Need help with aquascaping

Rideoute · Jan 9, 2020

I'm getting more rock hopefully this weekend but I really need aquascape help. I'm not happy with my current setup. Only problem is I cant move the bubble tip (it's very happy there) and all corals except the small zoa frag are attached to rock. I've attached photos of entire tank and sections as well as close ups of coral. Pardon the unhappy coral I just added and rearranged rocks.

Looking to buy more shelf like rock this weekend to add to it but any ideas on how to make it more seamless and pretty?

S.Pepper · Jan 9, 2020

I would just add on to what you have and not worry about moving rock other than that white looking rock. it looks out of place. That's where I would put a piece of shelf rock. If I had to do it over again, I would have a lot more independent rock than having them connected; It works great for ricordea, favia, acans, etc. GL. Become one with your creative side.

Rideoute · Jan 9, 2020

The white is new. Theres star polyps attached. Hoping they will take it over

S.Pepper · Jan 9, 2020

Rideoute said:
The white is new. Theres star polyps attached. Hoping they will take it over

From what I've heard, you'll have no problem with them "taking over." I just got a couple frags today, but they won't be going on any rock. I'm placing them on the back glass of my tank.

ScottB · Jan 10, 2020

If you look back through this thread you will find that a lot of folks are going with the Island approach. In a tank of that length you could easily do three. Make them slightly different heights. Stagger them a bit avoiding symmetry. Make the “channels” between them angle in different directions. The tallest should be just more than half the height of the tank. Go back a few pages and see if you see something you like and play around.

Westside Guy · Jan 10, 2020

I totally agree that you need more rock. My personal taste leans toward deeper caves and some higher structures.
The white rock will change color over time so don't worry about that point.

siggy · Jan 10, 2020

Did you look at the aquascape forum? There are some good tips. I think two islands would be a good start maybe one in a semi circle. My first tank was rearranged a half dozen times so.....Best of luck

jcolliii · Jan 11, 2020

I dig what you have on the left side and on the right side. What are your plans for corals? I have found that with SPS, you need less rock than you think you do. Were this my tank, I'd keep the structures on the two ends, and take that middle bridge and add it to one of the two side islands as a floating (bonsai) extension. They're pretty easy to assemble using zip ties, superglue, and JBJ waterweld - all of which can be had at Menards or home dumpster. Nearly all of my favorite scapes have an uncluttered look and less rock with a lot of white sand space. Anyhow, my two cents.