In Serious Need of Critiques Please?

[lifeoffaith]

You will want more surface space on the top and sides of the rock that can allow for coral mounting down the road. The other thing that I think others were getting at is the lack of "dimension." You basically have a wall right now. I'd move some of it around to give some dimension from front and back and also height, just to make it look a little more natural. Dimension front to back will also create more coral mounting spots because it will give you more ledges. For long tanks like yours, I do like the idea of separate islands like suggested above as well. It's a learning process, and over time you'll learn more about what you do and don't like, but the other thing I'd be worried on this setup is of rock falling (right now it just looks tall and thin and a little less stable than I'd be comfortable with). Welcome to the hobby, have fun!

 

[christopher.513]

You do what you do Michelle

 

[PatW]

Your scape is not that bad. It has some good points. It offers hiding places which fish need. It is open and looks like it has good flow. The lack of depth in your tank limits your scape.

I think if you break up the scape some by using negative space (open areas), it will be more pleasing. You also want it to be a bit asymmetric but balanced.

 

[Martini5788]

55 gallon are really difficult. It's important to develop some kind of flow and depth. I would make 2 islands, dense in the back with caves where the
Lights will create some shadows making it seem deeper than it is. Then have some rocks that come out from the main structures and gradually come down and end very close to the front glass on the sand bed, in an angle. Maintain that angle in both islands with an area of empty sand in between the islands.

the clownfish screwed up my sand bed but usually that rock is covered more( forgive the hair algae, having nitrate issues). Painting the background black also helps create depth

 

[E572]

Here is mine I just started the same tank it looks like.

 

[mwminer]

Do what you like and change it until YOU. Like it.

 

[Sinocard]

Do what you like and change it until YOU. Like it.

This.

Though, I highly recommend not having that huge pillar of rock smack dab in the middle. You're going to need to make a nice rock base for it, otherwise something WILL push it over and smash out the front or back of your tank

 

[MichelleMas]

Thank you all so much for your help and advice. I did get the tank to where I was happy with it. I will post an updated picture this evening when I get home....I have also added some friends to the tank since my last picture :spin1: