Help with aquascaping rocks

[hopperjl16]

So I need some ideas on arranging rocks in an established tank. I'm considering adding more rock to my 29g biocube for a couple reasons:
1) I don't think I have enough live rock. I'm pretty sure I'm around 15lbs or less.
2) I don't have enough hiding areas for critters. I've tried to introduce peppermint shrimps twice and it's been killed both times.
3) I now realize I'm more interested in corals than I ever thought I would be, and I feel like I don't have the space for them.

So I'm just not sure how to aesthetically and functionally add rock to what I have (I'll attach pics). The large rock on the left is the issue.....it's quite large and is basically a 3 sided pyramid. I'm worried if I push the rocks back toward the rear wall and add rocks inbetween I'll create a dead space behind the rocks? How does everybody create this wall of rock along the back of the tank without making dead spaces?

If anyone has thoughts/ideas/pics please share. Or if you think I'm crazy to add more rock please tell me, lol.

I wish I'd studied aquascaping ideas more before I went and got live rock to start up my tank! (BTW the tank is 1 yr old)

Thanks!

First pic from the front, second from the top. You can see I have space around both rocks. Oh and there's a small, low profile rock infront of the rock on the right. That could be removed.

 

[JMLewis]

Personally I like the openness of your rock now, let the corals do the filling in

 

[Jofiel]

Personally I like the openness of your rock now, let the corals do the filling in

I agree! I really like the left side. I might fuss with the right a bit but I really like the negative space between the two masses. Maybe get rid of some of the kenya tree to make room for more corals?

.

 

[Merck]

You could look for some small fiji rock that is flat and make a bridge, looks good, nice color.watch the green star around other rock it will take over.

 

[dbl]

Not sure if you've seen this thread, but you may get some ideas from it.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/tips-and-tricks-on-creating-amazing-aquascapes.97209/

 

[jacobSD]

I agree. Some plating montis might be nice to add some hiding spots. That toadstool will eventually grow out as well. Devils hand leather could be an option too.

 

[hopperjl16]

I agree. Some plating montis might be nice to add some hiding spots. That toadstool will eventually grow out as well. Devils hand leather could be an option too.

I've looked at the montis......they make me nervous bc I only have stock lighting from my biocube. These pics are a little old, I have cut back the kenya trees a lot. I did recently get a sunset montipora but it's an encrusting type so won't create a hiding spot, but I got it bc the seller thought it would be ok with my lighting. If it does well I may try a plating monti.

Thanks everyone for the advice! I'll focus on getting/keeping corals for now then

 

[Mandrew]

I agree with the bridge idea if you decide to add rock just put one or two rocks across the top of your current rocks. I think the tank looks lovely as is myself!

 

[jacobSD]

Red plating montis are indestructible haha. To a point of course.

 

[hopperjl16]

Red plating montis are indestructible haha. To a point of course.

Good to know!

 

[bfsaunde]

If you would like to add more rock, I wouldn't add much more. I like the balance you have from left to right. You may could build up on the left side or find some corals to mount at the top of the rock on that side. Someone may have already mentioned this but I like to use the rule of thirds taught in photography. Think of the view from the front as a photograph and split it in thirds from top to bottom and thirds from left to right. Then have your focal points fall within the intersecting lines. This creates four intersections within the frame. I think it looks best with the upper right or left intersection left open. A google search for how to use rule of thirds will explain this better than I can. Good luck.