I recently set up a Red Sea Peninsula 500 (105 gallon DT), and my primary rock structure--pictured below--is cemented together and resting on the glass bottom. This is my first reef tank. I wanted a unique, open structure for what will be mixed reef with several elevation changes for coral placement, plus swim-throughs for fish. I also wanted to minimize the footprint to keep detritus build-up at a minimum (currently this entire structure sits on six contact points that each have a small footprint) I used 80 lbs of dry rock, so less than the rule of thumb of 1 to 1 1/2 lbs/gallon, so I could add more. I initially wanted to keep two larger, open sand areas for any corals that might sit directly on the sand, plus I like the clean look of open sand. I had two questions for the group (including any general comments):
Thank you!
- I have just completed my cycle, so I'll be gradually adding fish (after a quarantine) over the next several months. My fish plan includes a couple of clowns, a lawnmower blenny, a few anthias, a goby or two, cleaner wrasse and 2-3 tangs. Does my set up appear to have enough hidey holes for the fish, or otherwise create the environment that will make it a successful reef?
- If you think I might need some additional rock, any thoughts on placement--i.e., build up more under the arch placed next to the overflow; place a piece or two in the large, open area at the end of the tank; fill in the sand "lagoon" that you see towards the right in pic 1; etc.? I'm not necessarily looking to add more unless it will create a better environment for the fish and corals.
Thank you!
