Aquascaping questions for a newbie

[Cthulukelele]

Hi!

I have done a lot more prep for my first tank and have a LOT of questions.

It is a 4'x2'x2' 120 gallon with 30 gallon sump. I have a good 300 gallon rated reef octopus skimmer, a gfo/carbon reactor, and hope to eventually set up a refugium (not for the first few months though). I plan to have about 2" of caribsea special grade sand as my substrate.

My hopeful fish list:
Bonded pair clowns
Bonded pair bangai cardinals
Melanarus wrasse
Blue spot puffer (or possibly leopard or valentini)
Mystery wrasse (maybe a different wrasse here)
Ruby head fairy wrasse
Yellow watchman goby
Starry blenny
3x blue green chromi
Purple firefish
Green clown goby
Possibly a yasha shrimp goby
Possibly an anthia down the line?

I was wondering how to best scape my tank with these fish and what to focus on? What makes a good scape especially with these fish in mind. I'd also eventually want some softies (mainly zoas), lps, and a rainbow or snowflake rita. What should I be considering when I build?

I was thinking a 2 loosely built island that has lots of nooks and crannys setup with a possibly expoxied arch in between put down directly on the glass with plenty of open sand for placing lps or some more invasive softies later. I was also thinking 2 inches caribsea special grain sand for substrate. Any thoughts on that

 

[SPR1968]

Hi!

I have done a lot more prep for my first tank and have a LOT of questions.

It is a 4'x2'x2' 120 gallon with 30 gallon sump. I have a good 300 gallon rated reef octopus skimmer, a gfo/carbon reactor, and hope to eventually set up a refugium (not for the first few months though). I plan to have about 2" of caribsea special grade sand as my substrate.

My hopeful fish list:
Bonded pair clowns
Bonded pair bangai cardinals
Melanarus wrasse
Blue spot puffer (or possibly leopard or valentini)
Mystery wrasse (maybe a different wrasse here)
Ruby head fairy wrasse
Yellow watchman goby
Starry blenny
3x blue green chromi
Purple firefish
Green clown goby
Possibly a yasha shrimp goby
Possibly an anthia down the line?

I was wondering how to best scape my tank with these fish and what to focus on? What makes a good scape especially with these fish in mind. I'd also eventually want some softies (mainly zoas), lps, and a rainbow or snowflake rita. What should I be considering when I build?

I was thinking a 2 loosely built island that has lots of nooks and crannys setup with a possibly expoxied arch in between put down directly on the glass with plenty of open sand for placing lps or some more invasive softies later. I was also thinking 2 inches caribsea special grain sand for substrate. Any thoughts on that

Do a search under ‘modern reef aquascape designs’ and you will see loads of ideas to get you started.

I personally like it were the rocks gradually slope away into the sand, but that’s me.

Leave at least 1-2 inches away from the side glass for easy cleaning as well.

See what you like and then have a go yourself. Then post some pictures for our approval! Lol

And welcome to R2R it’s great to have you with us!

 

[NY_Caveman]

Check out this video series too for thoughts and ideas

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/reef-aquascaping-video-series.392876/

 

[MamaLovesHerReefTank]

There are a ton of ideas in the aquascaping thread https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/tips-and-tricks-on-creating-amazing-aquascapes.97209/ Look through the thread and see what catches your eye. Do you like a lot of rocks or a more minimalist look. Will you be filling the tank with corals? Lots of swim room and places to hide when needed are important. Keep flow in mind as well. You want flow going through all your rocks so you don't get a build up of detritus. Dry rock is easier to scape with and it can be glued or epoxied easier than if the rock is wet or already in the tank. I like moving the rock around like a puzzle piece, finding the right position. Look at it from all angles. Good luck and post some pics when you get started for help or advice in this thread https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/need-help-with-your-aquascape.385531/