Need help with your aquascape?

[pandry15]

OK, so here is my possible scape... Honestly, I am not particularly thrilled. I have tried to follow "the rule of 3rds" and allow room for flow/cleaning. I simply think that the rock I got is too large, and limits my ability to create the scape I see in my minds eye. Any opinions?

I've seen where some folks break up larger pieces - maybe try that so you can get the smaller pieces to create the scape you envision.

 

[Streetlamp]

OK, so here is my possible scape... Honestly, I am not particularly thrilled. I have tried to follow "the rule of 3rds" and allow room for flow/cleaning. I simply think that the rock I got is too large, and limits my ability to create the scape I see in my minds eye. Any opinions?

The big issue with this for me is that it’s screaming unnatural. The way the rocks are placed would never that. Try stacking them to look natural. Try disguise the interfaces between the rocks.

 

[eggplantparrot]

what y'all think? I think I'm missing something top right, but don't have any good pieces that fit the shape.

I'd also light to put another smaller flat piece on the tallest point but again I'm out of nice flat pieces

 

[eggplantparrot]

 

[Crabby48]

I really like your scape. If I was to pick something to change it would be higher on left or lower on right. That said coral placement can be used to make the Height difference.

Well done

edit to know your tank size. Want to come and aqua scape my new build lol

 

[eggplantparrot]

I really like your scape. If I was to pick something to change it would be higher on left or lower on right. That said coral placement can be used to make the Height difference.

Well done

edit to know your tank size. Want to come and aqua scape my new build lol

it took me nearly 2 full days and 2 trips to the store (one was just to trade in most of them rock they gave me the first time) to come up with it. I thought I had a decently big tank but jeez, when I cut out the cardboard it was blatantly clear how little room I had to work with.

it is a 120cm/48'' 75 Gallon rimless, and just because of this build, I think I would have rather gone with a way bigger tank.

 

[eggplantparrot]

I really like your scape. If I was to pick something to change it would be higher on left or lower on right. That said coral placement can be used to make the Height difference.

Well done

edit to know your tank size. Want to come and aqua scape my new build lol

I am out of rock now, but will probably go grab a piece of stax just to raise the tip of the left structure a bit more and get more of an intertwined look.

 

[Crabby48]

it took me nearly 2 full days and 2 trips to the store (one was just to trade in most of them rock they gave me the first time) to come up with it. I thought I had a decently big tank but jeez, when I cut out the cardboard it was blatantly clear how little room I had to work with.

it is a 120cm/48'' 75 Gallon rimless, and just because of this build, I think I would have rather gone with a way bigger tank.

I am out of rock now, but will probably go grab a piece of stax just to raise the tip of the left structure a bit more and get more of an intertwined look.

haha yes tanks get small with rock. More room front to back on a reef tank is a good thing when aquascaping. You made great use of your tank size!

If you can’t find the perfect rock I wouldn’t worry much. Start with taller coral on that side and you could even mount coal to rubble rock for little height.

 

[Jedi1199]

I've seen where some folks break up larger pieces - maybe try that so you can get the smaller pieces to create the scape you envision.

The big issue with this for me is that it’s screaming unnatural. The way the rocks are placed would never that. Try stacking them to look natural. Try disguise the interfaces between the rocks.

Streetlamp, I completely agree! As I said, I am not happy with the way it looks in those pictures. It just looks wrong.

Pandry15, I think that is what I am going to do. It was my original plan from the start to create an NSA scape. Suffering a bit of "New tank syndrome". I finally have everything I need to get the tank going, I want to get it done. The thought of having to spend another couple weeks building the scape is kind of a drag. That said, I would rather take the time and get what I want than rush some hodgepodge together, and hate what I "settled" on.

