Critique my aquascape

[Vahanyos]

I️ wouldn’t be worried too much about utilizing ALL the rock, I️ have under the “recommended” limit and it’s doing just fine.

I️ agree with bigger open areas and swim throughs. Taking out the middle section for a split look imo makes the scape look amazing! Definitely scaping my next tank like that!

I’d make sure the rock is secure if you plan to stack that high, otherwise the scape looks great!

 

[Bthomas]

I️ wouldn’t be worried too much about utilizing ALL the rock, I️ have under the “recommended” limit and it’s doing just fine.

I️ agree with bigger open areas and swim throughs. Taking out the middle section for a split look imo makes the scape look amazing! Definitely scaping my next tank like that!

I’d make sure the rock is secure if you plan to stack that high, otherwise the scape looks great!

I did redo the scape a bit more and removed some of the rocks in the middle to make more of a swim through but it does still have a point where theyre attached (ill get a new pic later tonight)
Do you think i have it stacked too high? I was a little worried about the coral at the top being too close to the light. I havnt done enough research yet to know what kind of high light corals there are.
I think everything is pretty secure but i am going to add some epoxy in a few places just in case.

 

[mta_morrow]

I did redo the scape a bit more and removed some of the rocks in the middle to make more of a swim through but it does still have a point where theyre attached (ill get a new pic later tonight)
Do you think i have it stacked too high? I was a little worried about the coral at the top being too close to the light. I havnt done enough research yet to know what kind of high light corals there are.
I think everything is pretty secure but i am going to add some epoxy in a few places just in case.

There are plenty of high, medium, and low light corals. A rule of thumb for aquascaping is that your rock work (for the most part) should only reach half way up the tank.

The reason being is that a lot of the higher light corals branch upwards like trees do.

If your rock work is too tall, you may limit yourself on what type or how many of those high light Corals you could have.

The high light corals are typically SPS. You should do a quick search and see if that is something you may be interested in before you epoxy your rock. And do a bit more research as different types of corals typically have different water parameters that need to be maintained.

 

[Bthomas]

There are plenty of high, medium, and low light corals. A rule of thumb for aquascaping is that your rock work (for the most part) should only reach half way up the tank.

The reason being is that a lot of the higher light corals branch upwards like trees do.

If your rock work is too tall, you may limit yourself on what type or how many of those high light Corals you could have.

The high light corals are typically SPS. You should do a quick search and see if that is something you may be interested in before you epoxy your rock. And do a bit more research as different types of corals typically have different water parameters that need to be maintained.

Thanks. I may pull out some of the rock then to not have it stacked so high. I was mainly trying to use all 150 lbs (150 gallon tank) but if that isn't necessary i can remove some

 

[mta_morrow]

Thanks. I may pull out some of the rock then to not have it stacked so high. I was mainly trying to use all 150 lbs (150 gallon tank) but if that isn't necessary i can remove some

Trust when people are telling you that you do not need a pound per gallon. Put the extra in your sump

 

[Bthomas]

Trust when people are telling you that you do not need a pound per gallon. Put the extra in your sump

There's not much extra room in sump so whatever's not in display is just gone

 

[Bthomas]

Ok so this was the revised scape. But now I'm wondering if its too tall and if i should eliminate some of the top rocks (keeping in mind that there is no room in sump)?

 

[Flippers4pups]

I found out quickly that my minimalistic rock work became less and less real estate for corals. A redo in my middle is due first of the year.

Your last picture is much better for flow and hiding places.

 

[mta_morrow]

I like it! Lots of swim through sand places for corals. Personally I would take out the 1 rock that joins the 2 islands. But it looks good! Great job.

 

[Bthomas]

I like it! Lots of swim through sand places for corals. Personally I would take out the 1 rock that joins the 2 islands. But it looks good! Great job.

That rock is supporting several of the others so i think its gonna have to stay lol

 

[mta_morrow]

That rock is supporting several of the others so i think its gonna have to stay lol

Ok! Great job keepin at it!

 

[Dogtown]

It is greatly improved and you are good to go as is. If you are not happy and are still asking for suggestions, I'd take off the top rock on the left island and remove it from the display. This way, you have two islands that are significantly different in size and stature. The eye will take notice of the variation. That will put you more in line with the rule of thirds.

Take any rocks you don't use this month and save them in a dry box for the future. They will come in handy for something else down the road.

 

[Tbyram]

Only suggestion beyond what you have done is maybe having a single rock or two in the front so you can put those fast growing corals on that can take over. Usually you want them on something you can easily remove and trim back.

 

[Bthomas]

Made another tweak.. removed the top rock on the left. What do u think of that tall tower shape on the left side? Should i knock that down a bit or do you like it? I'm undecided personally

 

[mta_morrow]

Made another tweak.. removed the top rock on the left. What do u think of that tall tower shape on the left side? Should i knock that down a bit or do you like it? I'm undecided personally

I would knock down the tower and get that one rock out to make 2 separate islands. I know you said it is used for support, but personally I feel you are very close to a great scape, and the separation will go a long way in getting you there.

Also as a previous poster mentioned, put some of your extra rock it front on the sand, or just save it for later.

 

[Bthomas]

I would knock down the tower and get that one rock out to make 2 separate islands. I know you said it is used for support, but personally I feel you are very close to a great scape, and the separation will go a long way in getting you there.

Also as a previous poster mentioned, put some of your extra rock it front on the sand, or just save it for later.

Thanks
I will tinker around with seperating the 2 structures. I'm honestly not sure im a big fan of the 2 islands look but i will play around with it.
I wanna keep some empty sandy areas and theres not a whole lot of room left in the front so i dont think ill be putting anything else on the bottom.
I have to admit I am worried about losing so much rock. Everything I've ever read has said 1-1.5 lb of rock per gallon..

 

[mta_morrow]

Thanks
I will tinker around with seperating the 2 structures. I'm honestly not sure im a big fan of the 2 islands look but i will play around with it.
I wanna keep some empty sandy areas and theres not a whole lot of room left in the front so i dont think ill be putting anything else on the bottom.
I have to admit I am worried about losing so much rock. Everything I've ever read has said 1-1.5 lb of rock per gallon..

I read that too when I started out. But much has been learned and it is not necessary. You have nice rock w good porosity which means more surface area.

 

[Flippers4pups]

To through a twist into this, are your rocks up against the back glass?

 

[Bthomas]

To through a twist into this, are your rocks up against the back glass?

No they are not. Some are against the overflow boxes but theres some room between them and back glass

 

[Vahanyos]

Ok so this was the revised scape. But now I'm wondering if its too tall and if i should eliminate some of the top rocks (keeping in mind that there is no room in sump)?

Scape looks much better!