Height of aquascape?

Hollywood_XL · Jan 9, 2022

Hi all,

Busy building my new minimalist scape (japanese style?) I've build a fairly open scape with the use of AF Rock.
But im not sure about the height of the construction. There's not many reference about whats the best height for a scape...

I'm worried that the sps im planning on top will outgrow the distance on short term..

Whats your opinion about the height of this construction??

Doug6952 · Jan 9, 2022

Too high. Most references I've seen for scape height is about half tank height.

shakacuz · Jan 9, 2022

it is just right, IHMO. if you remove the sponge at the bottom you will be golden. there is room for about 3-5 SPS frags up top if you position them efficiently.

Derrick0580 · Jan 9, 2022

Doug6952 said:
Too high. Most references I've seen for scape height is about half tank height.

This right here!

Mr. Mojo Rising · Jan 9, 2022

There are no rules, whatever looks good to you. I think that looks amazing

rwreef · Jan 9, 2022

Doug6952 said:
Too high. Most references I've seen for scape height is about half tank height.

This is the way

ying yang · Jan 9, 2022

Don't be scared of putting rocks on your glass bottom,if that's why you put the sponge there,usually bottom glass is eithered tempered or thicker than the sides,I once seen a guy with a very cheap like 20-30 gallon tank in a video and he stacked lots rocks up then stood on the rocks and the fish tank was resting on some wood at the edges of the tank so no support on maybe 90% of the tank underneath ,the glass is stronger than we think especially if tank designed for a reef tank as main filter usually rocks ^_^
Or maybe your going bare bottom and dont want scratch bottom while moving rocks then disregard above ha ha
From research when I first set up it was awuascape 1/2 -2/3 up the height of tank to give open space up top and room for corals to grow as most are photosynthesis type so grow towards light usually.but for me need caves,hide holes,not to close to glass sides so cant clean glass,different heights for different corals,under hangs,over hangs swim throughs and try make it less stressful for our fishy friends as possible.

Mr. Mojo Rising · Jan 9, 2022

I'm curious, what is the supposed reason for filling only half way? Because it restricts flow, swimming space, light?

I've never heard this rule before, I'm honestly surprised, and I can't think of a single reason of why this rule would exist. My own rocks go up 2/3's of the way, I don't see any issue.

X-37B · Jan 9, 2022

I think its a personal choice, but 50% of tank height or less is minimal.
I have 70 lbs of rock in my 120 and its no higher than 10" off the bottom. Again a personal choice.
I always had the great rock wall.
Startup and today at 2.5 years.

ying yang · Jan 9, 2022

LordofCinder said:
I'm curious, what is the supposed reason for filling only half way? Because it restricts flow, swimming space, light?

I've never heard this rule before, I'm honestly surprised, and I can't think of a single reason of why this rule would exist. My own rocks go up 2/3's of the way, I don't see any issue.

Think goes down to personal taste,but for me halfway up isn't enough,I built and glued/ mortared 2 seperate structures and went up 2/3 the way at highest points but some like minimist approach and have very little rocks in tank so as you say extra swimming space up top and more room for large coral colonies to grow and put rocks/ bio spheres or blocks in sump but I want as much rock up top as possible for all the little critters to live in and algae to grow and room for corals whilst still providing enough swimming space,guess depends on shape of scape and fish we put in the tank that dictates our scape and other kinds of filtration etc
And type of coral as be extra unimpeded flow at top where no rocks

Mikedawg · Jan 9, 2022

Considering the dimensions of this tank, I think it looks great. As was mentioned above, it really is a matter of personal preference.

Timfish · Jan 9, 2022

It's whatever you think will look good. Keep in mind the term "SPS" has no releavance to the husbandry or requirements of corals and there are species specific requirements (and likely genotype specific) that will determine how well a given coral will grow. If you're worried short term ask around to find specific corals that grow slower.

FWIW I like having aquascaping go all the way to the surface.

ying yang · Jan 9, 2022

This thread video I talk about.
I know I was concerned about rocks stacked up on bottom glass when set up my first tank ^_^

ying yang · Jan 9, 2022

Timfish said:
It's whatever you think will look good. Keep in mind the term "SPS" has no releavance to the husbandry or requirements of corals and there are species specific requirements (and likely genotype specific) that will determine how well a given coral will grow. If you're worried short term ask around to find specific corals that grow slower.

FWIW I like having aquascaping go all the way to the surface.

Very nice effect ,love it ^_^

maroun.c · Jan 9, 2022

I prefer to be able to see the sps from the top even when looking through front glass, even if tank is open too, so scape at 2/3 of tank height at max.