Looking for aquascaping opinions

Duke4Life · Oct 25, 2016

Since my move 3 weeks ago, I've had 1 of those "blocks". I've looked at countless pictures and am just stumped. Before I moved I had mostly pillars and was okay with them to a point, but not totally satisfied.

Part of me wants to do 1 large island concealing the pvc (pictured) with 2 smaller on the sides. Only issue with this is my overflow takes up some real estate so I loose some on the width on the left side.

My wife likes how it is now (minus the pvc not yet hidden by rock) but I don't. So what would you do? Just looking for ideas to help get this more together because I just don't like it.

Duke4Life · Oct 25, 2016

Overflow side view:

bruleyii · Oct 25, 2016

I personally like variations in height and arches. Are you looking to add more rock or just use the existing? I saw that marine scene is having 15% off their rock. you could get some nice branches or shelves to mix it up.

Duke4Life · Oct 25, 2016

Use the existing, it's cluttered looking at the moment. A bunch of its drilled for 1/2 cpvc already (pic is before move minus some pieces I had in a small tank). I will be adding sand but will add once set with the look as it helps secure the foundation.

MCooper · Oct 25, 2016

How about some cave formations maybe?

bruleyii · Oct 25, 2016

Is that a Frisbee golf basket? lol

DeontaeDidIt · Oct 25, 2016

bruleyii said:
Is that a Frisbee golf basket? lol

Lol[emoji23] [emoji23] [emoji23]

Duke4Life · Oct 25, 2016

bruleyii said:
Is that a Frisbee golf basket? lol

Yes I've taken it out for now but will include disc golf in some sort of form

My other big hobby

Duke4Life · Oct 25, 2016

DrCooper said:
How about some cave formations maybe?

That's what I've contemplated doing in the middle around the pvc.

Daniel@R2R · Oct 26, 2016

I'm all about shelves and arches.

Reefphd · Oct 26, 2016

I started a floating reef thread for my tank. Maybe that'll inspire you?
Regardless, if you want to cut down on the amount of white PVC and the dead spots they contain in their center, I would recommend clear acrylic rods.

Btw, I like your last picture the most, but be careful when stacking rock like that. It creates dead spots that accumulate detritus.
Please post more pictures as you go.
Following.

Duke4Life · Oct 26, 2016

Reefphd said:
I started a floating reef thread for my tank. Maybe that'll inspire you?
Regardless, if you want to cut down on the amount of white PVC and the dead spots they contain in their center, I would recommend clear acrylic rods.

Btw, I like your last picture the most, but be careful when stacking rock like that. It creates dead spots that accumulate detritus.
Please post more pictures as you go.
Following.

Thank you! The reason for the pvc is for Alcatraz my Chainlink Eel. Will do with the pics as I have a few other things in the works.

Reefphd · Oct 26, 2016

Ah ha! Yeah, they love their caves.

I know what you're going through right now. You want it to be cool and perfect.

I think if you're going to do anything with dramatic arches or caves, you will need to do PVC or acrylic rod. I've done both and find the acrylic rod to be a lot easier to work with.
Let me know if you want any tips.

Duke4Life · Oct 26, 2016

Overflow cover is taking shape. Soaked the shells in bleach and water, then gave then a good scubbing while soaking in water with prime. Going to dry fit tomorrow then glue the shells in place, placing in tank Sunday.

Duke4Life · Oct 27, 2016

@helen ann your another that doesn't like to stay within the box

, any ideas?

helen ann · Oct 27, 2016

Shhhhhhh!

I am already rethinking my rock work for new tank! Ugh

!!!

I would put arch on the right and an independent rock structure on the left to cover the overflow, making the independent structure a few inches taller than the highest point of the arch.

Ohhhhhh reminds me ... Need to PM you, have a couple questions about keeping an eel.

helen ann · Oct 27, 2016

Duke4Life said:
Overflow cover is taking shape. Soaked the shells in bleach and water, then gave then a good scubbing while soaking in water with prime. Going to dry fit tomorrow then glue the shells in place, placing in tank Sunday.

Love this idea!!!

Duke4Life · Oct 28, 2016

Another view as to what's to come

john.m.cole3 · Oct 28, 2016

If you have a bunch of rock already drilled, I'd use it! I like helens idea about the big structure and the arch. What if you had a large free standing structure on the left and then a smaller one (half the size) on the right. Connecting the 2 with a bridge of rocks created by the rocks drilled and a piece of pvc. Either way you go I'm sure it will be awesome once you make up your mind.