Is My Aquascape Too Tall?

[TEX]

First tank, IM Nuvo 10. Wondering what your opinions are on this scape and whether it’s too tall?

 

[Nathan Milender]

If you want random opinions I would say it depends on what you are planning on putting on top and what you are envisoning. If you are going with encrusting corals then nope. If you want some large finger acropora, stylophora, softies, or anything that grows up it will probably reach the top which can still be ok if you like it. Fish only is also ok.

 

[Epic Aquaculture]

Depends on what you're putting in there. If you'r planning on placing corals on top of it, then yes it's too tall as there's no room for them to grow...

 

[JumboShrimp]

I like that you stayed away from the glass for easy cleaning; I like the whole thing. Have fun!

 

[TEX]

I guess my concern is if I remove the top rock it won't be tall enough :mad: I'd like to grow some hardier SPS on the top

 

[TEX]

I made the bold decision to remove the 3rd rock on top. Although I think it looks less complete now, I’m hoping in the long run it will allow more corals to flourish. Tank is hazy from the move.

 

[bryanfuel]

Maybe break up the last rock to split the difference?

 

[JumboShrimp]

I liked it best the original way.

 

[TEX]

I went for it and broke up the original rock a bit to split the different. Luckily it fit quite perfectly. More level space for coral too. Thanks for the idea! Apologies for the clouded water again.

 

[JumboShrimp]

Back to looking good.

 

[MattR]

BRS just did a video on youtube about aqua scaping. Of course bare rock doesnt look as good as it will in your mind filled with coral. Its about the end result not where you are now!

 

[Mikeltee]

lol... are you seriously letting strangers dictate your tank? Grow a pair my friend. Do what looks good to you. The only negative aspect of a tall structure is the high intensity light at the upper level. Make sure the coral can take it and make sure to acclimate it slowly. The more rock, the better your chances to absorb irregularities, and the more hiding spots for your fish. Negatives to a large ratio of rock? Nothing aside from personal taste...

 

[TEX]

lol... are you seriously letting strangers dictate your tank? Grow a pair my friend. Do what looks good to you. The only negative aspect of a tall structure is the high intensity light at the upper level. Make sure the coral can take it and make sure to acclimate it slowly. The more rock, the better your chances to absorb irregularities, and the more hiding spots for your fish. Negatives to a large ratio of rock? Nothing aside from personal taste...

I wanted opinions related to growing coral and having enough room for them to grow out. This is my first tank and the viewpoint of those who have far more experience was valuable to me, and I agreed with their thoughts

 

[bryanfuel]

Looks great! Lots of room for coral. One critique I have, is it's going to be really hard to clean the back panel now with that rock so close. Not as bad as it being close to one of the viewing sides, but you might get some algae growth back there that you can't clean. Good luck!

P.S: Ignore the other poster. I promise we're mostly nice people

 

[TEX]

Looks great! Lots of room for coral. One critique I have, is it's going to be really hard to clean the back panel now with that rock so close. Not as bad as it being close to one of the viewing sides, but you might get some algae growth back there that you can't clean. Good luck!

P.S: Ignore the other poster. I promise we're mostly nice people

Thank you it's hard to tell from that angle, but the back rock kind of comes to only a small point right there next to the wall, so it will be easy(ish) to work around it from the other angles. The back right corner is surprisingly open. It's a (hopefully) small price I was willing to pay for how well the rock dropped into that slot after breaking it, purely by accident. I knew I wasn't going to do any good chopping it any further

Thanks for the support! The forum has been a huge help so far in my journey

 

[Kcaspo]

Not to tall if your putting zoas on top

 

[lagoon360]

I like the second version with more negative space. Felt less busy and more room for coral to grow.

 

[Lovefish77]

If i was doing this i would drill the large rock as much as possible. Then have a few pieces of rocks with pegs at the bottom to fit into those holes (you can remove and add these rock shelves as needed).
This is also really good if you want to take acros out to dip them or something without messing the entire aquascape.

 

[NashobaTek]

Looked good either way, but being lower allows for growth of any coral on top. You can always use smaller rocks to make islands.