Thoughts on Rock Scape

[thekikster]

Hey Guys, Just set up a 20 Gallon High tank with a HOB Aquaclear 70 modded to be a refugium. So i just wanted to get yours guys opinions, thoughts, or ideas about my rock scape. Im feeling a bit iffy about it and wanna see what some other people think. Thanks

 

[cdness]

I like the caves and it looks like you have some interesting pieces to work with... However from the pic it looks like the rocks are just barely holding into their place. Also if that is the case, it looks like you put the sand in before the rock. Due to water flow and sand dwelling creatures, the sand can move around a bit. If the rocks are not super solid, you could cause a rock slide (I learned this one the hard way)

When it comes down to the aquascape, it is all personal preference. If you are "iffy" about it now, you will be "iffy" about it later and will want to change it. It doesn't have to be perfect the first time as it will not be overgrown with corals immediately. Tweak it as you see fit until it is visually appealing to you. Think about placement of corals as well as swimming room for your fish. Sit down in the different chairs in the room and see how it looks from different angles.

If you want my personal preference and opinion I truly believe that less is more when it comes to aquascape. Keep it simple and have lots of open space. Caves, islands, and pillars are great ways to create a structure that is perfect for corals while leaving the open space that will keep your fish happy.

 

[thekikster]

Thanks you make a lot of great points. I did put the rocks after the sand so ill sure to dig them in a little bit. I'm definitely leaving the little arch and I guess ill work around that maybe break up some of the other bigger pieces

 

[jedidad]

It also looks like you have some rock leaning on the glass. I would recommend against this because you won't be able to clean the glass around it without moving the rock.

 

[1fishmonger]

+1 on rock away from glass. The arches are cool but how about one main arch with a 'livable' cave for your future fish?

I can see it with the pieces you currently have. If numbering the pieces.. Move pieces 1, 4 and 7. If you rotate #7 90* to the left, you'll get some natural caves under that piece. You can make the caves bigger by propping it up with those smaller, unnumbered pieces.

I think you'll get it

 

[thekikster]

Thanks guys, ill play around with it later when i get home.

 

[Rockadile]

To me it looks like you have some pretty large pieces for the size of canvas you have to work with. I would think about breaking some apart, a lot of times you will get some really great pieces this way and un seen holes.