Left brain says get help from right brained critics

[sailorman]

As the title says, I could use some ideas for my aquascape. The tank is 72" x 18" x 30" tall. I'd like more of a minimalist look with numerous small fishes and a mixture of hard and soft corals. I also really like gorgonians so I think I can get some height from those without creating a tower of rock. I plan to have a 2-3" sandbed and would elevate the rock on 1.5" platforms. I have an addition 100+ lbs of rock unused but those pieces are fairly round and cantaloupe sized. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Full size 72 x 18

Top view right side

Top view left side

End view-this side is visible

End view-this side is not visible

 

[Jaebster]

If it were mine, I'd create more caves and caverns. I dont know what type of lighting you'll have but if are lighting will be at high PAR levels a d if you're planning on non-photosynthetic gorgonians, you might consider some overhangs so that the gorgonians get a little shade with space to grow.

 

[tsouth]

Looks really nice - One thing to keep in mind is how close the rocks will be to the glass. I say this because an algae scraper will need to fit between the two so you can keep the glass nice and clean

 

[sailorman]

If it were mine, I'd create more caves and caverns. I dont know what type of lighting you'll have but if are lighting will be at high PAR levels a d if you're planning on non-photosynthetic gorgonians, you might consider some overhangs so that the gorgonians get a little shade with space to grow.

I could add a few more rocks in the back to create caves. At this time NPS gorgonians are not being considered.
I am using 3 Mitras LX6200 and I may add two T5 Blue+ strips to supplement.

 

[Leslie Tabor]

I like it! I agree with the previous suggestions...more caves for fish definitely. And really watch the glass...once the SPS starts branching out you wanna have room near the sides.

 

[hawk82]

Left side looks good, maybe make the right side taller so its not all the same?

 

[sailorman]

Looks really nice - One thing to keep in mind is how close the rocks will be to the glass. I say this because an algae scraper will need to fit between the two so you can keep the glass nice and clean

That's a good point. I will keep an eye out for the spacing when I transfer the rocks to the tank. What do you think about the height?

 

[tsouth]

I think the height is fine. Here’s the thing. You can always add more. You can always remove it too. This general vision is a great starting point.

My only take on this is that the right side is too planar and could be staggered with platforms over this large area. The left side could also work with some platforms too. Kind of like disk coming out of the sides. The large stones are a great base, but you may find yourself wanting more sand bed space than you’re giving yourself.

You are also restricting flow down below quite a lot so keep power head placement in mind to remove dead spots.

 

[sailorman]

I think the height is fine. Here’s the thing. You can always add more. You can always remove it too. This general vision is a great starting point.

My only take on this is that the right side is too planar and could be staggered with platforms over this large area. The left side could also work with some platforms too. Kind of like disk coming out of the sides. The large stones are a great base, but you may find yourself wanting more sand bed space than you’re giving yourself.

You are also restricting flow down below quite a lot so keep power head placement in mind to remove dead spots.

I had the flat plane idea in my head for a while thinking it will be a good spot to place corals that can spread out. I do like the idea of more sand bed space so I will look at increasing that. See your point about flow down low. The way the base rocks are placed will be blocking flow from the sides where I plan to place the Vortech pumps. Maybe if I orient them with the caves on an angle it might help to get current moving through the gaps better.

 

[Reeffragger]

it could be better.

Right side needs work. Take the bottom right rock flip it and then take to left rock on that side and use it to support the now narrow rock you flipped . Move the middle rock to the now empty left for support this way itll open up the center while still supporting the rocks.

 

[Udest]

I like the shelf I was going to do something similar but make a single pillar , my tank is tiny though.

 

[sailorman]

it could be better.

Right side needs work. Take the bottom right rock flip it and then take to left rock on that side and use it to support the now narrow rock you flipped . Move the middle rock to the now empty left for support this way itll open up the center while still supporting the rocks.

So more like an open arch? The top plate is two separate pieces. Maybe i could cement them together.