMcgraw]

Think I have landed on this as I didn’t want to overdo it. It’s very easy to just keep adding and trying things. The endless possibilities are daunting. Pretty happy though.

 

[Robertellis30]

Similar to what I have looks great. But added rocks in front kind of a waterfall look with caves and more places for corals of course.

 

[MoKan Reefer]

Think I have landed on this as I didn’t want to overdo it. It’s very easy to just keep adding and trying things. The endless possibilities are daunting. Pretty happy though.

Perfect! Now it's not symmetrical either lol.