First aquascape. Thoughts?

Hundreadproof · 02/04/2016, 09:55 PM

First attempt at aquascaping. After a few failed attempts I came up with an aquascape that could work for my 34 gallon RSM 130D. It's 22lbs of Walt Smith reef rock 2.1. Thoughts?

thelawnwrangler · 02/04/2016, 10:02 PM

how you holding it together?

I like the looks of it. What is your plan for frags? I think that is the one thing I am searching for where do I pop my frags.

Hundreadproof · 02/04/2016, 10:11 PM

My first tank so I'm not sure I've got much of a 'plan'. I see maybe 7-8 spots where a coral would go. ~5 on the left and 3 on the right side. Can't say I even know which corals I'm going with. Basic, easy stuff since I'm a coral virgin :-)

Does it need more rock? I'm wondering if it's too sparse but I didn't want to crowd the tank.

Hundreadproof · 02/04/2016, 10:12 PM

Right now it's just gravity but I've got epoxy and glue once I'm ready to make it permanent.

TimeConsumer · 02/04/2016, 10:16 PM

I like it! You actually did a really good job if you apply the rule of thirds. Especially once corals start growing in.

My only suggestion would be to lower the small column a touch to get a little more height variance. But that's nitpicking.

Hundreadproof · 02/04/2016, 10:20 PM

Cool app that put the grid over it. What'd you use?

thelawnwrangler · 02/04/2016, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hundreadproof

My first tank so I'm not sure I've got much of a 'plan'. I see maybe 7-8 spots where a coral would go. ~5 on the left and 3 on the right side. Can't say I even know which corals I'm going with. Basic, easy stuff since I'm a coral virgin :-)

Does it need more rock? I'm wondering if it's too sparse but I didn't want to crowd the tank.

I am in the same boat is you (aka very new so be careful with my newbie opinions) - I have my first 3-4 coral of my life (about a month old). Sometimes I find myself wonder where to put stuff. To be honest I haven't completely figured it out. I don't necessarily think you need more rock personally. Actually I wish I had more open sand real estate lol.

you actually might have room for a little frag stand if you wanted to go that route. Alot of my frags have the plugs on the bottom so I am usually searching for a place to wedge those plugs into my rock.

TimeConsumer · 02/04/2016, 10:23 PM

Oh it's really new and high tech. It's called Microsoft Paint.

Hundreadproof · 02/04/2016, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimeConsumer

Oh it's really new and high tech. It's called Microsoft Paint.

That actually made me LOL.

TimeConsumer · 02/04/2016, 10:28 PM

That's good. Sometimes it's hard to get playful sarcasm across on the internet and not sound like a donkey.

reefbroao · 02/04/2016, 10:34 PM

I think that looks pretty solid. Personally I would have more rock and make a larger structure but that's me. I think this would be perfect for a few corals and a nem with clowns.

Hundreadproof · 02/04/2016, 10:36 PM

I do plan for an anemone and clown(s). I'd also like to do a clam so I wanted some open area for that.

TimeConsumer · 02/04/2016, 10:40 PM

What kind of clam? If you go Deresa be prepared, they grow to football sized quicker than you'd think. And if you try to remove a clam...it will have attached its byssal threads to your eggcrate on the bottom, you'll need to razorblade him off, which done improperly could kill it.

But they are beautiful specimins and worth the effort. May I suggest buying an aquacultued one if available? We want to keep them around in the wild for awhile.

Hundreadproof · 02/04/2016, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimeConsumer

What kind of clam? If you go Deresa be prepared, they grow to football sized quicker than you'd think. And if you try to remove a clam...it will have attached its byssal threads to your eggcrate on the bottom, you'll need to razorblade him off, which done improperly could kill it.

But they are beautiful specimins and worth the effort. May I suggest buying an aquacultued one if available? We want to keep them around in the wild for awhile.

Good advice. Thank you.

reefbroao · 02/04/2016, 10:46 PM

I had a HUGE deresa and when I sold him my alk went nuts

BrianKC · 02/04/2016, 11:37 PM

I think it looks great. Only suggestion; I saw a video from BRS and you can easily use a hacksaw to cut that rock. I'd suggest cutting the bases of all the rock so they sit flat on the bottom. More stable and less cavities for detritus to collect.

nmotz · 02/05/2016, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianKC

I think it looks great. Only suggestion; I saw a video from BRS and you can easily use a hacksaw to cut that rock. I'd suggest cutting the bases of all the rock so they sit flat on the bottom. More stable and less cavities for detritus to collect.

