First reef scape attempt - need input / critique

[kilnakorr]

I'm setting up my first saltwater tank, and spend a few days glueing. Comming from planted tanks, mostly Dutch style with NO hardscape, this is a real challenge.
I don't have any experience in how much room corals will take, and don't know what corals I want (mostly euphyllia and zoas), so I'm a little scared of adding to much rockwork.

Tank is roughly 50 x 20 x 22 (L x D x H)

(sorry for the bad pictures, but currently x-mas light reflects everywhere so can't do any good pictures XD )

(inside - left)

(inside right)

(top view - left)

(top view left)

Is it too little, too much, too high or...?

 

[redfishbluefish]

I'm liking it. Reminds me of an abstract of modern dance.....I'm seeing two dancers:

I see no issue with putting zoa's anywhere on the rocks. With euphyllia, I might wish to avoid putting them out on one of the long branches out of concern, as the grow, for being too heavy....ah, as I type, most likely not an issue. All is good.

Now personal preference....I'd add a third structure, even if you need to move them close so that they overlap or touch.

Again, Looks great.

 

[kilnakorr]

Now personal preference....I'd add a third structure, even if you need to move them close so that they overlap or touch.

I kinda feel like somethings missing. Might be that third structure...

I don't have much depth to work with, but maybe bring left, closer to center and add a smaller structure to the far left?

The 2 branches lines up perfectly:

Room for small 3rd structure to the left:

 

[redfishbluefish]

Or slightly angle them so that the branches aren't touching, but are crisscrossing. Hope you understand what I'm saying.

 

[kilnakorr]

Or slightly angle them so that the branches aren't touching, but are crisscrossing. Hope you understand what I'm saying.

I do. Trying to make sure the branches doesn't align from top view, blocking out the light.
Broke of the tip of one branch and moved them closer. Am a bit concerned the largest piece will be too centered.

 

[Sebastiancrab]

I kinda feel like somethings missing. Might be that third structure...

I don't have much depth to work with, but maybe bring left, closer to center and add a smaller structure to the far left?

The 2 branches lines up perfectly:

Room for small 3rd structure to the left:

I would add some loose rocks to the left and right not touching the current structure. I think it would open it up more and add balance.

 

[kilnakorr]

I would add some loose rocks to the left and right not touching the current structure. I think it would open it up more and add balance.

Yes. I'll probably add an island or two.
I don't want to much on the bottom, as it quickly looks cluttered - but a few pieces will be ok

 

[redfishbluefish]

I do. Trying to make sure the branches doesn't align from top view, blocking out the light.
Broke of the tip of one branch and moved them closer. Am a bit concerned the largest piece will be too centered.

That's it! Now you have room to add a third structure.

 

[kilnakorr]

That's it! Now you have room to add a third structure.

Yes. Good call!
Thinking of adding a 'half-arch', where top connects to the center piece and a few short branches:

 

[Sebastiancrab]

I'm setting up my first saltwater tank, and spend a few days glueing. Comming from planted tanks, mostly Dutch style with NO hardscape, this is a real challenge.
I don't have any experience in how much room corals will take, and don't know what corals I want (mostly euphyllia and zoas), so I'm a little scared of adding to much rockwork.

Tank is roughly 50 x 20 x 22 (L x D x H)

(sorry for the bad pictures, but currently x-mas light reflects everywhere so can't do any good pictures XD )

(inside - left)

(inside right)

(top view - left)

(top view left)

Is it too little, too much, too high or...?

What did you use to make it? I have still got to do mine.

 

[kilnakorr]

What did you use to make it? I have still got to do mine.

So far just thin superglue and 'sand' from rock cutting. Still don't really know if this will hold for prolonged time submerged.

 

[sp1187]

1: rotate both so the the ends closest to the center are pointing more towards the front glass.
2: add more height, but on a slope as shown, not straight up and down. more area to mount frags.
3: the purple on the right hand rock is the small arm you have there currently. make a height difference between that and the arm behind it.
4: the small hook on the left hand arm looks cool, but is nonfunctional mounting frags.
5: the additional rock in the front is for other corals you may want to add that are aggressive growers; xenia, gsp, cloves,
and if not becomes a zoa garden.

 

[terraincognita]

Since we're playing "Paint the scape" for fun

I like this one!

