New to Reef tanks, Wanting some creative help

Colorado Coral · Nov 8, 2017

Hi guys. I'm new to the world of reef tanks. I've had various fresh water tanks in the past, but have always wanted a saltwater tank. Upon getting a new job, low and behold one of my new co workers has had a tank for years. So he has helped me greatly, as well as countless hours on R2R and advise from my LFS. I have a 90 gallon display, with a 30 gallon sump under it. All done by myself with my friends help of course! I've had the tank up about 6 months now, (plus 6 weeks cycle at the start). I'm fighting diatoms, but I feel like that is normal. Here is what I was wondering. I see a lot of tanks that have been photo shopped to show some corals and options for aqua scape. Would anyone be willing to do that for my tank? What I would like is to see different coral placements with the rocks I have, as well as Possible other rock scapes? I know this is a major undertaking, so I understand if its too much to ask. I know I dont have the skills, or a computer, or the program, so here we are. Thanks for taking the time to read this! Look for pictures soon!

dbl · Nov 9, 2017

Can't help directly, but looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

Colorado Coral · Nov 9, 2017

Thanks! It's hard to figure out aquascape. Especially being a first timer.

dbl · Nov 9, 2017

Colorado Coral said:
Thanks! It's hard to figure out aquascape. Especially being a first timer.

Yes it is. Let's see if reading through this thread can shed a little light on the subject for you.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/tips-and-tricks-on-creating-amazing-aquascapes.97209/

Susan Edwards · Nov 10, 2017

I don't think this is anything anyone can do for you because so much depends on your system such as lighting and flow. Where I might place a coral might not be the place it will be happy. I take full shots of my tank and then go into a program I use, mostly to tag the corals or to make notes where to try a coral. I use this mostly for when I go to the lfs so they can see what I got and maybe where a particular coral might be placed. I probably could put an image there to see but in reality, it is probably a waste of time and effort. I just updated my thread today with a full shot tagged if you want to see what I mean. I can place images there just as easily (except for cropping and clearing backgrounds on images which take forever) to "test" spots but I find just having this image printed and in my purse is helpful enough.

Basically, just figure what you want, start on the sandbed (unless they need high light) and move them around. Take full tank shots with your phone camera and print or show your lfs when you go shopping. Most really like to see what they are working with when you ask questions. I use corel draw and paint shop pro for graphics. They are lower end programs but powerful.

Salty1962 · Nov 11, 2017

Throw together some ideas here and we'll help where we can

TangingOut · Nov 11, 2017

Can't help as I don't really know what you're looking for, but you're profile pic is awesome.

Colorado Coral · Nov 13, 2017

TangingOut said:
Can't help as I don't really know what you're looking for, but you're profile pic is awesome.

Thanks!

Susan Edwards · Nov 13, 2017

I saw a picture a couple days ago of someone who took a picture of their tank and drew outlines around sections of rock (added fill to the outlined areas to make them solid--hiding the rocks) and wrote in his plans like "Zoa garden" "Euphilia area" etc. That way he at least had a plan or an image in mind of what he wanted the tank to look like. You can do the same by printing and either pasting solid paper on top and writing on it or just drawing your outlines and using stickies or writing on the map.