Suggestions for a reef rock scape

BountyHunter · Sep 18, 2018

Hello fellow reefers.
I am very new to the salt water scene, been a freshwater guy for several years. So I am learning as I go along by reading here and experienced input from others.

Looking for some constructive input and ideas on building my new rock scape.
My tank is an Ocean View 130 gallon seamless bow front which is still under construction.
My intentions are making it a reef with coral and fish.

Dimensions are:
13o gallon
4' wide
21" front to back at the widest part of bow ( not including what space the center overflow will take up)
29 1/2" height

My head is spinning for ideas, Please....... My thoughts are starting my cycle with DRY rock... I like the very porous styles of rock such as the Marco and Pukani varieties ... My LFS has a nice deal on Indonesian reef rock which is also very similar in style and in the budget.

My questions are:
How much should I put in? pounds recommended.
How high can I go without making the tank look too crammed with rock. I will be adding corals at some point in time.
Looking to have hideouts and maybe an arch in the scene.

Pictures, Photoshop ideas are welcome.

Thanks!!!!

NY_Caveman · Sep 18, 2018

I would recommend 100-130 pounds of rock (75-100% per gallon). I am also a big proponent of live rock. Nothing can replace the diversity of real ocean rock. Basic tips for placement I would say avoid vertical and horizontal lines and keep the height about 2/3 the height of the tank for the largest structure.

Here are some really good videos for getting ideas. They are pretty short and full of good layouts

Reef aquascaping video series

TheWalkman99 · Sep 18, 2018

Also just got into the saltwater scene and everyone recommended dry rock to me since I don't have any experience in dealing with the pest that come with live rock.
The rule of thirds is king!
Your tank is so tall you can try and do some Columns by securing rocks together just saw someone do an awesome job with columns resently

MamaLovesHerReefTank · Sep 18, 2018

Welcome to R2R. If you're not sure what kind of aquascaping you want, this forum has a great thread with a ton of pics and lots of great advice. https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/tips-and-tricks-on-creating-amazing-aquascapes.97209/ There is another thread where you can post pics of what you come up with and ask for other members opinions. https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/need-help-with-your-aquascape.385531/ What it all comes down to is what is right for you. You will be the one looking at your tank and maintaining it. Ask questions, there's always someone around willing to help. Great forum to be on.

BountyHunter · Sep 20, 2018

Design #1

Critique please.

The photo makes the rock look it is touching or over the tape on the right side but it isn't.

This rock design is approx. 14 1/2" high.

Overall tank height is 29 1/2".
Will have approx. 1/2"-3/4" of live sand.
Will eventually introduce Corals and Fish too.

Thanks.

TheWalkman99 · Sep 20, 2018

Like the arch in the middle

BountyHunter · Sep 20, 2018

Forgot to mention this is 100lbs. of rock.

Geebs19 · Sep 20, 2018

I like the look, the only thing I can see you having an issue with is coral space, doesnt look like much room in the middle of the rock work to place frags. Looks like placement would only be the very top or bottom.

MamaLovesHerReefTank · Sep 22, 2018

Looking at your top down picture I have to agree with @Geebs19. If you have some smaller rock, might I suggest putting some in the sand in front? You could also try making 2 separate structures and making one lower than the other.

bhuyett · Sep 23, 2018

My suggestion is to research the Rule of 1/3's and build structures vs a mound of rocks. Remember "Less is More".

BountyHunter · Sep 23, 2018

Design #2......

Critique please..

Same about of rock but trying the 1/3 rds. suggestions.

Overall tank height is 29 1/2".
Will have approx. 1/2"-3/4" of live sand.
Will eventually introduce Corals and Fish too.
Tank is 130 gallon seamless bow front.

bhuyett · Sep 23, 2018

I like where it is going now. My suggestion would be to make either your far left or right structure the tallest, then go down in size with each structure.

BountyHunter · Sep 23, 2018

bhuyett said:
I like where it is going now. My suggestion would be to make either your far left or right structure the tallest, then go down in size with each structure.

I like that idea.. I was only trying to make the middle structure larger to kinda block out the center overflow. So, how about the archway? On the left or still in the center but smaller?

Geebs19 · Sep 23, 2018

I actually think that looks really good. The reason to make the right or left bigger is to draw the attention away from the center of the tank

BountyHunter · Sep 23, 2018

Okay... my thoughts were to hide the center overflow.. but maybe that's not really an issue..

Michael Llabona · Sep 23, 2018

BountyHunter said:
Okay... my thoughts were to hide the center overflow.. but maybe that's not really an issue..

You can always put encrusting/plating coral on the overflows. On my next build I'm thinking of gluing a whole bunch of rubble rock to the overflow to make a column. Only problem is it's kind of permanent. Just an idea

Todvod · Sep 23, 2018

I think you did a good job with both. For design 1, I really like the left side through to the arch. Experiment with removing the rest; maybe a separate island that is quite smaller than the other side. That island piece would really pop. For design 2, I would experiment with varying heights of the 3 structures as well as shifting the center one a little to right or left so that it doesn’t divide the tank in 2 halves. Great first attempts.

BountyHunter · Sep 24, 2018

Okay, Design #3 is now in the tank......

Critique please.

I'm kinda liking the middle and right side.. If anything maybe reduce the left side down a level. ???

NY_Caveman · Sep 25, 2018

BountyHunter said:
Okay, Design #3 is now in the tank......

Critique please.

I'm kinda liking the middle and right side.. If anything maybe reduce the left side down a level. ???

I think you are correct about the left side. The height decline is too exact right now.

BountyHunter · Sep 25, 2018

Yeah.. I'm not done rock scaping yet... Lots of ideas going through my brain. Couple days of work here and then I'll be back in the tank Thursday and Friday moving rock around..
Just ordered a RODI last night so I won't get water to the tank till next week. But I think I'm all setup and ready with everything.