Created this aquascape - Let me know what you think

danreef55

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I think it looks great. I’m a fan of the u shape. If I had to think about about changing one thing I might look at that middle piece sticking out on the right of the picture. It kind of looks like a dragon head. Maybe it could be angled a little? I dunno. It looks fine but you could play with it.
 
its like looking at clouds. My imagination is going nuts. I like it. I see 2 good holes for swimming through. Lots of good places for coal placement.
 
We must be on the same wavelength because I know what you mean.
There are actually 4 swim throughs you just can't them.
Now picture this covered in coralline and full of coral and fish.
My LFS wants to sell it in his shop. My system wont be ready for a long time so I might let him have it and build another:)
Thanks for the kind words.
 
Looks cool. One thing you definitely want is tiny spots/caves for fish to hide. As they get stressed or have some aggression they will want to hide or sleep. It looks like there is some, but can’t see exactly.
 
There are some the pictures just dont show it
Thanks for the comment
 
Amazing

What’s the rock type
How was your construction performed ?
What did you use to concrete together

Truely you have some amazing skills looks absolute fantastic would love something smaller but similar in my tank
 
Hi DJC ,
Thanks for the kind words.
Watch this video
gotta run now but I will share some things I have learned and will share them later.
YOU CAN DO IT!
 
This structure is a piece of the aquascape for a 300gal tank.
This one is 25" long by 15" front to back. I could easily make it larger.
Some things I learned......
* You can use any accelerator. The one that BRS sells and uses in the video. It is very difficult to spray.
That being said you can use these two.
1706120415719.png


* I have tried numerous different glues and like this one the best.
1706120576913.png

Another member suggests Glue Master thick. I havent used this one myself.

* The foundation rock is very useful (albeit expensive)

* Take your time and stand back while deciding on the placement of a new piece.
* If you use Marco rock be sure to purchase the matching mortar. It blends with the rocks well
You will make the final dressing up process very easy.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/e-marco-400-aquascaping-mortar-complete-kit-natural-marcorocks.html
1706120989880.png

* Let the glue dry overnight before applying mortar.
* LIGHTLY wet the rock before applying mortar. If it is too wet the mortar doesnt stick as well.
* Once the structure is super glued together you will find it difficult to see every place that you have glued
especially on the underside.
* About an hour after you apply the mortar spray the whole piece down with RODI water. This helps the
mortar cure. If you do it too soon the mortar will run down the structure.
* Use a flashlight to inspect your mortar joints after they dry. I totally missed some on the first two passes.
the third time was a charm.
* Make sure you counter balance the weight of the extensions by adding weight to the opposite side.
* Have an idea of how you will be positioning corals on the structure and add a location to house it.
* Definitely use gloves with the mortar. The gloves make it easier to apply.
That's all I can think of at the moment. Keep in mind if you build part of the structure and dont end up liking it you can always hit it with a hammer. I did twice while it was only glued.
Take your time and de-stress I found it to be totally enjoyable process except for the removal of the glue from my fingers. Also take off any rings or you will end up super gluing it you your hand:)

All the best and if I can provide you with any additional info dont hesitate to reach out.
Be well and happy reefing
 
Looks legit to me!
That hole is a perfect place to mount a powerhead to the back of the tank. It will pull the water in all around and blow it out the middle. Just my thought.
 
Thanks CBonito.
Going bare bottom, running vortex powerheads on both ends of the tank behind the structure. The desired outcoming is to have the water collide in the middle and go through the center. Two gyre mounted high.
A closed loop and two return pumps. Also I considered doing what you mentioned. I am still months away from getting a tank and cant wait to get back into the water. Going to build more scapes. It gives you an opportunity to express some creativity.
 
Congrats on the scape it looks great! After reading here I have a question about bonding everything together. I've purchased the Marco rock and the mortar but haven't done anything yet with them. I was assuming the mortar I purchased was how I was bonding the rock together but do I need the glue as well? If so what is the mortar for if not for holding the structure together?
 
From above
This structure is a piece of the aquascape for a 300gal tank.
This one is 25" long by 15" front to back. I could easily make it larger.
Some things I learned......
* You can use any accelerator. The one that BRS sells and uses in the video. It is very difficult to spray.
That being said you can use these two.
1706120415719.png



* I have tried numerous different glues and like this one the best.

1706120576913.png


Another member suggests Glue Master thick. I havent used this one myself.

* The foundation rock is very useful (albeit expensive)

* Take your time and stand back while deciding on the placement of a new piece.
* If you use Marco rock be sure to purchase the matching mortar. It blends with the rocks well
You will make the final dressing up process very easy.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/e-marco-400-aquascaping-mortar-complete-kit-natural-marcorocks.html
1706120989880.png


* Let the glue dry overnight before applying mortar.
* LIGHTLY wet the rock before applying mortar. If it is too wet the mortar doesnt stick as well.
* Once the structure is super glued together you will find it difficult to see every place that you have glued
especially on the underside.
* About an hour after you apply the mortar spray the whole piece down with RODI water. This helps the
mortar cure. If you do it too soon the mortar will run down the structure.
* Use a flashlight to inspect your mortar joints after they dry. I totally missed some on the first two passes.
the third time was a charm.
* Make sure you counter balance the weight of the extensions by adding weight to the opposite side.
* Have an idea of how you will be positioning corals on the structure and add a location to house it.
* Definitely use gloves with the mortar. The gloves make it easier to apply.
That's all I can think of at the moment. Keep in mind if you build part of the structure and dont end up liking it you can always hit it with a hammer. I did twice while it was only glued.
Take your time and de-stress I found it to be totally enjoyable process except for the removal of the glue from my fingers. Also take off any rings or you will end up super gluing it you your hand:)

All the best and if I can provide you with any additional info dont hesitate to reach out.
Be well and happy reefing
 

IF YOU HAD TO TAKE A REEFING EXAM, WOULD YOU PASS?

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