Hardscape feedback please

[Clo]

Working with some rocks for my hardscape.
First time and needing some feedback from some more experienced individuals.

#1

#2

#3

Really like #1 because it has a low shelf that allows for fish to hide but seems like a nightmare to clean. And it’s for a 35 gallon so it’s not like I’ll have a lot of fish. #3 seems less cluttered and rock heavy, with the most space for things to grow into. Not sure

 

[P-Dub]

+1 for #1

 

[Weasel1960]

Personally all 3 are really nice starts. I do like 1 but the low cave will be hard to keep clean unless you get some flow moving through it.

Have you looked at the Bulk Reef Supply Aquascaping videos? They talk about the “rule of thirds”. I bet with a little extra height overall you might be able to get that cave a little higher so it could be cleaned.

Also keep in mind rock placement for tank cleaning. Leave 2”-3” all the way around AFTER anticipated coral growth.

 

[Jekyl]

+1 for number 1. Little advice, if you have an extra rock put it on top of the left side. I wish I would have gone a little higher with my scape

 

[Fishnut]

1. I love caves. I use a turkey baster to blow out caves and live rock weekly

 

[Pistondog]

1 for the hidey holes and differences in height, which creates eye appeal.
Maybe even taller on the left.
Nice look though.

 

[Clo]

Thanks for the suggestions!!
I’ll try and mess with 1 a little more then

I tried to keep mindful of the 2-3 inches from the glass but didn’t realize it’s with consideration of potential coral growth

 

[sp1187]

where's the waterline? top of the cardboard?

 

[Clo]

where's the waterline? top of the cardboard?

Yes!

 

[Rp8]

1

 

[sp1187]

sand substrate?
intended livestock?

 

[Clo]

sand substrate?
intended livestock?

Fiji Pink, and livestock I’ve only decided on clowns, anem, and zoas

 

[sp1187]

Fiji Pink, and livestock I’ve only decided on clowns, anem, and zoas

ok, #1.
go higher, like almost to the waterline on the left back corner.
my scape clears the waterline. my once 2, now 5 bta's hang right at the top,
sometimes with their tentacles breaking the surface. my lfs has bta's doing the same.
get a strawberry conch and cleaning under the tight hand ledge is a non issue if there
is enough height between the substrate and the bottom of the ledge. and that ledge will
look fab with a zoa garden.

 

[Clo]

ok, #1.
go higher, like almost to the waterline on the left back corner.
my scape clears the waterline. my once 2, now 5 bta's hang right at the top,
sometimes with their tentacles breaking the surface. my lfs has bta's doing the same.
get a strawberry conch and cleaning under the tight hand ledge is a non issue if there
is enough height between the substrate and the bottom of the ledge. and that ledge will
look fab with a zoa garden.

I’ll see how I can try to simulate that kind of height without gluing for now

thank you!

 

[drewwCh]

+1 to 1 as well.
As others have said, it'll be a bit better if the rockwork was higher, but not too close to the waterline.
Also, you might want to glue that peak rock that's balancing between the two structures to prevent it from falling.

 

[1Arrecife]

I like #1 it gives you a good sense of depth. The focal point is there. It makes me wonder what's behind that archway as the path draws me in, or what's inside the cave. I agree with the others, work vertically now to draw the eye away. You want fish swimming mostly around the scape or over it?

 

[Clo]

+1 to 1 as well.
As others have said, it'll be a bit better if the rockwork was higher, but not too close to the waterline.
Also, you might want to glue that peak rock that's balancing between the two structures to prevent it from falling.

I will be gluing things together once I have the final scape idea down
I just didn't want to glue things together prematurely!

 

[Clo]

I like #1 it gives you a good sense of depth. The focal point is there. It makes me wonder what's behind that archway as the path draws me in, or what's inside the cave. I agree with the others, work vertically now to draw the eye away. You want fish swimming mostly around the scape or over it?

In it, around it really. I don't particularly want them to avoid it

 

[Clo]

Too much maybe? Not sure anymore