Opinion on rock placement - Islands or walls

[AZBigJohn]

My new tank has a nice footprint. It is basically 2' wide by 6' long, and 30" tall.

I have always used an "island" approach in other tanks (two or three structures, centered front to back, to allow swimming room around all sides. That sometimes limits coral placement, but I have always liked the open look.

As this tank is bigger, and only viewable really from the front, I am considering building my rockwork up against the back wall, thereby allowing more rock, and potentially allowing for "cove" structures to allow areas for more shelter from flow...

Flow in the tank will be a Gyre 250...

What do you think...

No pictures yest, as I have not begun building structures yet...

 

[gtp0083]

I just re scaped today went with what looks like a wall but is actually two islands haha. We will see how it works out

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[AZBigJohn]

I just re scaped today went with what looks like a wall but is actually two islands haha. We will see how it works out

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It is centered front to back, right? Nice structure, with lots of depth!

How big is the tank?

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[gtp0083]

It's a standard 29g glass. It's mostly centered, just tried to make sure there was room for my magnetic cleaner all around it. Also was trying for minimal shadows because my lighting isn't the strongest.

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[gtp0083]

Oh and thanks for the compliments!


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[gtp0083]

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[BobthePhotoGuy]

My personal preference is to make a cove. Kind of a u-shape with the rock, it feels more active and interesting to watch. Make a lagoon or cove in the middle of the tank with some caves to let the fishies swim through.

 

[Vanpire]

Islands.

 

[Stolireef]

I'd avoid stacking against the back glass since it limits your ability to clean back there. I love the cove idea. Basically a U shaped setup with low and high points.

 

[spscrackhead]

Islands

 

[jporter]

John, if you have access to a saw, try to make a level cut on any base rock to sit flat on the glass. I made two islands on my current tank out of just 6 good size rocks. I used 1/2" acrylic rods to anchor them together. A masonry drill bit will make short work of the rock and allow the rods to slip in and then you can epoxy or cement the in place. I taped a template on a fold up table outside and played with various layouts until I was satisfied. I removed one of the island yesterday as I tear down this tank. I was surprised how well it was still holding together after 6-7 years underwater. Take your time with it. JP

 

[Stolireef]

Jeff. What kind of saw did you use for the base rock. I'd think you'd need a band saw.

 

[Vanpire]

Jeff. What kind of saw did you use for the base rock. I'd think you'd need a band saw.

A bandsaw is ideal but I have also used a diamond blade with my circular. Worked pretty well. I image that you can use a similar blade on a table saw.

Bandsaw would be the safest though.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Whirlwin...PIPHorizontal1_rr-_-300771548-_-300801938-_-N

 

[jporter]

Jeff. What kind of saw did you use for the base rock. I'd think you'd need a band saw.

Alan, The base rock wasn't cut. I simply drilled into it to position the rocks on it. It was pretty much oval and bigger than a dinner plate. I glued two acrylic rods into it for structure stability. I am looking to use the blade mentioned above to cut the rock down for the new display. Can I borrow your saw? JP

 

[Stolireef]

I don't have a bandsaw but I know there's one floating around out there somewhere. Your welcome to use either my table saw or my circ. saw. I'd bet a masonry blade with go right through the rock (it's pretty soft, kind of like cinderblock). I actually have an old masonry blade that will fit the circ saw. I used it to cut ultraboard for a floor underlayment. The only down side is the amount of dust compared to a bandsaw.

 

[dvu]

Here is mine. Hope it helps with planning. Almost ready for corals. PATIENCE. :spin3:

It's a 55g corner tank


Purple coralline algae is starting to grow and spread on the rocks

 

[epon]

islands wall (there's 3):

 

[evolved]

Marco rock sells a box of "prime cuts" where one side of the rock is sliced flat. Sounds like it would cover what you're after.