Aquascape suggestions (1 Viewer)

[mbh427]

Hey guys, so I'm finally starting to get my 120g up and running. I've got about 120lbs of Indo Pacific sand in there, with 80lbs more that I don't think I need, and I've got 100lbs of reef rock in there. I've never aquascaped before, so this is what I came up with...not the best, but any tips is welcomed.

When I first had it in there

And with water

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[mbh427]

Do I need more rocks?

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[Clownfish Chris]

Through experience, I learned to look at what is best for coral placement and water flow not ascetics of the rock itself. I have re arranged my rocks to provide flat places to mount coral and many tunnels from the front to the back. Water flows between the rocks not just over them.

 

[OceansX]

Are you planning more LPS or SPS? You may want some more height if you're leaning LPS.

Also, I agree with what ClownfishChris states: I like a more open structure, because it's more surface area to attach corals and more flow. That's less often done, because it's tricker to accomplish. You'll need a way to secure fewer rocks together: epoxy, PVC, rods, etc.. I have less rock in the display, but with rock dumped into my fuge - make sure you don't restrict access to what you need down there.

Check out Paul Whitby's Aquascaping articles on reefs.com: https://www.reefs.com/magazine-parent/2011-3/aesthetics-of-aquascaping-part-i


(There some other great authors/presentors like John Ciotti, but their names escape me at the moment.)

 

[mbh427]

I'm not really sure what I'm planning just yet. I guess I need to research more. From the brief search, it seems LPS are a little bit more newbie friendly, so I guess I might need a little more height..

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[Mark L.]

If you are new to saltwater definitely stick with LPS and softies at first. Even later on down the road if you decide to start into SPS you will want to get some more height to your rocks. Many SPS need high water flow and strong lighting.

 

[tinman]

The height of the rocks depends on the what kind of lighting and flow pumps that you have. I am using 400 MH for lighting and MP40s at max speed for flow so I definitely don't need my rocks to be too high. I like your rocks scape the way it is now.