Help With Aquascaping!

[30reef]

Hey Guys,
Here's my new SPS tank that just was converted from Fish Only. I've made all 2 of these Aquascapes but dident know which would be a better fit for my tank or a SPS tank in general please give feedback and help me decide which to use as the final

 

[ndz98]

The first picture of your scape you created would give you better flow all around. I also think it looks better.

 

[michellejy]

I think your little "bridge" is a bit skinny, which is throwing off the proportions a bit. In the second option, if you put a small rock at the base on the left--on top of the rock already there and butted up against your bridge, it would make the transition a bit smoother and more natural looking.

I like the second option more, just padded out very slightly. I don't really like proportional designs in aquariums though since they appear less natural.

 

[jaesong]

I'm a fan of archways and caves, so I like #1 better. I don't like having big rocks taking up major space.

 

[cmcoker]

I like the 2nd option, you have more ledges of different levels.
I'd agree on adding a little rubble rock at the base of the bridge on the left rock, maybe even steal one of the flat pieces from option 1 to stick there.

 

[30reef]

The first picture of your scape you created would give you better flow all around. I also think it looks better.

I think your little "bridge" is a bit skinny, which is throwing off the proportions a bit. In the second option, if you put a small rock at the base on the left--on top of the rock already there and butted up against your bridge, it would make the transition a bit smoother and more natural looking.

I like the second option more, just padded out very slightly. I don't really like proportional designs in aquariums though since they appear less natural.

I'm a fan of archways and caves, so I like #1 better. I don't like having big rocks taking up major space.

I like the 2nd option, you have more ledges of different levels.
I'd agree on adding a little rubble rock at the base of the bridge on the left rock, maybe even steal one of the flat pieces from option 1 to stick there.

Thanks for the opinions guys! Here's a few photos of so called inspirational tanks that I admire... Is one of my scapes better to try to achieve my tank looking like these?

 

[reeferfoxx]

You like the "minimalistic bommie" style reef! So do I

 

[reeferfoxx]

FWIW, i aquascape my tanks so I can remove rocks for easier cleaning. My first reef had a bridge and it's a pain.

 

[michellejy]

Your first example doesn't have the bridge at all. I like the "two island" style in rectangular tanks a lot. In your examples, they also are staggered so one is closer to the foreground and one in the background.

I think you are on the right track, just need some tweaking to match what inspires you

 

[cmcoker]

If you angled the 2nd option you created with the smaller rock toward the front of the tank, you have a similar shape to the center structure of the 2nd inspiration pic you posted

 

[30reef]

So here's what I came up today so far, this is all the live rock... The rest is dry rock, so I have a few ways of going.

Option 1
Center the structure I have and make 2 low to the ground islands on each side ( left and right )

Option 2
Move the existing pillar to the left and make a 2nd pillar to the right.

 

[30reef]

Sorry for the cloudiness just added sand!

 

[reeferfoxx]

Sorry for the cloudiness just added sand!

What if you built one pillar higher. Maybe twice as high as the one existing pillar. And add a smaller one or two more that tier down. It wouldn't matter where you place them.

 

[michellejy]

So here's what I came up today so far, this is all the live rock... The rest is dry rock, so I have a few ways of going.

Option 1
Center the structure I have and make 2 low to the ground islands on each side ( left and right )

Option 2
Move the existing pillar to the left and make a 2nd pillar to the right.

So for option 2 keep the existing structure, but make another little stand alone island? That sounds like it could add some nice depth to your aquascape.

 

[30reef]

What if you built one pillar higher. Maybe twice as high as the one existing pillar. And add a smaller one or two more that tier down. It wouldn't matter where you place them.

So for option 2 keep the existing structure, but make another little stand alone island? That sounds like it could add some nice depth to your aquascape.

Hey eveyone here's what I came up with this morning! Rescaped the bottom of the pillar and also just created a little island to the right of it! I still might ad a little more rock or adjust some stuff yet but for the most part here's the final product

If you have any suggestions on how to improve it please let me know!

 

[michellejy]

Mainly, I think you need more rock. You aren't taking up much of the vertical space. I think having the islands slights staggered too (one closer to the front and one towards the back) would add to the depth. You are definitely on the right track!

 

[reeferfoxx]

Something like this. But doesn't have to look exactly like my 2nd grade drawing =)