LOL

 

[kilnakorr]

1: rotate both so the the ends closest to the center are pointing more towards the front glass.
2: add more height, but on a slope as shown, not straight up and down. more area to mount frags.
3: the purple on the right hand rock is the small arm you have there currently. make a height difference between that and the arm behind it.
4: the small hook on the left hand arm looks cool, but is nonfunctional mounting frags.
5: the additional rock in the front is for other corals you may want to add that are aggressive growers; xenia, gsp, cloves,
and if not becomes a zoa garden.

Thanks for all the ideas.

1. They cannot be rotated towards the glass, as this would reduce space between back and/or front.
2.Maybe. I feel the slopes drawn are very high though.
3.That might work. I does go more towards the front which is hard to tell on the picture. But could slope downwards.
4.True. It was to try and 'end' the branch. Extending it as shown, will put it directly above the end of the lower branch, blocking the light.
5. Really don't want xenia, gsp etc. Much rather have a zoa garden XD.

 

[kilnakorr]

Since we're playing "Paint the scape" for fun

I like this one!

LOL

Not sure I like the flat 'hat' on the right, and also a bit to tall.
The simple centerpiece is not a bad idea, and if done right, could bring the two structures together. Just got to be careful with a structure dead center.

 

[PghReef]

Looks neat, my only concern would be what are your plans for fish?
I see 0 caves or sleeping spots, no good places to hide or site breaks from an aggressor.

If you plan on minimal or very peaceful fish not worry. Tangs, Angel's, other liverock growers you might want more rock.

 

[kilnakorr]

Looks neat, my only concern would be what are your plans for fish?
I see 0 caves or sleeping spots, no good places to hide or site breaks from an aggressor.

This is very true, and something I need to figure out.
I haven't planned much regarding fish, as I have very little knowlegde of my opportunities.
I also need to gain more knowlegde on what the 'cave' and 'sleeping spot' actually mean. How big does should a cave be, and what are needed for various 'sleeping spots'.

I have never been that interested in the fishes, but more into plants/corals. But the few fish I will keep needs to be taking care of.

 

[PghReef]

This is very true, and something I need to figure out.
I haven't planned much regarding fish, as I have very little knowlegde of my opportunities.
I also need to gain more knowlegde on what the 'cave' and 'sleeping spot' actually mean. How big does should a cave be, and what are needed for various 'sleeping spots'.

I have never been that interested in the fishes, but more into plants/corals. But the few fish I will keep needs to be taking care of.

The cave or sleeping spot size depends on the fish. In general 1 per fish with various sizes and shapes of caves, tunnels, archers, overhangs mixed throughout make a good aquascape.

Will you have sandbed? Certain species sleep or hide when spooked in the sandbed, others in rockwork, and some open water. Clownfish will happily host a heater for example.

Its hard to predict as the rock is only a basis of your final scape. The corals you choose will be a huge part of your final scape as they grow in, esp sps.

 

[kilnakorr]

The cave or sleeping spot size depends on the fish. In general 1 per fish with various sizes and shapes of caves, tunnels, archers, overhangs mixed throughout make a good aquascape.

Will you have sandbed? Certain species sleep or hide when spooked in the sandbed, others in rockwork, and some open water. Clownfish will happily host a heater for example.

True. As a beginner these things are hard to determine.
I do already, have a smaller cave, and see a future large one.
I will add sand also.
I was planning to add a few islands, and make caves here also.

 

[sp1187]

Thanks for all the ideas.

1. They cannot be rotated towards the glass, as this would reduce space between back and/or front.
2.Maybe. I feel the slopes drawn are very high though.
3.That might work. I does go more towards the front which is hard to tell on the picture. But could slope downwards.
4.True. It was to try and 'end' the branch. Extending it as shown, will put it directly above the end of the lower branch, blocking the light.
5. Really don't want xenia, gsp etc. Much rather have a zoa garden XD.

1: ok.
2: if your intent is euphyllia and zoas mostly what' your concern with height?
3: ok
4: I missed that.
5: my intent for my tank was no stony corals at all. strictly zoas, polyps, mushrooms and leathers. ideas change as you're tank grows. I've since added multiple stony and nems. just a thought.

fish and caves: you don't necessarily need caves, but the fish will use them if they are available. my fish use the caves, but also find spots amongst the corals to sleep.