Aquascape

samanthajones · Sep 9, 2016

Hi I'm new to salt water and would like some opinions on my first aquascape. I have a 45 gallon tank with 35 pounds of brs reef saver rock.

dbl · Sep 9, 2016

First of all, welcome to R2R. I like your first aquascape...looks nice. You may want to look through the thread below. Lots of great information and inspiration.

Just remember, you have to be happy with it in the end because you get to look at it everyday. Just make sure you leave enough room away from the glass for cleaning purposes.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/tips-and-tricks-on-creating-amazing-aquascapes.97209/

rebekwl · Sep 9, 2016

I really like the aquascape. It looks good! Welcome to R2R

seastar · Sep 10, 2016

That's going to be a beautiful tank. Welcome to r2r!

cameronh · Sep 10, 2016

Nice start! Welcome to R2R!

PatW · Sep 10, 2016

That is a good aquascape. It is asymmetric but reasonably balanced. My only concern is biological. I would think of adding a few small pieces of rock to give hiding spots for fish. I would try to be not detract from the nice effect you already have.

ReeferMaddness843 · Sep 10, 2016

Welcome to the madness. Off to a great start. Liking the scape! Quick question, looking to do a fowlr or Reef?

Humblefish · Sep 10, 2016

Good start, I like it. You might need more rock in the future to build up height, depending upon what kind of corals you plan to keep.

samanthajones · Sep 10, 2016

ReeferMaddness843 said:
Welcoming me to the madness. Off to a great start. Liking the scape! Quick question, looking to do a fowlr or Reef?

For now I'm going to be starting with fowlr maybe add some easy to keep corals. I have a led light but once I get used to salt water I will most likely invest in better lighting and move into corals as well. I will be adding live rock as well.

samanthajones · Sep 10, 2016

Filtration question.... Do I need to run a filter? I have a api nexx filter but I've read a couple posts saying to avoid canister filters. I also haven't purchased a protein skimmer yet, do I need one right away or can it wait until the tank is cycled? Rodi water or is it ok to use declorinated tap water?

cromag27 · Sep 10, 2016

Welcome! I love your scape, I come from the perspective that less is more when it comes to scapes. you don't necessarily need to run a skimmer and I would avoid a canister filter.

Is this tank drilled or all-in-one?

samanthajones · Sep 10, 2016

cromag08 said:
Welcome! I love your scape, I come from the perspective that less is more when it comes to scapes. you don't necessarily need to run a skimmer and I would avoid a canister filter.

Is this tank drilled or all-in-one?

Thanks, it's not drilled and I'm not sure what you mean by all in one. It is just a regular aquarium I dont have a sump or anything like that yet.

cromag27 · Sep 10, 2016

You'll want a small powerhead or two. sand is optional. put the water in and you're set for now while it cycles.

samanthajones · Sep 10, 2016

cromag08 said:
You'll want a small powerhead or two. sand is optional. put the water in and you're set for now while it cycles.

I do have 2 powerheads and I just put sand in today. Do I need to use Rodi water to cycle or would tap water be ok?

cromag27 · Sep 10, 2016

0 tds rodi.

samanthajones said:
I do have 2 powerheads and I just put sand in today. Do I need to use Rodi water to cycle or would tap water be ok?

ReeferMaddness843 · Sep 10, 2016

Reason I ask if fowlr or Reef, is because before you get the tank wet, may want to drill a few holes in the rock for frag plug placement. That's one thing I wish I would have done prior. Tired of trying to find places to cram plugs into cracks. Lol. If don't want to go that route, no biggie either, there's always a way around when time comes. . Keep up the great work and don't hesitate to ask questions!

ReeferMaddness843 · Sep 10, 2016

I like how you said "once I get used to salt water" ...... Muahahaha. Another addict I the making. Lol

samanthajones · Sep 10, 2016

ReeferMaddness843 said:
I like how you said "once I get used to salt water" ...... Muahahaha. Another addict I the making. Lol

Lol I know I'll never be satisfied staying fowlr. I started out with freshwater and moved up to african cichlids enjoyed them but I've always wanted salt water. I'm very excited to finally be making the switch.