Scaled critique??

Cbones1979 · Jul 22, 2020

So building a 45 gallon that is 24 inches high. Didn’t want a ton of negative space on too half of tank. This is one side using dry rock. Any ideas or suggestions?

Fred2482 · Jul 22, 2020

looks neat

Cbones1979 · Jul 22, 2020

Fred2482 said:
looks neat

First real attempt. Old tank is basically a rock wall in a 20 gallon

Waters · Jul 23, 2020

Looking good....reminds me of an antennae

I personally would remove the very top section above the first ledge. It becomes pretty skinny to the point where it will be hard to make that space usable for all except encrusting coral. Anything substantial up there will just shade the ledge beneath it. Maybe use that rock to add some varying pieces sticking out of the arch so it doesn't look too man made if that makes sense. Just my opinion of course!

Cbones1979 · Jul 23, 2020

Waters said:
Looking good....reminds me of an antennae I personally would remove the very top section above the first ledge. It becomes pretty skinny to the point where it will be hard to make that space usable for all except encrusting coral. Anything substantial up there will just shade the ledge beneath it. Maybe use that rock to add some varying pieces sticking out of the arch so it doesn't look too man made if that makes sense. Just my opinion of course!

Yeah I’m having issues using the height of this aquarium well.

Cbones1979 · Jul 23, 2020

Cbones1979 said:
Yeah I’m having issues using the height of this aquarium well.

Do you mean the rock tower out of the shelf rock? Like make branches coming off it?

Waters · Jul 23, 2020

Cbones1979 said:
Do you mean the rock tower out of the shelf rock? Like make branches coming off it?

Yeah, kinda. I would remove the second half of the tall tower, and just use those rocks around the bottom arch section to make the arch "less perfect". Just play around with those couple of rocks and keep moving them around the arch (even possible on top of the arch to the right) until it looks good.

madweazl · Jul 23, 2020

What are your plans for the tank? If you want corals, I'd definitely leave the top half of the tank free of rock because they will quickly take up that "negative space." If no corals, go with whatever pleases your eye.

Cbones1979 · Jul 23, 2020

madweazl said:
What are your plans for the tank? If you want corals, I'd definitely leave the top half the of the tank free of rock because they will quickly take up that "negative space." If no corals, go with whatever pleases your eye.

I currently have a bunch of euphilia and lps. Haven't done sticks yet but i'd imagine those would fill in the top. I didn't want to do SPS until I was fine keeping other corals first. Was just worried i'd have a foot of negative space above this tank that I was trying to use.

Waters · Jul 23, 2020

Cbones1979 said:
I currently have a bunch of euphilia and lps. Haven't done sticks yet but i'd imagine those would fill in the top. I didn't want to do SPS until I was fine keeping other corals first. Was just worried i'd have a foot of negative space above this tank that I was trying to use.

That foot of negative space will give you plenty of room for growth or, at the very least, room for the fish to move around. Some of the best reef tanks are very minimalist.

Cbones1979 · Jul 23, 2020

Waters said:
That foot of negative space will give you plenty of room for growth or, at the very least, room for the fish to move around. Some of the best reef tanks are very minimalist.

I’m noticing that. Now have to figure out what to change

madweazl · Jul 23, 2020

Elongated, lower structures, that are placed at an angle in the tank can help provide a sense of depth within your aquarium.

sp1187 · Jul 23, 2020

I like it. stay high. part of my scape breaks the surface. my nems love hanging out there. it also hides my return and one of my gyres. if it isn't cemented together yet, rotate the left side foot towards the center so it's in the light so you can add corals there.

Cbones1979 · Jul 23, 2020

sp1187 said:
I like it. stay high. part of my scape breaks the surface. my nems love hanging out there. it also hides my return and one of my gyres. if it isn't cemented together yet, rotate the left side foot towards the center so it's in the light so you can add corals there.

Thanks man

actually changed a bit as my wife saw a bonsai ish setup and loved it...so one side bonsai