how does my aquascape look?

fishkid6692 · 09/30/2009, 09:45 AM

i really want to keep the open look but i was thinking about adding a little more rock. should i leave it the way it is or add some more rock? if you think i should add more specify where you think i should add it. thanks.

downhillbiker · 09/30/2009, 10:03 AM

I would use more rock. I would also get different shaped pieces, maybe a couple flat pieces. If you are dealing with a small tank I would spend the money and get the best pieces you can possibly find. Those rocks seem kindof round and plain to me. I am not bashing by any means, I am just trying to be honest and give you some ideas.

Here is a pic of my 200g, I know you dont have the same amount of space, but you can do something similar, with nicely shaped pieces of rock. I would try to find some flatter rocks to throw in the mix. I really like the look of lace rock, and it is really cheap too. It's not live, but it will be after it is seeded by the other rock.

fishkid6692 · 09/30/2009, 10:08 AM

it's not a small tank.

it's a 180g. 4' by 3' by 2'. and money isn't a problem but i want a "simple" aquascape. each of those rocks is about 30 pounds. i don't want to redo my whole aquascape though i just was thinking of adding more rock. thanks for the input!

JeF4y · 09/30/2009, 10:12 AM

LMAO.. pics are deceiving. I was thinking it was like a 20L too.

If you want to go simple & open, you have it. I personally prefer more rock where I can place corals and where fish can swim under and THROUGH things. Can't really tell if that's possible with what you have.

What are your thoughts on stocking for corals or fish? That may very well drive your rockwork.

downhillbiker · 09/30/2009, 10:14 AM

oh, lol. didn't realize it was a 180g. for some reason the pic made it look like a 40 breeder. your tank has very similar dimensions to mine. mine is 4' x 3' x 27". I totally understand you wanting a simple aquascape. If you enjoy it leave it alone. I personally would like having more arches and I would take the piece of tonga and mess with it a little more.

fishkid6692 · 09/30/2009, 10:19 AM

i might make a few more caves but it's hard to see in the pic but i have caves all over the place. the rock itself has huge deep holes where my angel hides. and for stocking i have- tigerpyge angel, candy basslet, bluespotted jawfish(pair), and a twin spot goby. i may get a gem tank in the future but for now thats it. i think the tank looks so small in the pics because the rock is so big ha.

fishkid6692 · 09/30/2009, 11:40 AM

anyone else?

sra127 · 09/30/2009, 11:48 AM

is it a fowlr? or you adding some corals? i would add some shelf pieces and maybe another large base rock, make it like a large swim thru cave with real estate on top for corals...

fishkid6692 · 09/30/2009, 11:55 AM

it's going to be SPS dominated. and i like that idea! i'm going to go see what i can do now. thanks!

usefulidiot213 · 09/30/2009, 12:03 PM

I like it. I like the rock island look. Does keep the tank less bunched up and better depth.

amkelly802 · 09/30/2009, 12:09 PM

Where did you order that tank? It is in the relative size of what im looking for as well

Kieth71 · 09/30/2009, 12:20 PM

I just redid mine here is a pic.As you can see i like arches

uR_a_frag · 09/30/2009, 12:21 PM

Looks good, but I would take that branch in the middle out. It looks a little off to me, other than that looks nice.

fishkid6692 · 09/30/2009, 02:19 PM

the branch looks good in person. it helps with depth i think too. and the tank was built by coast to coast aquariums. they do amazing work! great customer service too. i couldn't have asked for a better tank builder! i added a few pieces of rock. i'll post pics in a sec.

fishkid6692 · 09/30/2009, 02:44 PM

my tigerpyge loves this new cave.

i made this little pile of rocks because i want to get a pair of mandarins in the future so i figured this would be a copepod heaven ha.

i also scatterd little chunks of rock around and it makes it look more natural.

luther1200 · 09/30/2009, 03:18 PM

I one of you side pictures there is an open area, it looks like the front left side if you were looking at the tank from the front. I would try to put a rock there and somehow make either an archway or just like a rock wall, so it kind of curves a little. I think it looks OK so far, but you have that great depth from front to back that you can really work with. But I also like tanks that have a lot of the sand bed showing so I wouldn't cover it up either. But if it was me I would try to make the most of the depth.

