Looking for Feedback on JBJ 45 Aquascape

[Chris-W]

I am in the process of planning out a 45 gallon mixed reef. My tank, which is still on order and in transit, is a 45 gallon JBJ all-in-one system. The dimensions of the display are 26.5" x 17" x 19" (taller than it is deep). I've made a PVC frame whose outside dimensions are the same as the DT. I am hoping to attempt some SPS in this tank.

I've put together a couple of options and am curious what you all think would be best. I am working with rock from my some of my old systems which I have thoroughly cleaned ( bleached and then rinsed many times in RODI). You'll notice two different types of rocks with two different colors. It's not ideal for appearances of a new tank, but I am hoping the athestics improve as the system matures. I am planning on making two main pieces for the aquascape that can either be connected or disjoint.

The two options are as follows.

(1) Continuous Ridgeline (First set of photos)

I tried to put together something that had plenty of hiding places and mounting options for corals. While the ridge is cavernous and fairly hollow, it might not be quite a good for flow as the second option. This was the one my family liked the most.

(2) Islands: Tower and Overhang

This layout somewhat incorporates one of the original ideas I had which was to make some type of large overhang. There is good negative space between the two elements which should improve flow through the tank. I would not consider this design complete as I would attach at least one more small shelf to the "tower" on the left. The tower also was one of the very first pieces of live rock I had as a kid which was home to an Orchid Dottyback.

Which of the two do you guys think would be best for a mixed reef with (hopefully) some SPS? Would you suggest any changes to either design?

Thanks for the help!

 

[vlangel]

I personally like the first Ridgeline scape better too. With enough flow hitting the sides of the tank you can get flow through the rock scape without dead spots. I have a tall tank and I have good flow.

 

[Chris-W]

Thanks vlangel. Right now the plan is to use an MP10 and the two stock pumps on the jbj which each supply ~260 gph. If I need more flow with that scape, I will likely either get a small gyre style pump or maybe upgrade the return pumps.

 

[vlangel]

Thanks vlangel. Right now the plan is to use an MP10 and the two stock pumps on the jbj which each supply ~260 gph. If I need more flow with that scape, I will likely either get a small gyre style pump or maybe upgrade the return pumps.

I believe even one MP10 with the 2 stock pumps may give you what you need, although I do not do much sps and I know that they like higher flow. With 2 MP10s you can have more options too so that sounds like a good plan to me.

 

[Chris-W]

I went with the ridgeline option and have the two pieces (which look like one when placed together) secured with epoxy. I also added a few more pieces of rock which will allow for more mounting options and I think make the scape look better as a whole.

Thanks for the feedback @vlangel!

 

[jabberwock]

They both look nice, but I would sacrifice a nice aquascape for real ocean live rock everyday.