How can I improve my aquascape?

[djryan2000]

This is what I have in my new tank

My goal was to take advantage of the entire depth and height of the tank considering my 20 long was 3 inches longer.

Looking at it today I don't think I can really place corals back because the rocks "œbridging" the front and back base rocks are tall.

These are the rocks I have at my disposal

Any advice from better aquascapers? Should I keep as is?


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[Bernie21]

I think you have a nice foundation there. Maybe corals filling it in would address what you're looking for.
I think you have most section of the front view touched. Perhaps you can emphasize a bit more on the front bottom right, with a column. The back top right with another mound that is visible above whatever you do in the front bottom. Lastly, maybe add a arch or ledge from the bottom front left, to the top back left.

You don't have to do all of them or any, just a couple suggestions to play with. I know I don't like cluttered, so I enjoy some negative space. Try it out and see if it works.

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[djryan2000]

I think you have a nice foundation there. Maybe corals filling it in would address what you're looking for.
I think you have most section of the front view touched. Perhaps you can emphasize a bit more on the front bottom right, with a column. The back top right with another mound that is visible above whatever you do in the front bottom. Lastly, maybe add a arch or ledge from the bottom front left, to the top back left.

You don't have to do all of them or any, just a couple suggestions to play with. I know I don't like cluttered, so I enjoy some negative space. Try it out and see if it works.

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Thank you! I'll definitely play around and give all of these a try.

The rock from my old tank has been sitting out for almost 24 hours now.. I'm guessing I need cure it before I put it in the tank to try your suggestions?


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[Sk8r]

I'd move the righthand top rock down to bridge between the yellow rock and the righthand white rock, leaving a spire jutting upward and changing your caves from making a face, to having a cave that's not in plane with the others. Symmetry (the lamp and table at either end of the couch) is not always the best thing when making an arrangement in nature.

 

[Bernie21]

I agree. I'm not a fan of symmetry. But also not crazy about lopsidedness. Something in the middle, I'd call off-symmetry.

As far as your other rocks. It depends on a few things. What do you have in the tank already? Is the current rock cured? What percent of rock has been out, vs what hasn't? Can you afford a small spike or not? Can you cute those other rocks apart?

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[kfisc]

What about drilling, then supporting them dramatically using acrylic dowel rods? You could achieve some gravity-defying effects.

 

[cvrle1]

What about drilling, then supporting them dramatically using acrylic dowel rods? You could achieve some gravity-defying effects.

This is what I did. Masonry bit and fiberglass rods (driveway marker from home depot) Then used quikrete hydraulic cement to hold 2 piece in place. You could also use gel superglue and accelerator for smaller pieces.

 

[Shobloth]

Minimal contact with bottom is best. I have 6-8 points touch the bottom

 

[djryan2000]

I'd move the righthand top rock down to bridge between the yellow rock and the righthand white rock, leaving a spire jutting upward and changing your caves from making a face, to having a cave that's not in plane with the others. Symmetry (the lamp and table at either end of the couch) is not always the best thing when making an arrangement in nature.

Grrrr it's just a little too short to reach.


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[djryan2000]

I agree. I'm not a fan of symmetry. But also not crazy about lopsidedness. Something in the middle, I'd call off-symmetry.

As far as your other rocks. It depends on a few things. What do you have in the tank already? Is the current rock cured? What percent of rock has been out, vs what hasn't? Can you afford a small spike or not? Can you cute those other rocks apart?

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This tank was set up with the livestock transferred from my old tank. All of the dark rock in the photos has been in my old tank for a few months. The white rock is man made dry lock I had lying around. Almost all the rock has been out - with the exception of the rock in the tank.

I don't think I can have an ammonia spike - I have fish and shrimp in the tank currently. No corals or nems yet.

I can't cut them - I don't have the tools available at my house unfortunately


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[Sk8r]

I don't secure my rockwork, never have. I stack it underwater (rocks 'change weight' in water in really strange ways. This gives me the freedom to change it to break up fish territorial fights, or to support a coral. Gradually as corals take over, this gets harder. But still do-able.

As for your current (won't reach) problem, this is why I tuck old broken bits in the sump. Now and again you can shove a little 2" rock into a really useful spot as a support. Fear not---over time, you will accumulate these bits.
.

 

[Bernie21]

This tank was set up with the livestock transferred from my old tank. All of the dark rock in the photos has been in my old tank for a few months. The white rock is man made dry lock I had lying around. Almost all the rock has been out - with the exception of the rock in the tank.

I don't think I can have an ammonia spike - I have fish and shrimp in the tank currently. No corals or nems yet.

I can't cut them - I don't have the tools available at my house unfortunately


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You can start adding the rocks in piece by piece over a few days at the base once they're all in there and have been in, then start playing with adding them to the main structures.

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[djryan2000]

I don't secure my rockwork, never have. I stack it underwater (rocks 'change weight' in water in really strange ways. This gives me the freedom to change it to break up fish territorial fights, or to support a coral. Gradually as corals take over, this gets harder. But still do-able.

As for your current (won't reach) problem, this is why I tuck old broken bits in the sump. Now and again you can shove a little 2" rock into a really useful spot as a support. Fear not---over time, you will accumulate these bits over time.

Thank you!
I think I'll be able to do that with some of the rocks from my old tank - I'll have to get them back into a bucket for a while and then I'll use it for support.


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[djryan2000]

You can start adding the rocks in piece by piece over a few days at the base once they're all in there and have been in, then start playing with adding them to the main structures.

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Thank you!


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[Bernie21]

Thank you!


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Be sure to share when you finish and have a scape you like!

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