SPS Aquascape critique

[ncaldwell]

I wanted to do a tonga aquascape for an sps build in a new redsea 525xl. Ordered 60 pounds from brs and I was less than happy with want I received but with shipping to alaska I'm stuck with it, this is what I came up with. It's all set up and I'm starting the cycle and now I'm trying to talk myself into liking it. Any of you out there with sps know how think this will work well when covered with sticks montipora and chalices? 20161202_171332.jpg

[tkeracer619]

I think it looks fine. Branch always gives me that feeling until it's all said and done.

[m0nkie]

looks good. if you are doing 100% SPS, the left side might be slightly too tall. You won't be able to put anything on the left branch at the tip.. the other branches look about right. Will take at least a year for the SPS to grow out nicely to cover everything.

[SPS_77493]

Looks great but you do need some room for coral growth. Part of the rock is already too close to water surface.




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[mattgumaer]

I agree with what others have said about the left side. While this isn't strictly an 'aquascaping' point, I would also try to avoid having the tallest parts of the rockwork directly under a light fixture. It may prove difficult to give lower corals enough light while not bleaching the corals at the top of the rocks right under a fixture. I don't know if you have access to a par meter but now would be a great time to ensure that the rockwork is set up in such a way to give you light levels that are as consistent as possible.

Matt

[ncaldwell]

Thanks for the replies. The lighting is not final, I'm adding another radion to spread then out and raising them up a little bit. I totally agree with the left being to high, I was thinking about trying to break that branch about 6 inches lower and gluing it somewhere else. I'll look at getting the party meter in a couple weeks when the water isn't cloudy from sand and the other light is in, thanks Matt

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[m0nkie]

Fyi par meters dont work well under LED. The original apogee 200 quantum series are for T5s.

Apogee did come out with a new full spectrum LED par meter. But it cost around 500$

[mattgumaer]

The new USB version of the Apogee is 345 I think, not cheap but very helpful. There is still a correction that needs to be applied however. I bought one aand was surprised how much variation there was at similar depths across the tank.

Matt

[ncaldwell]

Maybe I can talk the lfs owner into buying one or splitting the price with me. I'd like one but not that bad lol

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[m0nkie]

Originally Posted by ncaldwell

Maybe I can talk the lfs owner into buying one or splitting the price with me. I'd like one but not that bad lol

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if you buy one, you will be very popular at local clubs. lend apogee for frags

I've used mine probably twice in the last 3 years..

[Geddex]

Looks great! I think keeping the left side could be interesting and allow for a different aquascape than most.

[ncaldwell]

We don't really have clouds up here in anchorage alaska. 90% of the saltwater people up here use petco as their lfs. Hobby is expensive and small up here

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[Oldcabin]

Looks good! I've got some spare tonga laying if you'd like more options. I could use some more basic Fiji if you've got any....


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[tanksfishtank]

Looks nice!