Aquascape suggestions (1 Viewer)

[hali08]

Hey guys!
So starting a new tank very soon and wanted some suggestions.
Tank dimensions are 43x23x21

I had ordered 60lb of this Caribsea purple rock about a year ago and never opened it.
I have attached how it looks, really not a fan tbh. Looks very dense and bulky.

Looking at BRS, and some pics of the marco shelf rock, I really do like how it looks.
What do you guys think?

Only downside to shelfrock is the shipping time/cost of shipping and its a bit expensive as well.
Also, it will need to be cured I'm reading.

What do you guys suggest?

 

[Tangs]

Yes I really like that purple crystal rock. Very good choice

 

[decimal]

It’s all about creating depth. There is a lot of really good info out there. BRS, of course, has videos but if u Google reef aquascaping tips or whatever, there are some really good ones.

 

[Reefahholic]

Avoid Marco rock. It’s a major headache. I’ve had 6-7 tanks with it and after this last one I’m done. Never again.

 

[decimal]

Here is a really good informative article with excellent content.

Tips and Tricks on Creating Amazing Aquascapes

Being an artist for fun and profession, I see things different than most people. I decided to create an article about composition, balance, color, and depth within your reef aquarium. I really hope this can help some of you out to create your dream looking reef that is pictured in your head. Once...

www.nano-reef.com

 

[hali08]

Here is a really good informative article with excellent content.

Tips and Tricks on Creating Amazing Aquascapes

Being an artist for fun and profession, I see things different than most people. I decided to create an article about composition, balance, color, and depth within your reef aquarium. I really hope this can help some of you out to create your dream looking reef that is pictured in your head. Once...

www.nano-reef.com

thank you

 

[decimal]

Sure. I hope it helps. Really pretty cool if you’re looking for an actual method of how you want to create your scapes. I’m sure it will turn out awesome and in the end the only person who really has to like it is you.

 

[Stickboy97]

Cool write up on scapes. 1 thing I always try to think about is what coral will I be adding & how much real estate do they need. My acro tank has a lot more high up rock, flatter space to mount acros & to increase PAR, my nem/shroom tank if more of a pile with nems high & shrooms low.

 

[Globe182jp]

I wouldn’t buy the base or shelf rocks shipping companies are hard in them and lots come broken. Macro can be a pain and does require more time to cure but it also gives more flexibility on scapes.

Your Aqua scape Depends on what’s going into tank and will be drastically different.

If it’s a SPS tank keep it low to allow growth. LPS taller scape is fine. Depending on where you place corals.

Also think about if the rock work is what you want to see and admire or the corals you place.
You can do minimalist looking scapes if that is what you are into(look at my thread). But be aware less rock is basically less filter for the tank. Added bio media in a sump is required.

Livestock also needs to be accounted for also. Some fish need a place to hide or lots of over hangs to escape fights in the tank.

As for what you have Try breaking up some of the thick rocks piles and use some glue/epoxy to build smaller piles you like with more overhangs and arches to create depth.

I was into planted nature style aquariums for 10+ years and aquascapes are hard but do what you have been looking at tanks you like and try doing things you see other have had success with
Jake

 

[hali08]

I wouldn’t buy the base or shelf rocks shipping companies are hard in them and lots come broken. Macro can be a pain and does require more time to cure but it also gives more flexibility on scapes.

Your Aqua scape Depends on what’s going into tank and will be drastically different.

If it’s a SPS tank keep it low to allow growth. LPS taller scape is fine. Depending on where you place corals.

Also think about if the rock work is what you want to see and admire or the corals you place.
You can do minimalist looking scapes if that is what you are into(look at my thread). But be aware less rock is basically less filter for the tank. Added bio media in a sump is required.

Livestock also needs to be accounted for also. Some fish need a place to hide or lots of over hangs to escape fights in the tank.

As for what you have Try breaking up some of the thick rocks piles and use some glue/epoxy to build smaller piles you like with more overhangs and arches to create depth.

I was into planted nature style aquariums for 10+ years and aquascapes are hard but do what you have been looking at tanks you like and try doing things you see other have had success with
Jake

Thanks for taking the time to respond Jake!

I ended up sticking with the rock I had purchase a year ago(purple life rock) and making the best of it.

Ill post pics shortly.

 

[Globe182jp]

There will always be another tank to try it on. Can’t wait to see what you came up with. Honestly I don’t feel like I have a great imagination for scapes but I don’t mind copying others ideals and putting my twist in them with what I have available.
Here is mine and it’s inspiration.
I loved the unnatural look of the inspirations minimalist and defying gravity style but worked with what I had and made some caves for the clowns.
Jake