How to aquascape a 40g tank?

brooke.belanger · 02/06/2014, 02:34 PM

Recently I upgraded to a 40g tank (previously had a 20g marine tank). So far all I have is a small amount of crushed coral for the substrate as well as probably 10 pounds of rock. It used to be live rock but I got it from someone who took down their reef tank a while earlier. Anyways, I am getting some more crushed coral as well as some more dead rock as well as live rock.

My question is how should I aquascape it? It is going to be visible from two sides as it is in a corner, and it is more tall than it is long.

I also plan on getting some corals further in the future, but would rather get things going well before I try doing that.

greaps · 02/06/2014, 03:22 PM

I am into minimalist aquascapes from an aesthetics stand point. I'm not as much into rock wall or pile styles, nothing against them they are great for placing coral, and more rock does generally equal better filtration.

For your scenario I would build a peninsula of rock that starts high and gradually descends towards the viewing angle, or possible 2-3 sets of islands, the biggest farthest away getting smaller to the viewing angle. This will allow for great viewing from the two open sides. I would keep the rock lifted, by that I mean up off the bottom as much as possible, the less rock that is pressed / buried into the sand the better flow and less detritus that will be trapped. Keep the rocks off the tank walls as well, leave space for mag cleaner and vacuuming.

The rest is just doing in, be creative, take your time, don't be afraid to cut or chisel your dry rock to make it more functional or unique. Caves can be cool, ect, do what you like, but remember to think ahead for possible coral placements and viewing. Some lights, mainly puck style LED's, that have a single light source ( direction ) caste a lot of shadows. Keep that in mind with the rock layout.

Congrats on the upgrade, I just made the same move myself, 20 gallon high to 40 breeder. Loving the extra room.

snorvich · 02/06/2014, 03:56 PM

I too am a minimalist. So good advice above.

sponger0 · 02/06/2014, 04:13 PM

First advice, get sand, not crushed coral

brooke.belanger · 02/07/2014, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sponger0

First advice, get sand, not crushed coral

Why no crushed coral?

02/06/2014, 02:34 PM	#1
brooke.belanger Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 10	How to aquascape a 40g tank? Recently I upgraded to a 40g tank (previously had a 20g marine tank). So far all I have is a small amount of crushed coral for the substrate as well as probably 10 pounds of rock. It used to be live rock but I got it from someone who took down their reef tank a while earlier. Anyways, I am getting some more crushed coral as well as some more dead rock as well as live rock. My question is how should I aquascape it? It is going to be visible from two sides as it is in a corner, and it is more tall than it is long. I also plan on getting some corals further in the future, but would rather get things going well before I try doing that.

02/06/2014, 03:56 PM	#3
snorvich Team RC member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Outlander Posts: 40,953 Blog Entries: 46	I too am a minimalist. So good advice above. __________________ Warmest regards, ~Steve~

02/06/2014, 03:22 PM	#2
greaps Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 500	I am into minimalist aquascapes from an aesthetics stand point. I'm not as much into rock wall or pile styles, nothing against them they are great for placing coral, and more rock does generally equal better filtration. For your scenario I would build a peninsula of rock that starts high and gradually descends towards the viewing angle, or possible 2-3 sets of islands, the biggest farthest away getting smaller to the viewing angle. This will allow for great viewing from the two open sides. I would keep the rock lifted, by that I mean up off the bottom as much as possible, the less rock that is pressed / buried into the sand the better flow and less detritus that will be trapped. Keep the rocks off the tank walls as well, leave space for mag cleaner and vacuuming. The rest is just doing in, be creative, take your time, don't be afraid to cut or chisel your dry rock to make it more functional or unique. Caves can be cool, ect, do what you like, but remember to think ahead for possible coral placements and viewing. Some lights, mainly puck style LED's, that have a single light source ( direction ) caste a lot of shadows. Keep that in mind with the rock layout. Congrats on the upgrade, I just made the same move myself, 20 gallon high to 40 breeder. Loving the extra room.

02/06/2014, 04:13 PM	#4
sponger0 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Virginia Beach Posts: 6,659	First advice, get sand, not crushed coral