aquascaping suggestions

[coreenm]

So, I've got a ton of new stuff in my tank, courtesy of a work bonus (yay!). I'm not really happy with my tank layout. It's very bland. You can see the whole thing in this picture (the picture is from BEFORE I added all my new purchases--wait, none of you know my husband right? He thinks I spent about $800 mwah-haha): https://picasaweb.google.com/100815726372022676378/FishTankPics#5782475748194743426

Any suggestions on how to switch it up? I've been reading up on various techniques, but so many of them involve using new rocks, prior to tank set up. I've not found anything so far about modifying the layout of an existing system.

I have a lot of Fiji rock in there, but I'd be willing to buy some dry rock like reef saver to build structures and supplement with my current live rock. Has anyone done this before? Added dry rock to the tank and just allow nature to take its course in seeding it? Would it be better to purchase some pieces and throw them in the sump for a few weeks before placing them in the display tank?

 

[Lukes_Reef]

As far as I know you have nothing to worry about when adding dry reef rock like the stuff from Florida reef cleaners because it won't cause a cycle. I would just rinse it really well to get the loose dust off of it and add it as desired.

 

[briangsxr1000]

Phosphates should be of concern if you decide on it. Read up in how to properly cure dry rock. Just throwing this out there, but I have about 30 lbs of real nice pukani rock I will be parting with soon.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

fyi

fyi

Kenya Tree and Xeniids are big time producers of allelopathic (toxic) metabolites. Any reef aquarium containing a lot of these corals can become a toxic "soup" that kills new corals.

If you're redoing the aquarium you MIGHT want to consider removing these pests... I mean corals....

 

[AmherstReef]

My tank is finally free of Xenia and Kenya Tree. And I couldn't be happier

 

[Lukes_Reef]

The rock from Florida reef cleaners won't leech phosphates. Its good stuff...Im upgrading to a 65g and I will only be using this rock.

 

[coreenm]

Kenya Tree and Xeniids are big time producers of allelopathic (toxic) metabolites. Any reef aquarium containing a lot of these corals can become a toxic "soup" that kills new corals.

If you're redoing the aquarium you MIGHT want to consider removing these pests... I mean corals....

LOL. I've tried, ha. I do routinely cull down their populations. Unless I tossed all my rock and started fresh, I don't think I'd every be able to actually eliminate them. I don't mind their appearance in low volumes though.

 

[coreenm]

Phosphates should be of concern if you decide on it. Read up in how to properly cure dry rock. Just throwing this out there, but I have about 30 lbs of real nice pukani rock I will be parting with soon.

Why are you parting with it?

 

[emm0909]

Coreenm,
Treat yourself to a new stack and plan on spending a few hours on it. Get the corals out, pull your rock and just start restacking. Maybe use it as a good chance to put fresh sand down. Stacking rock is definitely a talent that you have to slowly get better at.

It'll feel like a brand new tank.

EDIT:
I think what I said above is basically repeating your first post. I would open your stack up as much as you can. Use your small rocks on the very bottom. Place three in a triangle pattern and put a larger rock on top of it. Then put two small rocks near by, balance a rock on that and lean it up against your first pyramid. You'll get a feel for it. It'll open up the rock work to allow fish to swim and water to flow freely all around and it looks nice. Don't leave a rock in place unless it is pretty sturdy. Stack crashes can be the worst and can come at the most inopportune times.