 

[Emma_fish]

Ok so I like this scape but I want to add coral but I don’t know how to add coral to make it look nice in this particular rock shape this is my first marine tank it’s only 22 gals but I would like to get another bigger one soon or convert my 200L freshwater ? But anyways that’s ages off corals
I like BTAs especially as I have clowns it would be nice for them to host one
and I like torch corals I love Xenia’s but I’m put off by them growing so fast I also like the look of brain corals
If anyone has any ideas I would appreciate it

 

[TheWalkingCoral]

Tank is still cycling, no fish/corals yet. WDYT? My goal is to have enough room for the fish to swim around happily, enough hiding spots and room for corals. Please destroy me with feedback =D

 

[Emma_fish]

Ok so I like this scape but I want to add coral but I don’t know how to add coral to make it look nice in this particular rock shape this is my first marine tank it’s only 22 gals but I would like to get another bigger one soon or convert my 200L freshwater ? But anyways that’s ages off corals
I like BTAs especially as I have clowns it would be nice for them to host one
and I like torch corals I love Xenia’s but I’m put off by them growing so fast I also like the look of brain corals
If anyone has any ideas I would appreciate it

Here are some more pictures I have

 

[Streetlamp]

Ok so I like this scape but I want to add coral but I don’t know how to add coral to make it look nice in this particular rock shape this is my first marine tank it’s only 22 gals but I would like to get another bigger one soon or convert my 200L freshwater ? But anyways that’s ages off corals
I like BTAs especially as I have clowns it would be nice for them to host one
and I like torch corals I love Xenia’s but I’m put off by them growing so fast I also like the look of brain corals
If anyone has any ideas I would appreciate it

Maybe try bring the right rock forward a bit at an angle. The rotate the top rock down do it’s less pillar like and a more gradual slope.

 

[Emma_fish]

I

Maybe try bring the right rock forward a bit at an angle. The rotate the top rock down do it’s less pillar like and a more gradual slope.

like that idea a lot actually thanks

 

[MarineREEFpassion]

If you need an outside perspective to help with improving your aquascape, just post here a few shots of your tank, and will try my best shot at providing specific advise according to your goals for the tank.

Sometimes I can just answer here, show the alterations using photoshop or make a video.

Just post here front shots with your cellphone/camera positioned at 3 different heights (sand level, centre and water level) and also a couple of angled photos, so that I can have a better understanding of your tank's layout.

This is a subject that is surprisingly not researched by most reefers and I have given some thought and some time ago I did a similar exercise in another forum.

It's also a great way for everyone to learn from each other and see a few freshwater techniques that we can apply and also many others that are specific for reef tanks.

In the meantime, if you want some inspiration here are a few videos I made with suggestions for different tank shapes.

If you need an outside perspective to help with improving your aquascape, just post here a few shots of your tank, and will try my best shot at providing specific advise according to your goals for the tank.

Sometimes I can just answer here, show the alterations using photoshop or make a video.

Just post here front shots with your cellphone/camera positioned at 3 different heights (sand level, centre and water level) and also a couple of angled photos, so that I can have a better understanding of your tank's layout.

This is a subject that is surprisingly not researched by most reefers and I have given some thought and some time ago I did a similar exercise in another forum.

It's also a great way for everyone to learn from each other and see a few freshwater techniques that we can apply and also many others that are specific for reef tanks.

In the meantime, if you want some inspiration here are a few videos I made with suggestions for different tank shapes.

Here is a few pics of my tank. I hope you can give me some insight to a better looking and flowing set up. My tank is about 16-18 months old as it sits. Thanks for reaching out to give support.

 

[JCTReefer]

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[polyppal]

what y'all think? I think I'm missing something top right, but don't have any good pieces that fit the shape.

I'd also light to put another smaller flat piece on the tallest point but again I'm out of nice flat pieces

like it alot!

 

[eggplantparrot]

like it alot!

here's current in tank. I think I'm still going to add a tiny bit to the left structure

 

[CK00020]

Like the scape!

 

[Nano925]

Any suggestions on my aquascape?