Please help me create DEPTH in my tank! SPS

[Miami Reef]

I’m building a new tank within 2-3 months. It’s a very exciting project.

Here’s the tank dimensions: 96x24x26 (LxWxH)

I found my inspiration and I want to closely replicate this design:

Here’s my future tank in a 3D drawing:

And here was my attempt at replicating that scape in my current tank. The issues with this current set up was that the tank had a very narrow width and very tall height. It was very difficult for me to understand how to create depth.

To me, my current scape looks very 2D and that wasn’t my goal. My current tank dimensions are 96x24x33 inches. So the main difference is that my new tank will be slightly shorter in height.

This is my current tank with the 2D scape.

 

[Miami Reef]

I have a few questions:

1: Would breaking the boulders into smaller pieces make it easier or more difficult in creating depth?

2: I have rock glue and sand which creates an extremely strong bond. Would this project require the use of glue, or is it more of a stacking with gravity project?

I am willing to put in all the effort to make it look nice and artistically pleasing. Thanks in advance!

 

[Lavey29]

Looks like a great project. The reason I opted not to glue all my scape together was if I ever have to move stuff or lift a rock to get a fish etc... moving one rock or two is easy. Moving 100 pound pile of glued epoxy rocks would be challenging.

 

[ChiCity]

since you are utilizing substrate…
a good way to create depth is to have the sand really shallow in the front of the tank and then have it gradually rise as you work toward the back of the tank.
this simple move would add the perception of depth to your tank.

of course, you still have to work on that rock work….
but this ought to make it easier to get right.

 

[Miami Reef]

Looks like a great project. The reason I opted not to glue all my scape together was if I ever have to move stuff or lift a rock to get a fish etc... moving one rock or two is easy. Moving 100 pound pile of glued epoxy rocks would be challenging.

Agreed. Even if I choose to glue, it would need to be glued in smaller pieces that will be stacked in the tank because my tank will have the bracing on the top.

Ooh, I just had a phenomenal idea. I can use cardboard and drawn out the tank dimensions. I can stack the rocks in the formation I want, then glue it into smaller sections. Transferring that scape would be super easy.

For the sand: I was thinking of a large grained substrate that will lightly cover the bottom for aesthetics. It will need to be larger than special grade because it really moves a lot in my modest flow tank.

 

[Miami Reef]

since you are utilizing substrate…
a good way to create depth is to have the sand really shallow in the front of the tank and then have it gradually rise as you work toward the back of the tank.
this simple move would add the perception of depth to your tank.

of course, you still have to work on that rock work….
but this ought to make it easier to get right.

Great idea!

 

[Lavey29]

Agreed. Even if I choose to glue, it would need to be glued in smaller pieces that will be stacked in the tank because my tank will have the bracing on the top.

Ooh, I just had a phenomenal idea. I can use cardboard and drawn out the tank dimensions. I can stack the rocks in the formation I want, then glue it into smaller sections. Transferring that scape would be super easy.

For the sand: I was thinking of a large grained substrate that will lightly cover the bottom for aesthetics. It will need to be larger than special grade because it really moves a lot in my modest flow tank.

Only problem I have heard about going to large of grain in years substrate is detritus getting in the gaps.

 

[Miami Reef]

Only problem I have heard about going to large of grain in years substrate is detritus getting in the gaps.

I was planning on blasting the substrate with a strong pump to dislodge it before the water change. And to make the detritus go into the overflows.

 

[Miami Reef]

Update. I just found this scape from Roberto’s tank. Wow. I think I may just replicate this design. I like the island look so much!

It looks similar to the first picture, but the depth is just stunning.

Edit: adding more ideas for the future…

 

[sp1187]

i have a few questions.

what live stock do you intend to keep? (corals, inverts and fish)

wondering why you are going to a shorter tank.
you can do so much more with a taller tank.

if you want depth, front to back, work at angles.

 

[Miami Reef]

i have a few questions.

what live stock do you intend to keep? (corals, inverts and fish)

wondering why you are going to a shorter tank.
you can do so much more with a taller tank.

if you want depth, front to back, work at angles.

I am keeping it lightly stocked. I already have the fish that I am going to stock the tank with. 3 tangs (they are peaceful) a moorish idol, and a few wrasses.

Taller tanks are not always the better option. It’s very difficult to glue corals and clean around the system. I also didn’t like my current tank because it’s difficult to stack the rocks high up while also achieving depth. I like shallower tanks more.

 

[Miami Reef]

For corals. I am planning only sps.

 

[flashsmith]

Aquarocks. They can custom design anything you want.

 

[ying yang]

If doing 2 rock islands then you can create a snake-ing / meandering sandbed path network them as looks like the path goes off into the distance creating idea of depth.
Also positioning your corals will be key with either knowing or have experience of what corals grow fastest/ most bushiest/ highest and the likes and place accordingly

 

[sp1187]

Aquarocks. They can custom design anything you want.

do it yourself with pvc and two part called Free Form Habitat Black or Free Form Habitat Fire Safe depending on your color choice.

 

[sp1187]

I am keeping it lightly stocked. I already have the fish that I am going to stock the tank with. 3 tangs (they are peaceful) a moorish idol, and a few wrasses.

Taller tanks are not always the better option. It’s very difficult to glue corals and clean around the system. I also didn’t like my current tank because it’s difficult to stack the rocks high up while also achieving depth. I like shallower tanks more.

i'm in the "likes taller tanks" group.
i don't stack rocks, i create aquascapes.
i prefer to hide everything that isn't reef related.... overflows, returns, gyres.
never had a problem gluing in frags. i use 18" SS tongs and a step bench.

 

[flashsmith]

do it yourself with pvc and two part called Free Form Habitat Black or Free Form Habitat Fire Safe depending on your color choice.

Not everybody has ninja skills..

 

[sp1187]

Not everybody has ninja skills..

it ain't that difficult.

 

[ying yang]

Had quick google search to try show you what I meant but ran out time to find one.this sort if what I mean but imo have the path more diagonal/ meandering rather than just front to back and imo I would put rocks little higher and have one the rocks less rocks at front then more at back going diagonal to create the path

 

[sfin52]

Looks like a great project. The reason I opted not to glue all my scape together was if I ever have to move stuff or lift a rock to get a fish etc... moving one rock or two is easy. Moving 100 pound pile of glued epoxy rocks would be challenging.

Make the structures in 10 -15lbs structures that interlock together. I would never glue more than that. Hard to move and become heavy.
Here's one I made 12-13lbs