I absolutely suck at aquascaping

[cvrle1]

Played around some more with the 1st structure. Got idea of seeing if I can build some sort of asymmetrical cove out of it. Here is what I came up with so far







There are 2" on all sides between structure and panel, so that there would be water movement, and so that acrylic cleaner can be used. Structure is almost 1/2 the tank height wise. One thing I am not sure is about water movement inside the cove. I will be using 2 gyre XF230s, so it should give me enough movement to move detritus as so on.

I also started playing with idea of doing "bonsai tree" structure on the left







Idea is to add 2 more longer "branches" so one would reach rule of 3rds point top left. Not sure how this will all work out, as i just started.

Any feedback critique, info is more than welcome.

[LifeIsGreat]

I like it, fills out the space better and has more of a 3D feel than your first go. I'd be gluing or pinning the vertical structure for sure. If you use cement on the rocks be aware that the cement will raise the PH of your water to lethal levels for about 2 month while it is curing, then a 100% water change will be needed. I cure cement in fresh water for 2 months then drain and switch to salt water. Glue will give you faster results.

[Ryan]

If I were you I would make sure there is minimum 6inches of space between your rock and the acrylic. You have to factor into account any coral then room nonstick your hand in there to clean the glass. All sides.

[Ryan]

Originally Posted by LifeIsGreat

I like it, fills out the space better and has more of a 3D feel than your first go. I'd be gluing or pinning the vertical structure for sure. If you use cement on the rocks be aware that the cement will raise the PH of your water to lethal levels for about 2 month while it is curing, then a 100% water change will be needed. I cure cement in fresh water for 2 months then drain and switch to salt water. Glue will give you faster results.

This is only true if you use cement not meant for your tank. Use reef safe cement like Fijicrete and you wont have to worry.

[Ryancw]

http://https://www.jlaquatics.com/aq...1500-gram.html


i just used this stuff and loved it. very similar to fijicrete

[cvrle1]

Originally Posted by Ryancw

http://https://www.jlaquatics.com/aq...1500-gram.html


i just used this stuff and loved it. very similar to fijicrete

Thats precisely what I planned on using

Originally Posted by Ryan

If I were you I would make sure there is minimum 6inches of space between your rock and the acrylic. You have to factor into account any coral then room nonstick your hand in there to clean the glass. All sides.

Not sure if this is really feasible in most tanks, as it means that out of 18" I have in width, I can only use 6". It also means I would lose a whole foot length wise as well. I read 2"-3" is fine, but truth be told this is the 1st time I heard of 6" (not saying you are wrong, just a 1st for me)

[cvrle1]

After spending some time and looking at that cove, I decided that I dont like it at all, and that its not doing anything for me. Back to square 1, At least I know what I dont like, so its a start.

[Ryancw]

Originally Posted by cvrle1

After spending some time and looking at that cove, I decided that I dont like it at all, and that its not doing anything for me. Back to square 1, At least I know what I dont like, so its a start.

That will happen a few more times too. keep at it.

Another thing to try... google images your tank dimensions. ex. 60x20x20 aquascape or 5' aquascape. or just google the rock type your using for ideas.

[Ryan]

Originally Posted by cvrle1

Thats precisely what I planned on using



Not sure if this is really feasible in most tanks, as it means that out of 18" I have in width, I can only use 6". It also means I would lose a whole foot length wise as well. I read 2"-3" is fine, but truth be told this is the 1st time I heard of 6" (not saying you are wrong, just a 1st for me)

Stop and think about it. Your coral on the rock can easily stick 2-3 inches past the rock, more if you get into SPS or LPS down the road. Then add the thickness of your hand while scraping. You can build it however you want, it's your tank, but I'm telling your from experience to give yourself plenty of room for general maintenance on the tank.

[Frogger]

As I stated at the beginning no one plans on getting aiptaisa, bubble algae, vermetid snails, really bad cyano, hair algae, a fish that eats your corals, a coral you don't want anymore or a whole host of other problems. Once you glue your rocks together you are stuck with that problem. There are a ton of threads on CanReef or Reef2Reef about reefers having to completely dismantle their tanks because of these problems. Being able to pick a rock up and remove it from your tank the instant you see some of these problems is a life saver. Also not glueing your rocks together allows you to make adjustments in the future because corals are growing together and stinging other less aggressive corals.

If you really feel you have to glue them together then use a little reef safe epoxy that can be easily pulled apart in the future when needed.

Nice structures are cool at first, once your corals get growing the corals quickly cover your structures and those holes that you created magically disappear. Ideally you need your rocks to allow you to present your corals in the best possible way. Think of the rocks as a kind of shelving units to display your art. This is the mistake I have made multiple times in the past.