Dizzle63 · 09/30/2009, 03:23 PM

I think it looks awesome! I love open look though. You could add another pile up front like was mentioned earlier for some type of encrusting coral, such as zoas, montis, or chalices.

lordofthereef · 09/30/2009, 03:23 PM

+1 on more rock, unless you really like the minimalistic look. Seems there are two groups of people, those who like lots of rock and those who like a little. That being said, I feel too much rock can look pretty bad too.

Carlos Arouche · 09/30/2009, 03:54 PM

Just wait your corals to grow... there will be no more rocks to see !

danzx · 09/30/2009, 03:57 PM

i think you should add some more rock and stand up that long branch like pice you have in the middle so you can see it better, i also think with the more rock you should try to make caves its cool to see fish swim in and out of them plus makes them feel sacure

fishkid6692 · 09/30/2009, 06:53 PM

thanks for all the input! i really want to keep it minimalist thats why i left the front pretty open.

upster · 10/01/2009, 04:49 PM

I really like the two island idea. You could also try constructing a ramp off of the right side down to the sand and put some zoos on it or something or make an sps "bridge."

Looking great!

lietz06 · 10/01/2009, 06:29 PM

I would say add a little more rock...but like you said you like minamlistic but here's a couple things maybe you could try and see if they look like how they look in my head, lol! I think you should have the two islands attached across the top and see how it looks instead of 2 islands it'll be like one big cave-if that makes any sense. I really like my cave...I wanna add another one on the other side actually...and more importanly the fish looove the cave, lol. You said that there are lil caves in the rocks...but that looks good in my head, lol! Maybe see if you could find a long, arched piece of rock to put across the top...also good room for corals! I also think you should play with the piece in the middle a little. Like you said it looks different in person so if you really like it leave it there...but maybe just play with it and see if you see anything you like better. don't forget to keep updating us

09/30/2009, 09:45 AM	#1
fishkid6692 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: danbury, CT Posts: 3,193	how does my aquascape look? i really want to keep the open look but i was thinking about adding a little more rock. should i leave it the way it is or add some more rock? if you think i should add more specify where you think i should add it. thanks. __________________ ~matt~ Current Tank Info: 180g - 4' by 3' by 2'. bubbleking mini 180, apex controller, (2) vortech mp40's, phosban reactor, geissmen moonlight fixture

09/30/2009, 10:03 AM	#2
downhillbiker Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 2,831	I would use more rock. I would also get different shaped pieces, maybe a couple flat pieces. If you are dealing with a small tank I would spend the money and get the best pieces you can possibly find. Those rocks seem kindof round and plain to me. I am not bashing by any means, I am just trying to be honest and give you some ideas. Here is a pic of my 200g, I know you dont have the same amount of space, but you can do something similar, with nicely shaped pieces of rock. I would try to find some flatter rocks to throw in the mix. I really like the look of lace rock, and it is really cheap too. It's not live, but it will be after it is seeded by the other rock. __________________ The friendliest GIANT you'll ever meet. Current Tank Info: 200g Marineland Deep Dimension (Lumenmax Reflectors/Dual PFO 400w/Radium 20K) and 2xFrag Tanks (One TEK T5 fixture and one MH, Galaxy/Phoenix) on same system w/100g sump w/6"x100g DSB, AquaC EV-1000 Skimmer, Reeflo Barracuda return pump

09/30/2009, 10:08 AM	#3
fishkid6692 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: danbury, CT Posts: 3,193	it's not a small tank. it's a 180g. 4' by 3' by 2'. and money isn't a problem but i want a "simple" aquascape. each of those rocks is about 30 pounds. i don't want to redo my whole aquascape though i just was thinking of adding more rock. thanks for the input! __________________ ~matt~ Current Tank Info: 180g - 4' by 3' by 2'. bubbleking mini 180, apex controller, (2) vortech mp40's, phosban reactor, geissmen moonlight fixture

