new rockscape; what you think?

[Joeb1983]

Decided to start a second smaller slightly larger tank (46g bow) and make the transfer of livestock after it is cycled and established.

I did not want to make the same mistake as before and end up with a organized "pile of rocks" that where generally all the same size and shape, so I ordered 50 pounds of reef saver rock.

I made a cardboard template and marked the locations where the overflow, return and MP10 would go and went from there.

I tried for a natural one-piece, open flowing design to maximize space and utilize the length of the tank. Wanted to stay minimal and not be too cramped or cluttered. After about 3 hours this is what I came up with. Let me know what you think. Sorry about the pic.

 

[thegrun]

That looks great! My one concern is did you leave enough room on the sides to allow you to clean the glass?

 

[wild1]

that looks great! My one concern is did you leave enough room on the sides to allow you to clean the glass?

+1

 

[Joeb1983]

I hope so... lol! As it sits now there is about a little over an inch or so on the sides. I can always make adustments or improvise when I actually place them in the tank.

I have about the same gap between my current rock work and glass on my 36g bow and I have a smaller brush for those areas.

I actually spent some time on this rockscape like i said. The rock that was deliverd had to be broken, split, etc. to achieve the look i was going for as they were pretty large pieces. Good ol hammer and chisel.

Id love to have a larger tank, but just do not have the room where I want a tanlk. The 46 will fill the space very nicely and all my equipemnt for my 36 will work no problem seeing how its only a 10 gallon difference.

Aprreciate the replies and concerns. Very valid point.

 

[Neptune 555]

Looks great! I think your fish will be very happy!

Neptune

 

[Joeb1983]

^Thanks!

 

[Joeb1983]

Finally! Decided to go with a 45 gallon standard... Still in the process of the stand and canopy build.

 

[xkon]

Looks nice. It also looks like you JUST made it in there lol

 

[Fallling]

Looks good!

My only concern is that it is pretty darn close on the sides (I know it's already been mentioned). Cleaning the glass could be a bit tricky, but it's also not going to allow much grow out room if you plan on non-encrusting corals on the ends. Just a thought, of course

 

[Joeb1983]

Thanks! It is pretty close... lol! It should be fun.

 

[ReeferChris405]

Looks great

 

[booyaa138]

Looks good. Nice and simple

 

[whosurcaddie]

I would do something different on the left side. This will give you some room to move both sides in. If nothing is changed those sides are going to be a nightmare.

 

[Joeb1983]

Been like this for a year now. I like the way it looks. I will agree the sides are a pain, but its only a 45 and only takes a few additional minutes.

I did have to up and adjust the return and MP10 due to a dead spot in the far right corner, but other than that all is well.

 

[whosurcaddie]

Oh wow, I didn't look at the date of the thread. It got bumped yesterday. Looks great man, hows your growth coming.

 

[Joeb1983]

Coming along. I have 4 tanks and when this one is finished it will be the living room tank replacing my 36b.

The torches when I got them where only 1 head each, now they are 2-3, candy cane was 2 and now almost 8, birds-nest is about 4x larger, monti cap is spreading nicely, but not really plating and others are growing nicely.

The clown pair (phantoms) I added have really grown and the female is a big girl...

Good coralline growth on rocks for the age. I keep it off the glass and try my best to keep it off the equipment.

My oldest tank has it EVERYWHERE and its such a PITA as I'm sure you are aware. I remember when I first started and couldn't wait to have it. I would read post about how "you say that now" or "just wait" and I agree 100% lol!

Recently made the change from t5 to LED and have noticed some bleaching along with whitening of the coralline up top, but that was expected.

Other than that and what I think might be a bacteria bloom all is well.