ReefingHavoc
Member
Thanks for posting this. I've been using the rule of thirds in photography for some time but never thought to use is in aquascaping.
Tips and Tricks on Creating Amazing Aquascapes
- Thread starter Veganbrian
- Start date
I have thoroughly enjoyed this thread...read the whole thing over the past week for inspiration.
My new 150 gallon tall (48x24x30") is being delivered and set up this afternoon so I've been playing around with my aquascaping. Here is what my high level intention looks like...
Tough to see but there are some alcoves in there.
Ideally I would like to create depth and have a lot of open sand bed and negative space. I have a lot of large rocks that I may need to break down (I still have three more pieces of LR in my QT tank and I am receiving 10# audio ally in my setup to seed my dry rock). My intention is to utilize as much of the 30" vertical column and leave a minimum of 6" from the top of the rock formation to the water level to allow for coral growth (SPS in the upper portions of the tank). My biggest concern is maintaining stability while achieving the height I desire. I may use some water weld to epoxy the structure together.
I will be cutting the egg crate down to size for my two individual formations to minimize dead areas throughout my sand bed.
My new 150 gallon tall (48x24x30") is being delivered and set up this afternoon so I've been playing around with my aquascaping. Here is what my high level intention looks like...
Tough to see but there are some alcoves in there.
Ideally I would like to create depth and have a lot of open sand bed and negative space. I have a lot of large rocks that I may need to break down (I still have three more pieces of LR in my QT tank and I am receiving 10# audio ally in my setup to seed my dry rock). My intention is to utilize as much of the 30" vertical column and leave a minimum of 6" from the top of the rock formation to the water level to allow for coral growth (SPS in the upper portions of the tank). My biggest concern is maintaining stability while achieving the height I desire. I may use some water weld to epoxy the structure together.
I will be cutting the egg crate down to size for my two individual formations to minimize dead areas throughout my sand bed.
iCraigerz
New member
I was wondering if I could possibly get a little more clarification on what exactly is "the rule of thirds"? I've been through this whole thread numerous times but I'm still not sure I completely understand. One thing that I'm absolutely uncertain on is how to make your scape hit those four points as mentioned in the OP.
aleithol
New member
"Rule of Thirds" is typically referred to in photography but applies to lots of artistic endeavors including aquascaping. In your mind, think of what you're looking at as having 9 sections... Put two vertical lines at equal distances, and two horizontal lines at equal distances -- that creates the 9 sections I referenced earlier. Now, think about where those lines interesect... Those are the four points being discussed and are the visual sweet spots... If that does not help enough, try THIS Wikipedia definition which includes a visual representation.
Vadafallon
New member
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This is my current setup, but things have fallen etc. So its time to redo it all. I need some help on a few things. Need suggestions too. I think i might put the mp10s on the back wall to get them out of view as much as possible. Not sure what to do with my return lines other than running them down behind some rock or something. I want to use as much rock as possible while still creating a minimalist looking landscape. With that being said i thought about doing a wall on the back but i think that would take away from the look. So i would like to make as many caves as possible and maybe even one of the structures reaching out of the water. Thoughts?
I will be using a combination of the rock in the tank and some that has been bleached, cured and all that jazz. What would my best practice be for that? Take out the rock i want to use, create my structure and then put it in a trash can to cure and cycle before i put it back in the tank? Or should i not even both with that?
There will be no fish in the tank as i am giving my clowns away. They are to mean and happy and will kill anything i put in. I do have two cleaner shrimp though and i am worried if i leave them in there they will die from all the stuff floating around or i might squish them. I think i might put them in my 10 gallon rescue tank with my cardinals until i get everything done.
This is my current setup, but things have fallen etc. So its time to redo it all. I need some help on a few things. Need suggestions too. I think i might put the mp10s on the back wall to get them out of view as much as possible. Not sure what to do with my return lines other than running them down behind some rock or something. I want to use as much rock as possible while still creating a minimalist looking landscape. With that being said i thought about doing a wall on the back but i think that would take away from the look. So i would like to make as many caves as possible and maybe even one of the structures reaching out of the water. Thoughts?
I will be using a combination of the rock in the tank and some that has been bleached, cured and all that jazz. What would my best practice be for that? Take out the rock i want to use, create my structure and then put it in a trash can to cure and cycle before i put it back in the tank? Or should i not even both with that?
There will be no fish in the tank as i am giving my clowns away. They are to mean and happy and will kill anything i put in. I do have two cleaner shrimp though and i am worried if i leave them in there they will die from all the stuff floating around or i might squish them. I think i might put them in my 10 gallon rescue tank with my cardinals until i get everything done.
AIO big tank
AIO big tank
Hi,
starting to plan my big tank in new house, 2 visible sides (well 2nd long side too, but still not decided if place it as a wall, or more inside the room with just maintenance walking path behind it).
The main big coral hill I am planning to push little more to the back, but I cant draw very well and my plans keep changing.
DSB will be covered with bigger crushed corals to limit access for sand sifting stuff, growing these LPS and zoas and various button type polyps on it.
What would you improve from aesthetics point of view?
AIO big tank
Hi,
starting to plan my big tank in new house, 2 visible sides (well 2nd long side too, but still not decided if place it as a wall, or more inside the room with just maintenance walking path behind it).
The main big coral hill I am planning to push little more to the back, but I cant draw very well and my plans keep changing.
DSB will be covered with bigger crushed corals to limit access for sand sifting stuff, growing these LPS and zoas and various button type polyps on it.
What would you improve from aesthetics point of view?
Fail_sh3d
New member
I like it.
Kweli
New member
I would remove the circular rocks in the center of your structure. Allows for more flow and gives the structure a bigger perceived size
KCFITZ78
Top Prospect
The center area is still something I am playing with as I want to give a small cave or overhang in this area. The main reason for the center rocks is to give a secure foot for the big mass of pukani rocks.
There is another angle I though I took a picture of... will post it later I guess.
Thanks for your input Kweli :thumbsup:
Josh40996
New member
I am trying to aquascape a 54g corner tank and was hoping I could get some help/reviews.
Any comments would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Yeah, I agree. Add some height to the right side. Starting slightly higher than the left side and working down to the front
Bilk
New member
I have to get some pics later, but I just moved some things around. I needed better flow and sometimes I think that's either overlooked or not considered over the appearance of the placement in the tank. I also think some may forget fish live in these tanks as well.
After moving the rocks, which allowed better flow, the fish responded better as well. They moved their normal hangout spots and found new bolt holes and such. It's actually been pretty interesting to observe their change in behavior.
After moving the rocks, which allowed better flow, the fish responded better as well. They moved their normal hangout spots and found new bolt holes and such. It's actually been pretty interesting to observe their change in behavior.
Bilk
New member
Narrow tanks are always difficult and the center overflow generally makes it even more so. Then we always try to hide it with a pile of rocks in front, further narrowing things down and complicating the flow.
You can try two things. One is to forget about trying to hide the overflow and just accept it's there and make two distinct structures. Maybe also abandon trying to go vertically unless you're committed to bonding the rocks together or getting larger pieces. A low rockscape can be nice too instead of a wall of rocks. It also provides lots of surface area. It will look uninteresting until it's populated with corals and fish swimming above them.
The other option is to fully cover the overflow with rock and make little ledges where corals can be mounted and leave both sides free for some corals to be placed on the substrate - some LPS or even gorgonians where they will vertically fill the tank.
Edit: I want to add, if you feel you need more rock for bio-filtration, they can go in the sump. All the rocks don't need to be in the display.
Hope those provide some inspiration