09/30/2009, 10:14 AM	#5
downhillbiker Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 2,831	oh, lol. didn't realize it was a 180g. for some reason the pic made it look like a 40 breeder. your tank has very similar dimensions to mine. mine is 4' x 3' x 27". I totally understand you wanting a simple aquascape. If you enjoy it leave it alone. I personally would like having more arches and I would take the piece of tonga and mess with it a little more. __________________ The friendliest GIANT you'll ever meet. Current Tank Info: 200g Marineland Deep Dimension (Lumenmax Reflectors/Dual PFO 400w/Radium 20K) and 2xFrag Tanks (One TEK T5 fixture and one MH, Galaxy/Phoenix) on same system w/100g sump w/6"x100g DSB, AquaC EV-1000 Skimmer, Reeflo Barracuda return pump

09/30/2009, 10:19 AM	#6
fishkid6692 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: danbury, CT Posts: 3,193	i might make a few more caves but it's hard to see in the pic but i have caves all over the place. the rock itself has huge deep holes where my angel hides. and for stocking i have- tigerpyge angel, candy basslet, bluespotted jawfish(pair), and a twin spot goby. i may get a gem tank in the future but for now thats it. i think the tank looks so small in the pics because the rock is so big ha. __________________ ~matt~ Current Tank Info: 180g - 4' by 3' by 2'. bubbleking mini 180, apex controller, (2) vortech mp40's, phosban reactor, geissmen moonlight fixture

09/30/2009, 10:12 AM	#4
JeF4y El Conquistidor Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Atlanta Posts: 1,057	LMAO.. pics are deceiving. I was thinking it was like a 20L too. If you want to go simple & open, you have it. I personally prefer more rock where I can place corals and where fish can swim under and THROUGH things. Can't really tell if that's possible with what you have. What are your thoughts on stocking for corals or fish? That may very well drive your rockwork.

09/30/2009, 11:40 AM	#7
fishkid6692 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: danbury, CT Posts: 3,193	anyone else? __________________ ~matt~ Current Tank Info: 180g - 4' by 3' by 2'. bubbleking mini 180, apex controller, (2) vortech mp40's, phosban reactor, geissmen moonlight fixture

09/30/2009, 11:48 AM	#8
sra127 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Pembroke Pines, Fl Posts: 673	is it a fowlr? or you adding some corals? i would add some shelf pieces and maybe another large base rock, make it like a large swim thru cave with real estate on top for corals...

09/30/2009, 11:55 AM	#9
fishkid6692 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: danbury, CT Posts: 3,193	it's going to be SPS dominated. and i like that idea! i'm going to go see what i can do now. thanks! __________________ ~matt~ Current Tank Info: 180g - 4' by 3' by 2'. bubbleking mini 180, apex controller, (2) vortech mp40's, phosban reactor, geissmen moonlight fixture

09/30/2009, 12:03 PM	#10
usefulidiot213 Bryan H. Join Date: May 2007 Location: 40th St. & Thunderbird Posts: 1,348	I like it. I like the rock island look. Does keep the tank less bunched up and better depth. __________________ "I would rather be lucky then good." Bryan H. Current Tank Info: 120 AGA- 4x2x2 Mixed Reef. 2 MP40s, Vertex IN-180 Skimmer, RKL Controller for temp control and light timing. 8x 54 Watt T5 lighting.

09/30/2009, 12:09 PM	#11
amkelly802 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: NY Posts: 121	Where did you order that tank? It is in the relative size of what im looking for as well

09/30/2009, 12:20 PM	#12
Kieth71 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: colorado Posts: 1,026	I just redid mine here is a pic.As you can see i like arches

09/30/2009, 12:21 PM	#13
uR_a_frag Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: San Diego,CA Posts: 127	Looks good, but I would take that branch in the middle out. It looks a little off to me, other than that looks nice.

