Tips for first time aquascape in IM 15g cube

[The Deaf Reefer]

Hi,

I recently picked up my IM 15g cube a couple days ago and got over 10lbs of rocks to make my scape for the tank

The bigger piece of cardboard is the surface area of the tank

What tips or things I should take in consideration when doing a scape?

 

[Anemone_Fanatic]

When I aquascape a tank, my first priority is hiding space for fish. The best way to do this is to place rocks so that there are plenty of cracks between them. Proper hiding spots are essential so that fish will not be stressed, and so that they can create territories. My second priority is that no rock is touching the glass. Once these two things are accomplished, it is up to personal preference. I also like to have some smaller islands on the sand for GSP and mushrooms. I hope that this helps!

 

[doubleshot00]

Leave room on the sides so you can scrape the glass. I have the same tank.

 

[bradreef]

I would break the rock up into smaller pieces and glue it into shapes, cave, and hangouts for coral. I used superglue and baking soda to glue pieces and it is super strong. I then put glue and dust from the broken rocks.

Good video here

 

[bradreef]

Check out this company on the gram for ideas. Just a random find.

https://instagram.com/aquaticaptitude?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

 

[The Deaf Reefer]

When I aquascape a tank, my first priority is hiding space for fish. The best way to do this is to place rocks so that there are plenty of cracks between them. Proper hiding spots are essential so that fish will not be stressed, and so that they can create territories. My second priority is that no rock is touching the glass. Once these two things are accomplished, it is up to personal preference. I also like to have some smaller islands on the sand for GSP and mushrooms. I hope that this helps!

For sure for hiding spaces for fish ... what is the proper size hole for fishes to get in?

Leave room on the sides so you can scrape the glass. I have the same tank.

How much space between the glass and rock?

I would break the rock up into smaller pieces and glue it into shapes, cave, and hangouts for coral. I used superglue and baking soda to glue pieces and it is super strong. I then put glue and dust from the broken rocks.

Good video here

Oh boy... smash the rocks up Lol (nervous)

 

[doubleshot00]

At least 1.5”-2”. IDK what scraper your going to get.

 

[kevgib67]

For sure for hiding spaces for fish ... what is the proper size hole for fishes to get in?



How much space between the glass and rock?


Oh boy... smash the rocks up Lol (nervous)

Well that looks really good. I think you have met all the criteria!

 

[The Deaf Reefer]

At least 1.5”-2”. IDK what scraper your going to get.

Yeah don't know on the scraper yet

Well that looks really good. I think you have met all the criteria!

Lol thanks.... first setup lol.. I put a few loose rocks to have a deeper cave on the right side

 

[bradreef]

Looks fine to me. I would still glue some of it for more stability.

 

[V A R I A N T]

Leave room for your algae scraper, leave room IF you want to keep a clean back wall, don’t feed the urge to take your rock to the top, leave room for coral to grow upwards, if you’re going to have zoas consider a zoa island, don’t leave any rocks to chance by propping them up, glue main structures so they don’t topple over, break up your rock into manageable pieces, and think scale as the IM 15 is a nano that needs nano sized rocks for everything to remain in proportion to each other.

 

[The Deaf Reefer]

The highest point of the structure is 8"

A little nervous to break into smaller rocks lol

 

[CoastalTownLayabout]

Try and create your scape with light intensity, flow and corresponding coral placement in mind. Create zones for specific LPS, soft or SPS coral needs, thinking about easy attachment. If you don't mind plugs then drill some holes to make it easy, particularly on more vertical faces. Assuming you're not going to have a heap of fish in your 15g so you probably don't need to go mad on the caves and arches.

 

[The Deaf Reefer]

What is the optimal max height should the rockscape be?

Whatever height from the top of the tank and down should have no rock

 

[The Deaf Reefer]

Definitely a bit stumped on the best use of limited space for corals and fishes to hide/swim

 

[The Deaf Reefer]

What do u think of this scape?

The first picture is the front view... just want to show u the main structure with the a couple hiding spots before putting the island in front that block the view

The blue part of the island is the area I have to chip off in order to fit in the tank

 

[Homewrecker]

So I've always been a sucker for what I call the "pride rock" design with aquariums this shape. Try to give it a good base and try to go slightly taller than half the tank if possible with somewhat of a flatter shelf on top(but more leaned back so that it doesnt cast a shadow that bad).
I cannot wait to see what you do with this tank!

 

[The Deaf Reefer]

So I've always been a sucker for what I call the "pride rock" design with aquariums this shape. Try to give it a good base and try to go slightly taller than half the tank if possible with somewhat of a flatter shelf on top(but more leaned back so that it doesnt cast a shadow that bad).
I cannot wait to see what you do with this tank!

Wondered if I should trim a little from the rock close to the back wall... a little slimmer

 

[Homewrecker]

Wondered if I should trim a little from the rock close to the back wall... a little slimmer

If possible and you can make it almost flat basically it really helps in the long run I think

 

[RRsNano]

The length of that tank doesn’t look like 15” (front glass)? Is it just the angle of the pic?