My scape. :)

[Wick]

You have definitely take a more full approach, but that's not a bad thing. I go back to the earlier question - do you like it? I think it a reasonable place to start. I would suggest that you do one last check to make sure that you have room for your cleaning tools between the rocks and the glass.

To be honest I liked my original one where I didn't have that much rock but a friend that has been in the saltwater scene awhile told me to use the rock I have.

 

[MrsBugmaster]

I like post 12 the best. But maybe take out a couple of pieces.

 

[Wick]

You have definitely take a more full approach, but that's not a bad thing. I go back to the earlier question - do you like it? I think it a reasonable place to start. I would suggest that you do one last check to make sure that you have room for your cleaning tools between the rocks and the glass.

Maybe move this rock? Or take it out.

 

[Peace River]

To be honest I liked my original one where I didn't have that much rock but a friend that has been in the saltwater scene awhile told me to use the rock I have.

A couple of the reasons to use live rock are for structure for make the fish comfortable and a place from the corals to “sit” on. Also, live rock is used for biological filtration. Therefore, many people - like your friend - make a recommendation for more rock. It appears that you have a HOB (hang on back) filter and not a sump so using the rock as part of the biological filtration system is a good idea. If you had a sump then you could transfer more of your bio. filtration there and go with a more minimalistic design. However, if you add too many rocks and food waste and other waste gets trapped where you can’t get to it with your cleaning tools that can also be a problem (this can also limit you from cleaning the glass in some areas). The need for caves for the fish and platforms for corals is, at least partially, dependent on what type of fish and corals that you plan to keep (remember, you can always do some redecorations later if you change the plan).

Think about both the purpose of the rock in your tank and what you think looks good to make any appropriate tweaks or changes.

 

[Jon Fishman]

I would try a "small rocks on the bottom, stack the larger rocks on top of them" approach...... get your larger rocks elevated off of the sandbed..... I love the natural look.... I like that it doesn't look like you're defying physics.

 

[Wick]

A couple of the reasons to use live rock are for structure for make the fish comfortable and a place from the corals to “sit” on. Also, live rock is used for biological filtration. Therefore, many people - like your friend - make a recommendation for more rock. It appears that you have a HOB (hang on back) filter and not a sump so using the rock as part of the biological filtration system is a good idea. If you had a sump then you could transfer more of your bio. filtration there and go with a more minimalistic design. However, if you add too many rocks and food waste and other waste gets trapped where you can’t get to it with your cleaning tools that can also be a problem (this can also limit you from cleaning the glass in some areas). The need for caves for the fish and platforms for corals is, at least partially, dependent on what type of fish and corals that you plan to keep (remember, you can always do some redecorations later if you change the plan).

Think about both the purpose of the rock in your tank and what you think looks good to make any appropriate tweaks or changes.

Thank you for this. I do have a sump and had some rock down there with chaeto but just moved it to up to. I think maybe he was saying that about the rock is for the filtration and to be able to add corrals. I can see cleaning becoming more of a pain in the butt though with the current set up.

 

[Wick]

I would try a "small rocks on the bottom, stack the larger rocks on top of them" approach...... get your larger rocks elevated off of the sandbed..... I love the natural look.... I like that it doesn't look like you're defying physics.

Thank you jon! I think it's getting closer to where is should be!

 

[Wick]

I THINK THIS IS THE ONE!!!! LOL

 

[Wick]

 

[Wick]

A

 

[Peace River]

It sounds like you are happy with it, there is room for cleaning, there is volume of rock to help with biological filtration, there are caves, and there are platforms for your coral.

Good work! It looks like you found a solid starting place!

 

[Wick]

It sounds like you are happy with it, there is room for cleaning, there is volume of rock to help with biological filtration, there are caves, and there are platforms for your coral.

Good work! It looks like you found a solid starting place!

Thank you! And thank you everyone for the feedback! Words of inspiration!

 

[Medic58]

Updated. Thoughts??!!

That looks better

 

[Wick]

That looks better

See I feel like that is overwhelming. . It was better then the first though imo!

 

[MrsBugmaster]

It is all a matter of personal preference.

 

[Rich Klein]

As was suggested earlier, I would leave room around the perimeter to be able to slide cleaning tools (mag float, hand etc). Crud builds-up quick. Especially with Acrylic, you need room.

 

[IndyReef78]

I like your final setup. I think it looks really nice!

 

[Wick]

I like your final setup. I think it looks really nice!

Thank you!

 

[Ferrell]

I’m glad I read through the entire thread. Your last scape looks great and there is room to get your cleaning tools around the outside.
The one thing I wished I would’ve done was add more flat horizontal surfaces to mount coral. I have too many vertical surfaces but I make it work