Bonsai Tree inspired Aquascape

[pompeyjohn]

Though I would say this is a tank thread for crazy4acros' aquarium, there are numerous posts in the thread from other members with biocubes, Solanas, and similar smaller cubes who've executed it.

I think it is a fair question to ask, and not off topic at all if that is what you were implying. Perhaps it was a comment on the fact that other members with x,y,z have posted in this thread. I am tired now, but I have been through the thread a couple of times and I remember seeing a few large cubes, but no biocubes or solanas.

Definitely looks a lot nicer to see a small space strategically filled with an interesting shape compared to a pile or wall of rock. The smaller the tank - the more your space is at a premium, so going smart for your scape makes the most sense

Agreed. I think it is almost a given that to achieve this sort of look will require a sump to house the majority of live rock. Many of the smaller cubes are AIO.

 

[pompeyjohn]

Well said Crab. However I do feel that my Bonsai Aquascape has been complemented by the tank size. It allows for the 3 dimension and depth of the scape to be properly viewed. My scape is not only a bottom to top scape but also a back to forward scape. One thing to remember in order to successfully pull this type of scape off, it will need to be proportional to the size of the tank so the smaller the tank the smaller your bonsai or the less space from back to front the more 2 dimensional it will look. Most of the 20-30g do not have the proper depth to enhance the scape, not saying it cant be done but it will affect the way the scape looks.

Exactly. The design is as much about the space surrounding the rock. My thinking is that creating a proportional scape in a smaller tank will be tricky because the rock will be thinner. Furthermore, most 30 gallon ish cubes need an inch or so clearance from the glass for the mag float to get around - which would compress the space in the center that the scape breathes in.

Since you have gone back to having a sand bed, have you had to dial down the flow much? and have you noticed reduced growth as a result?

 

[Crab Rangoon]

I think it is a fair question to ask, and not off topic at all if that is what you were implying. Perhaps it was a comment on the fact that other members with x,y,z have posted in this thread. I remember seeing a few large cubes, but no biocubes or solanas.

I wasn't calling you out for derailing the thread, or going off topic - I was merely pointing out that other users had posted photos of their own aquariums in this thread, but you may be right, I only recall one or two of the tanks being obviously less than 50-60gal. I should mention there are totally varying degrees of success, and that most people tend to over-do their efforts IMO, creating much too irregular/unnatural shapes. The ones who DO succeed produce quite a nice display, but as long as you are happy with the outcome & it wont topple over, that is all that matters

While I would say this "style" of aquascaping is more reliant on your open space, to help onlookers focus particularly on your rock formations - I would never say that defying gravity is a must to pull it off. Like I said, I often feel that the shapes people come up with can be too unnatural and irregular - which will catch your eye in the wrong way. For further ideas on trying your hand at this in a smaller environment, I would recommend you check local bookstores for any of the Nature World Aquarium books published by Takeshi Amano. While they ARE all freshwater tanks, and planted ones at that, he does a WONDERFUL job of illustrating start-to-finish how to approach aquascaping your tank and achieve the look you have in mind. Most of the time he is able to create an overall look that makes the tank appear many times larger than it really is - so hopefully it will give you some good ideas to start with.

The design is as much about the space surrounding the rock.

On that note, you should check out the "Thinking Negative" article that Scott Fellman posted this month. It speaks entirely on this topic of having the open space available in the tank so that eyes are drawn directly to your rock structure, and not distracted by a busy/full tank. The example used in the article is actually a 20gal tank: http://www.nano-reef.com/featured/?tank=39

 

[i2as kass]

Wow this has to be one of the nicest, most simple tanks I have ever seen!

 

[FFrankie]

Thor

Looks great Thor. Thank you for the continued updates.:thumbsup:
It looks to be getting a bit out of control though. Your supposed to train Bonsai's by trimming

 

[crazy4acros]

Thanks i2as kass, Frankie LOL you are absolutely right "Bonsai gone wild" hahahaha! I would trim but i dont think i'll have enough room in my little frag tank.

 

[kaserpick]

It's looking amazing! Very inspiring, especially since I'm out of the hobby for a bit.

Could you possibly get a top-down shot of the tank, or is the light too much in the way?

 

[crazy4acros]

Thank You kaserpick! i'll try to get one posted as soon as i can. I am currently planning some changes for the tank and i'll shoot some updated photos when i'm done.

 

[AZSW]

Umm yeah, so you can trim as much as you want, call me and poof! Instantly it will be gone LOL

 

[pdabj]

Crazy4acros, Is your water supply for your chiller go right back into the sump?

 

[fote03]

WOW Now that's a Bonsai! Great example of why you need to leave room for your coral to grow! It will fill in and look great if u give it the space a time!

 

[kaserpick]

Thank You kaserpick! i'll try to get one posted as soon as i can. I am currently planning some changes for the tank and i'll shoot some updated photos when i'm done.

I'm looking forward to it!

 

[westernreef]

Amazing tank. This is aquascaping at its best. It may not be "natural" but it conveys that impression because it allows the eye to go into those crevices, so you feel like you are diving inside a reef.

 

[pompeyjohn]

On that note, you should check out the "Thinking Negative" article that Scott Fellman posted this month. It speaks entirely on this topic of having the open space available in the tank so that eyes are drawn directly to your rock structure, and not distracted by a busy/full tank. The example used in the article is actually a 20gal tank: http://www.nano-reef.com/featured/?tank=39

Great reading. Many thanks for that.

 

[lilopop11]

Any Update ?

 

[crazy4acros]

Hey Folks, I am very sorry about the delays for replies. But here are recent shots, Changes for the tank are bare bottom, Tek Light T5 and removing/relocate some corals along with trimming. All changes are geared towards a very minimal maintenance tank.

thor

 

[yitman]

great looking tank
Why did u moved from MH ?
which bulbs are u using ?

 

[tahiriqbal]

Thanks for the update..... Tank still looks great.....

 

[sweet ride]

as always the system looks great!!!!! am also one of the hundreds of people that was inspired by this system.

quick question regarding your lighting, how long has it been since you've changed over from MH to T5. What was the initial effect on your SPS?

 

[aquasport24]

WOW awesome tank, I think it's time for an upgrade.........How do you keep your bottom so clean?