Debate in progress

[Tray21]

IMO, more rock is better especially when thinking about biological filtration. Honestly you can go so many routes when it comes to creating your scape and it can be difficult to visualize what will look good once you get corals in. I did read a forum post several months back on nano-reef.com that helped me when I was setting up my rock scape.

Tips and Tricks on Creating Amazing Aquascapes

Being an artist for fun and profession, I see things different than most people. I decided to create an article about composition, balance, color, and depth within your reef aquarium. I really hope this can help some of you out to create your dream looking reef that is pictured in your head. Once...

www.nano-reef.com

 

[Airwolf]

Sorry bro the Shrek meme tickled me as I was thinking the same thing just didn’t want to be rude lol

Don’t have to worry about being rude around me. I know how to keep on scrolling if I am not a fan of something. We are all entitled to our opinions. I am surprised at how many people let opinions ruin their joy in life.

 

[moz71]

I like third but think about what’s most important for your inhabitants. I like a lot of rock with small hiding places. I don’t like to see fish stressed out when want to hide so I have a lot of little tights spots. On flip side it makes harder for adequate flow so not the best for SPS tanks. So I have one tank that has a lot of rock with tights spots and mixed reef and just set up a minimalist tank mostly for coral. But awesome job you are doing

 

[Freenow54]

I am going to do the same. It is called softscape minimal rock lots of negative space because only coral, and small fish. There is a video by reef builders on a Aquarium by design tank sorry for going off on a tangent

 

[Sean Clark]

I vote for number 1 but take the top rock off.

 

[Freenow54]

As to the debate I like the space at the back, as it affords accessibility for you. I don't have it on my small tank and regret it but do on my 90. Also reason I said what I said is because of your tank size. Yes hiding spots are a concern for sure, but so is areas for the coral, and your lighting coverage for same. Maybe add a couple of rock on the ends for the fish. My fish certainly like somewhere to hang out without being disturbed. I think I am going to do that myself

 

[Nachopapa]

for flow, we have these in our 32g and 16g biocube. They have lots of features and flow for a small form factor and price.

 

[Freenow54]

for flow, we have these in our 32g and 16g biocube. They have lots of features and flow for a small form factor and price.

No Picture

 

[Nachopapa]

No Picture

Shows for me..l it’s a link to Amazon hygger mini wave maker for $69.99

 

[Nachopapa]

And here’s a side pic in the 16

 

[BroccoliFarmer]

There is a debate going about the quantity of rocks being placed in a tank I am setting up. First salt tank. What better way to settle it but ask for opinions on the internet. Haha!

So does the below have to much rock? Bonus question which one looks better?
A note on the second one. There are a lot of voids in the rock depending on the angle you look at. Carib Sea south sea base rock.

Whats behind door number 3?

 

[KrisReef]

Attempt number 3. Looking for opinions on handling water flow with a scape like this.

I'd recommend a hybred of 1+2+3, just to make sure the debate is rigorious.

Other discussion: Do you have a plan or a dream of what you are making?
A list of life you want in the tank. We know it is going to be a salt water tank, and that you want flow to function around the rock, but the more specific you can get could help improve the quality of the answers going forward.

("Science"= statistical modeling , which I suggest thus far the average vote is 1+2+3/2= #2.)
IME, More details in design will help avoid a simple #2 answer.

Synthesis: Take all the rock you have and fill the tank with salt water and begin circulation now to get all of your potential rock cycled. Use the rock to build models like you have been doing and use these models to evaluate circulation options. Maybe even employ calcium additives (Kalkwasser?) to cloud the water during the circulation trials. Filling in the pores in the new rock with calcium deposits could aid in the long run to stabilize your ca & dKh parameters.

When you stumble upon a rock pile that provides cover, coral habitat, and swimming room assemble that reefscape and post a picture in your build thread.

Also, dont run the lights or add any livestock into the tank until the artifical current trials are over and the scape is glued together. I'm certain I've overlooked something, like use this set up time to evaluate par with a par meter, or get the temperature control balanced, Automatic top off functioning,...? You are off to a good start! HTH.

 

[Sean Clark]

The math logic is sound lol

 

[Freenow54]

As to Kris Reef. That is why I asked you what you want to grow. The needs of flow vary quit a bit. Thanks to this forum I changed mine for my mushrooms for a huge difference. As to the par meter I am two thumbs up on that. I bought an Apogee cost $1000 with wand and communication cable for PC to transfer to excel. I am now a nerd Apogee uses PFFD. So I said that because you will be in shock about price. Lots of stores rent them including Bulk Reef Supply you get it for a week for about $70. Strongly recommend

 

[bReefedBaker]

There is a debate going about the quantity of rocks being placed in a tank I am setting up. First salt tank. What better way to settle it but ask for opinions on the internet. Haha!

So does the below have to much rock? Bonus question which one looks better?
A note on the second one. There are a lot of voids in the rock depending on the angle you look at. Carib Sea south sea base rock.

I like the first one ;Woot just my opinion!!

 

[sfin52]

Why don't you make your own. This is dry rock hammer chisel sand and superglue. You can make what you want and hides for all the critters. It beats stacking rocks.

 

[sfin52]

this is a peice i made.

here it is in my 90g

You can make multiple peices add depth, height and hiding places.
@F i s h y has done this multiple times
@Crabby48 is doing it for his new tank

 

[Sean Clark]

this is a peice i made.

here it is in my 90g

You can make multiple peices add depth, height and hiding places.
@F i s h y has done this multiple times
@Crabby48 is doing it for his new tank

Someday I will be this ambitious...

 

[sfin52]

 

[sfin52]

Someday I will be this ambitious...

Its really a lot easier than you think. I was apprehensive when I did it. Wish I would have done it a lot sooner.