10' Pond Build

HPark said:
More of a curiosity question than a practical one as it would have significantly increased the costs - did you (or have you) ever consider installing a viewing panel to get a more straight-line view?

I have a shallow tank that's better viewed from the top - I actually like the view but there are times I wish it was more like a tv :lmao:

One of my favorite projects on reefcentral, thanks again for sharing.
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Thanks!!

When I was planning out my build, I was looking into installing an acrylic viewing window in one of the sides. I decided against it, as I was weighing out the benefits versus potential issues that it may cause. I don't think it would have bumped the costs up too much, but cutting a window into the liners would have really increased the risk of having a leak. I figured that since you would pretty much have to be laying on the floor to see through it (pool is only 30" deep), it wasn't worth the risk. Still thinking about doing a Go-pro on the other hand...
 
CuzzA said:
Dude that is sweet. I can't wait to see this thing in a year or so. I vision that palm tree will be 3 to 4 times the size, mangroves getting bigger and just a really cool reef that incorporates a lot of different zones we can't possible do in a tank. I do agree some more rock is needed along the outside and perhaps some more submerged rock piles. Then all you need is a parrot on the palm tree, a corona and some Bob Marley. :)
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Ha! Already have the Coronas and Bob Marley covered! lol! It's definitely a work in progress!
 
Decided to have another go at the 'scape over the weekend. Wasn't too keen on the look of the big central island, plus the fish seemed uneasy and pretty much stayed within the rock work.

I combined the atoll with the island, and this is what I came up with.

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from last night... water is clearing up, sharks out and about.
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took this one this morning.

Since the re-do, most of the fish have been a lot more active and out in the open. I built a big overhang/ledge in the back for the sharks to shelter during the day. With the center island, the sharks hid behind the pump housing most of the time, but now have a larger, more suitable spot.

I relocated the chromis to my reef tank when I did the central island, and really missed having a group of shoaling/schooling fish. Thought that a small school of 15 Mono argentus would be a good fit. Will grab some pics of them soon.

Also added a couple Bougainvillea plants to the island. I kept them potted, and buried the pots in the sand. When I re-did the island, I worked it so half of the island contains dry sand for the Bougainvillea and palm, and half wet for the mangroves.
 
Thank you :) I think I'm finally happy with it!

The one issue that I have now is that flake/floating pellet foods will settle on the island (same as when it was in the center). I think that a few fiddler crabs should sort that out.
 
Wow I just found this thread and it is amazing. I love the combined atoll/island, its the best of both worlds. You've created a pretty amazing habitat. I'd love to see the mono argentus school, love monos.
 
mnkykng77 said:
Love the new aquascape! It gives the pool a new dimension/look.
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Thanks :) Lots more that I can do with it now! Ordered a few more mangroves the other day, and am thinking about trying a few photosynthetic gorgonians in the high laminar flow area. Can always move them to my reef if it doesn't work out.
 
JamesHolt said:
What are you using as far as heaters??
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My basement stays fairly warm (70-72 degrees or so). I keep the pool at 75.5, and I found that it doesn't take much to get it there. In the cooler months, I run 3 200W Cobalt Aquatics Neo-Therm Heaters (in the sump), and can get by with just 1 or 2 in the summer. I take the temperature readings from the pool it's self versus the sump. The pool is pretty well insulated, which I'm really glad that I decided to do. Keeping the right temp was one of my bigger concerns when I started this project.
 
ShadowRancher said:
Wow I just found this thread and it is amazing. I love the combined atoll/island, its the best of both worlds. You've created a pretty amazing habitat. I'd love to see the mono argentus school, love monos.
Click to expand...

Thanks for taking a look at my thread, and for the compliments! Still need to take a few pictures of the monos. So far, they have been sticking close to the high flow area, so it's tough to get a clear shot. I'm sure that they'll be a lot more active once they get settled in.
 
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