^this, otherwise it looks great!

Hundreadproof · 02/05/2016, 01:05 AM

Good advice on cleaning up the bottom pieces. Hadn't really thought abou that. Thank you.

Hundreadproof · 02/05/2016, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimeConsumer

I like it! You actually did a really good job if you apply the rule of thirds. Especially once corals start growing in.

My only suggestion would be to lower the small column a touch to get a little more height variance. But that's nitpicking.

I'm going to pull one small piece off the tower on the right and add it to the the left side. It'll raise the height on the left and lower the height on the right by an inch so that should give more of the height variation.

Rubasu · 02/05/2016, 08:25 AM

Another option would be to take that rock off of the right, but instead of putting it onto the left stack, put it in between the two stacks and push it forward slightly. That way, if you would like some GSP in there, that would be the perfect spot where it won't spread all over the tank. (or replace gsp with any other type of "invasive" easy coral)

A.Astore · 02/05/2016, 10:03 AM

Rubasu makes a good point. Having a rock that is not touching another structure will allow you to put something in that you would be able to control growth easier or if it is something that is aggressive you can move easier to keep it out of reach. I have one exactly like that which is where I want it now based on how the rock looks but it will be my go to place for something I know I will need to manage growth or ability get to other corals.

ChadO · 02/06/2016, 11:45 PM

I'm still very new to this myself, but I can share what I learned as someone just starting out here recently. I spent a couple of nights trying different aquascapes, and finally came up with something that I liked. After my tank was cycled, I started collecting zoas because I liked the look, and they are good starter corals. I have been buying mostly frags, and then cutting the stem off of the frag plug, drilling out rubble rock that I have, and mounting the frag top to the rubble rock. I was advised to do this to allow for various placements in my DT, and maximum flexibility. For me, this has all been good advice. OK, now, what I have noticed, is that my original aquascape that I fretted over and tried to perfect to my liking is for the most part "gone". The rough idea is there, but by adding in extra rubble with coral on it has changed around the original look. For me, I wasn't (and am still not) experienced enough to see in my mind's eye what coral I will have, where it will go, and how it will be placed and tied into the aquascape. So, if I could share any little advice I have in this area, it would be to get a basic look down that you like, but allow yourself to still have some addition and subtraction places so that as you discover what corals you like and want to add, you have more freedom in where you can put them.

Hundreadproof · 02/07/2016, 12:15 AM

Hmmm, very interesting about creating a small 3rd structure. Kind of a mini island. I'll keep that in mind. I hadnt been thinking that a coral could become a pest itself. Thank you for the advice.

02/04/2016, 10:16 PM	#5
TimeConsumer Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: New Orleans, La Posts: 1,919	I like it! You actually did a really good job if you apply the rule of thirds. Especially once corals start growing in. My only suggestion would be to lower the small column a touch to get a little more height variance. But that's nitpicking. __________________ Steve - Retired from reefing, for now.

02/04/2016, 10:23 PM	#8
TimeConsumer Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: New Orleans, La Posts: 1,919	Oh it's really new and high tech. It's called Microsoft Paint. __________________ Steve - Retired from reefing, for now.

02/04/2016, 10:28 PM	#10
TimeConsumer Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: New Orleans, La Posts: 1,919	That's good. Sometimes it's hard to get playful sarcasm across on the internet and not sound like a donkey. __________________ Steve - Retired from reefing, for now.

02/04/2016, 10:34 PM	#11
reefbroao Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Seattle Posts: 747	I think that looks pretty solid. Personally I would have more rock and make a larger structure but that's me. I think this would be perfect for a few corals and a nem with clowns. __________________ Reefer 170 E series.

02/04/2016, 10:40 PM	#13
TimeConsumer Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: New Orleans, La Posts: 1,919	What kind of clam? If you go Deresa be prepared, they grow to football sized quicker than you'd think. And if you try to remove a clam...it will have attached its byssal threads to your eggcrate on the bottom, you'll need to razorblade him off, which done improperly could kill it. But they are beautiful specimins and worth the effort. May I suggest buying an aquacultued one if available? We want to keep them around in the wild for awhile. __________________ Steve - Retired from reefing, for now.

