I would love some feedback on my first aquascape.

CarlRay05 · Dec 18, 2020

New reefer here and would love some feedback on my first aquascape before I start to mortar.
This will be for a for a 60"x24"x21" tank size. I have a 2" + clearance on all sides of tank to the rock.
Looking for thoughts on flow around the rock formations and the height for corals.
Video and a couple of photos attached.

andrewkw · Dec 18, 2020

I think it's great, especially for a first aquascape! What kind of reef is this going to be? For me personally and this is just personally, as long you're happy that's all that matters, I would move the rock that appears to be dead center just slightly to the right or the left. The small piece in front of the main structure. I try and avoid having something really eye catching dead center but sometimes that can't be avoided. The only other minor minor thing is I would try and slightly raise the height of one of the pieces on the right / right center. This is just to avoid a straight slope from left to right. However depending on what kind of corals you plan on having that problem will correct itself with coral placement.

Yellow17165161 · Dec 18, 2020

Really nice! I agree that you can add height towards the left side to break that straight slope look a slight bit.

NeonRabbit221B · Dec 18, 2020

Overall I think I like it. My only concern would be your rock to water ratio is fairly high and having a break in the rockwork would aesthetically please me more. Great first aquascape though and once its covered with corals idk if what I said will matter in the slightest.

sp1187 · Dec 18, 2020

1. what type of corals are planned?
2. what type of fish?
3. any pics of the glass box it's going in to? overflow location? return location?
4. what type of flow pumps will you be using?

vetteguy53081 · Dec 18, 2020

Your rock has lots of pores for frags and plugs.
I would build some a bit higher for future SPS which will require that location in tank

sp1187 · Dec 18, 2020

vetteguy53081 said:
Your rock has lots of pores for frags and plugs.
I would build some a bit higher for future SPS which will require that location in tank

so not an sps guy (aside from a few monti's), so educate me. if the tank is only 21" deep how close to the surface do you have to be? and not a critique on going higher. I'm a huge fan of "higher" my scape busts the surface. just wondering.

CarlRay05 · Dec 18, 2020

sp1187 said:
so not an sps guy (aside from a few monti's), so educate me. if the tank is only 21" deep how close to the surface do you have to be? and not a critique on going higher. I'm a huge fan of "higher" my scape busts the surface. just wondering.

I was baseing my build off what BRStv said to leave between 6" - 8" of growth room for SPS. But this is also my first rodeo so education is welcomed.

vetteguy53081 · Dec 18, 2020

sp1187 said:
so not an sps guy (aside from a few monti's), so educate me. if the tank is only 21" deep how close to the surface do you have to be? and not a critique on going higher. I'm a huge fan of "higher" my scape busts the surface. just wondering.

within 4"

YankeeTankee · Dec 18, 2020

Nice! There is an upward progression from R to L, I would make one or two of the structures on the right just a little higher. I think leaving 6 is a good idea.

don_chuwish · Dec 18, 2020

It's lovely - and if you like it then it's perfect.

Weasel1960 · Dec 18, 2020

I agree with all previous comments it really looks good. My only concern (based on the top view) is keeping the “canyon“ clean. You have a very narrow area that will get narrower as corals grow. I think @vetteguy53081 or @sp1187 would know better than me...increase flow or widen the gap a little for siphoning the sand in those areas. What do you think guys?

vetteguy53081 · Dec 18, 2020

Weasel1960 said:
I agree with all previous comments it really looks good. My only concern (based on the top view) is keeping the “canyon“ clean. You have a very narrow area that will get narrower as corals grow. I think @vetteguy53081 or @sp1187 would know better than me...increase flow or widen the gap a little for siphoning the sand in those areas. What do you think guys?

As long as water is able to flow through structure.... it will work. One thing a person do is install a low flow powerhead at lower part of tank to keep current flowing throughout the tank OR simply occasionally use a baster to loosen up mulm and other detritus