How Does This Rock Look In My New Tank?

[reeftankdude]

It is a 20 gallon high. I have four levels to place corals from the sand bed up. How many square inches of coral would you put in this tank? I will have two tomato clowns and two other smaller fish.

 

[Arricefe]

I’m a big fan of lots of rock be sure to give your fish lots of places to hide.

 

[Idech]

Not bad but I think it looks cramped. Also, it looks linear, as opposed to 3 D. If it’s leaning on the glass, I would move it towards the center so flow can reach the back of the rocks, and there is space for your hand to go and clean the glass or stir the sand if need be.

Last, there aren’t any caves and hiding places for the fish. They need it or else they will be stressed.

 

[JPM San Diego]

I agree with Idech. Although in a small tank it is not always possible to have space both in front of and behind the rock work. I would try to have the rocks not "mesh" so effectively. The gaps become places for fish to hide. Another thing to keep in mind is the size of the corals you plan to grow. In your mind, add those corals to your rocks. The combined volume must not be too big for the tank. Essentially, as your corals grow, they become the reef and not your existing rocks. It is hard to do this when your corals are not there or when they are just tiny frags. However, it is important to assume you are going to be successful and your corals are going to grow. If you don't plan for this, they may take up all of the space for your fish, or grow to the surface, or fight with each other. Best of luck!

 

[HomebroodExotics]

Just put some smaller rocks in the front to give the tank some visual depth and you can make caves and arches with them.

 

[reeftankdude]

Here are some better images of the rocks with hiding places for fish. What are your thoughts?

 

[MNFish]

I like to shine a light over the top to ensure the places I think I can put coral have good light and no shading. I also like to pre drill frag holes as I find it handy to have some spots picked out. I like the looks overall but for me rocks are mostly a place to put coral so I like to ensure I have plenty of spaces.

 

[reeftankdude]

I like to shine a light over the top to ensure the places I think I can put coral have good light and no shading. I also like to pre drill frag holes as I find it handy to have some spots picked out. I like the looks overall but for me rocks are mostly a place to put coral so I like to ensure I have plenty of spaces.

That is very good advice, thanks. I have eight places for corals up to around 5 inches without blocking hiding places for fish. There is also some room on the substrate for a few low light corals.