02/04/2016, 10:02 PM	#2
thelawnwrangler Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Northern New Jersey Posts: 863	how you holding it together? I like the looks of it. What is your plan for frags? I think that is the one thing I am searching for where do I pop my frags.

02/04/2016, 10:11 PM	#3
Hundreadproof Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 15	My first tank so I'm not sure I've got much of a 'plan'. I see maybe 7-8 spots where a coral would go. ~5 on the left and 3 on the right side. Can't say I even know which corals I'm going with. Basic, easy stuff since I'm a coral virgin :-) Does it need more rock? I'm wondering if it's too sparse but I didn't want to crowd the tank.

02/04/2016, 10:12 PM	#4
Hundreadproof Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 15	Right now it's just gravity but I've got epoxy and glue once I'm ready to make it permanent.

02/04/2016, 10:20 PM	#6
Hundreadproof Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 15	Cool app that put the grid over it. What'd you use?

02/04/2016, 10:36 PM	#12
Hundreadproof Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 15	I do plan for an anemone and clown(s). I'd also like to do a clam so I wanted some open area for that.

02/04/2016, 10:46 PM	#15
reefbroao Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Seattle Posts: 747	I had a HUGE deresa and when I sold him my alk went nuts __________________ Reefer 170 E series.

02/04/2016, 11:37 PM	#16
BrianKC Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Kansas City Posts: 388	I think it looks great. Only suggestion; I saw a video from BRS and you can easily use a hacksaw to cut that rock. I'd suggest cutting the bases of all the rock so they sit flat on the bottom. More stable and less cavities for detritus to collect.

02/05/2016, 01:05 AM	#18
Hundreadproof Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 15	Good advice on cleaning up the bottom pieces. Hadn't really thought abou that. Thank you.

02/05/2016, 08:25 AM	#20
Rubasu Registered Member Join Date: May 2015 Location: Germantown, WI Posts: 230	Another option would be to take that rock off of the right, but instead of putting it onto the left stack, put it in between the two stacks and push it forward slightly. That way, if you would like some GSP in there, that would be the perfect spot where it won't spread all over the tank. (or replace gsp with any other type of "invasive" easy coral) __________________ 40 Breeder / 20L Sump: Ocellaris Clown - Green Star Polyps, Kenya Tree, Brown Palys, Blue Mushrooms...and the clean up crew.

02/05/2016, 10:03 AM	#21
A.Astore Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Waynesboro, VA Posts: 418	Rubasu makes a good point. Having a rock that is not touching another structure will allow you to put something in that you would be able to control growth easier or if it is something that is aggressive you can move easier to keep it out of reach. I have one exactly like that which is where I want it now based on how the rock looks but it will be my go to place for something I know I will need to manage growth or ability get to other corals.

02/06/2016, 11:45 PM	#22
ChadO Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 59	I'm still very new to this myself, but I can share what I learned as someone just starting out here recently. I spent a couple of nights trying different aquascapes, and finally came up with something that I liked. After my tank was cycled, I started collecting zoas because I liked the look, and they are good starter corals. I have been buying mostly frags, and then cutting the stem off of the frag plug, drilling out rubble rock that I have, and mounting the frag top to the rubble rock. I was advised to do this to allow for various placements in my DT, and maximum flexibility. For me, this has all been good advice. OK, now, what I have noticed, is that my original aquascape that I fretted over and tried to perfect to my liking is for the most part "gone". The rough idea is there, but by adding in extra rubble with coral on it has changed around the original look. For me, I wasn't (and am still not) experienced enough to see in my mind's eye what coral I will have, where it will go, and how it will be placed and tied into the aquascape. So, if I could share any little advice I have in this area, it would be to get a basic look down that you like, but allow yourself to still have some addition and subtraction places so that as you discover what corals you like and want to add, you have more freedom in where you can put them.

02/07/2016, 12:15 AM	#23
Hundreadproof Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 15	Hmmm, very interesting about creating a small 3rd structure. Kind of a mini island. I'll keep that in mind. I hadnt been thinking that a coral could become a pest itself. Thank you for the advice.