09/30/2009, 02:19 PM	#14
fishkid6692 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: danbury, CT Posts: 3,193	the branch looks good in person. it helps with depth i think too. and the tank was built by coast to coast aquariums. they do amazing work! great customer service too. i couldn't have asked for a better tank builder! i added a few pieces of rock. i'll post pics in a sec. __________________ ~matt~ Current Tank Info: 180g - 4' by 3' by 2'. bubbleking mini 180, apex controller, (2) vortech mp40's, phosban reactor, geissmen moonlight fixture

09/30/2009, 02:44 PM	#15
fishkid6692 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: danbury, CT Posts: 3,193	my tigerpyge loves this new cave. i made this little pile of rocks because i want to get a pair of mandarins in the future so i figured this would be a copepod heaven ha. i also scatterd little chunks of rock around and it makes it look more natural. __________________ ~matt~ Current Tank Info: 180g - 4' by 3' by 2'. bubbleking mini 180, apex controller, (2) vortech mp40's, phosban reactor, geissmen moonlight fixture

09/30/2009, 03:18 PM	#16
luther1200 Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NJ, shore Posts: 4,376	I one of you side pictures there is an open area, it looks like the front left side if you were looking at the tank from the front. I would try to put a rock there and somehow make either an archway or just like a rock wall, so it kind of curves a little. I think it looks OK so far, but you have that great depth from front to back that you can really work with. But I also like tanks that have a lot of the sand bed showing so I wouldn't cover it up either. But if it was me I would try to make the most of the depth. __________________ Matt, 65G reef tank Current Tank Info: 65g reef, mix of sps, lps, few softies. Hoping to upgrade within the year.

09/30/2009, 03:23 PM	#17
Dizzle63 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 665	I think it looks awesome! I love open look though. You could add another pile up front like was mentioned earlier for some type of encrusting coral, such as zoas, montis, or chalices.

09/30/2009, 03:23 PM	#18
lordofthereef One reef to rule them all Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Leominster, MA Posts: 5,299	+1 on more rock, unless you really like the minimalistic look. Seems there are two groups of people, those who like lots of rock and those who like a little. That being said, I feel too much rock can look pretty bad too.

09/30/2009, 03:54 PM	#19
Carlos Arouche Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Brazil Posts: 193	Just wait your corals to grow... there will be no more rocks to see ! __________________ Carlos Arouche de Toledo. Aquarist since 1998. Current Tank Info: 500 galon reef tank

09/30/2009, 03:57 PM	#20
danzx Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 11	i think you should add some more rock and stand up that long branch like pice you have in the middle so you can see it better, i also think with the more rock you should try to make caves its cool to see fish swim in and out of them plus makes them feel sacure

09/30/2009, 06:53 PM	#21
fishkid6692 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: danbury, CT Posts: 3,193	thanks for all the input! i really want to keep it minimalist thats why i left the front pretty open. __________________ ~matt~ Current Tank Info: 180g - 4' by 3' by 2'. bubbleking mini 180, apex controller, (2) vortech mp40's, phosban reactor, geissmen moonlight fixture

10/01/2009, 04:49 PM	#22
upster Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 143	I really like the two island idea. You could also try constructing a ramp off of the right side down to the sand and put some zoos on it or something or make an sps "bridge." Looking great! __________________ "I've fixed it, it'll work this time." Just upgraded to a 58g Oceanic and the only thing I broke was the old tank.

10/01/2009, 06:29 PM	#23
lietz06 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: alamogordo, nm Posts: 91	I would say add a little more rock...but like you said you like minamlistic but here's a couple things maybe you could try and see if they look like how they look in my head, lol! I think you should have the two islands attached across the top and see how it looks instead of 2 islands it'll be like one big cave-if that makes any sense. I really like my cave...I wanna add another one on the other side actually...and more importanly the fish looove the cave, lol. You said that there are lil caves in the rocks...but that looks good in my head, lol! Maybe see if you could find a long, arched piece of rock to put across the top...also good room for corals! I also think you should play with the piece in the middle a little. Like you said it looks different in person so if you really like it leave it there...but maybe just play with it and see if you see anything you like better. don't forget to keep updating us