Feedback on Rock setup and question

[Chicagoreef2016]

Some basics on my setup: 60 gallon cube, eschopps sump in wall behind tank, tank will stay in the corner of my office as you can see in the pics. I am happy with my overall rock formation and do not want to change it after hours of fiddling with my arrangement. That being said I have 2 main questions:

1. Is the overall height of my rock formation high enough for my cube (24 inches high)? If not should I try using PVC to raise it up and hide the pvc with small rocks? Ideas are appreciated.
2. Should I black out 1 or both of the sides that are facing the walls the better blend in the corner overflow?

Thanks! This is my first build and it has taken me 3 months just to get to this point, but have been enjoying every minute of it.

 

[farfromsea]

I would paint both sides that are touching the walls so that you can hide those cords that are hanging down. If you just did one it would be weird anyways. The rock structure seems fine not a lot of different "caves" just one big cave for the fish but it is nice. I would rotate it so it faces whatever the front of your tank is.

 

[SeattleReefer]

rockwork looks great, the wall behind is distracting--> paint the glass

 

[thegrun]

I also like the rock, but be sure you leave at least 3" off any viewing glass panel so you can clean the glass. I agree that I would paint the sides close to the wall.

 

[polaravic]

Just to be picky, I would like to see more depth and more use of the tank by taking that top right rock separated a bit and put higher up or joined up with that rock on the bottom - somehow.

It does look pretty good the way it is - just being picky.

polaravic

 

[Chicagoreef2016]

Just to be picky, I would like to see more depth and more use of the tank by taking that top right rock separated a bit and put higher up or joined up with that rock on the bottom - somehow.

It does look pretty good the way it is - just being picky.

polaravic

thanks for the feedback so far. I will paint/get the sticky black film for the two sides facing the walls. I will try a couple diff configs of the rocks based upon recommendations, I may need to get one more bigger piece to make it happen.

 

[Bl4ckDr4g0n]

Your rocks are obstructing your powerheads, you should paint the two sides black and move the powerheads further up

 

[billdogg]

I like the general layout as well. My only real concern will be getting flow to the inside area. It looks like it could end up being one large "dead" spot. I would paint both sides against the wall. IME, anything you tyr to stick to the back will eventually separate from the glass, at least in places leaving bubbles in the backing. Paint won't do that and can be easily scraped off should the need arise.

In looking at the shot under the tank - I would try to make it so that there is a continual downward slope to the sump.

Can't wait to see it up and running!

 

[Chicagoreef2016]

I like the general layout as well. My only real concern will be getting flow to the inside area. It looks like it could end up being one large "dead" spot. I would paint both sides against the wall. IME, anything you tyr to stick to the back will eventually separate from the glass, at least in places leaving bubbles in the backing. Paint won't do that and can be easily scraped off should the need arise.

In looking at the shot under the tank - I would try to make it so that there is a continual downward slope to the sump.

Can't wait to see it up and running!

Good point on the dead spot, I will really have to focus on that with my powerheads somehow. I have read that paint flakes more and that it isn't a good solution "long term". I will talk to my lfs and see where they weigh in as well.

 

[BigEZ77]

Agreed on the dead spot. Also, perhaps more large holes in the rock for fish to swim thru as they mature.

 

[TauntingBeef]

nice aquascape

 

[billdogg]

One of my tanks was painted when I set it up new, in 1987 or so. It hasn't flaked or chipped at all, so I'm not too sure where you heard that from. Perhaps from the sellers of backgrounds?

As for the dead spot (area?) If you open up a couple spots and point a powerhead or two towards them that will help to provide flow to that area.

 

[Chicagoreef2016]

Here is an updated pic for the background after painting both sides, ordered another large rock from BRS so waiting on any adjustments on the aquascape.

Thanks for all of the recommendations.

 

[Cthehentz]

Looks great, just make sure it's stable and solid.

 

[Pigpen17]

Yeah, that looks very nice.