Gorgeous Japanese SPS Reef

[Myka]

Many of you have probably seen this tank before since it became "famous" a few years ago. It is one of the most memorable tanks I've ever seen and I am trying to mimic the organized, and structured look in my new tank. Wish me luck, I am no Japanese aquascaper.

Since I've been studying it and drooling over it lots lately, I figured I would share.

http://glassbox-design.com/2009/the-...f-of-anagonbe/

[mrhasan]

Japanese folks know how to scape...be it with sand, trees or in water. And I guess the spotlight halides are their "not-so-secret" reason behind success.

[Myka]

Here's another one that often inspires me...

http://reefbuilders.com/2012/03/27/k...reef-aquarium/

[mrhasan]

This one's my favorite

[Myka]

Originally Posted by mrhasan

This one's my favorite

That is number 3 on my fav list. The only reason it doesn't make the cut is because I don't have space for a tank that is wide enough to pull that off.

[gregzz4]

I really like that second pic Mindy, but if it were me, I'd probably remove all the 'clutter' on the sandbed
I really like the shaded area and how the sand looks, but I think we all know I'd not be able to pull off that clean sand right now

I've saved that pic for future reference

[mrhasan]

Originally Posted by gregzz4

I really like that second pic Mindy, but if it were me, I'd probably remove all the 'clutter' on the sandbed
I really like the shaded area and how the sand looks, but I think we all know I'd not be able to pull off that clean sand right now

I've saved that pic for future reference

Agreed. The corals on the sands are a bit distracting. A (might be) better way would have been to grow GSP all over the bottom to give an iwagumi look

[Myka]

Yeah, I agree about the corals on the sand too. My new tank has a starboard bottom so it should be a nice clean look.

[gregzz4]

Originally Posted by Myka

Yeah, I agree about the corals on the sand too. My new tank has a starboard bottom so it should be a nice clean look.

'Starboard bottom'
qu'est que ce ?

[Myka]

Starboard is a brand of HDPE or high density polyethylene. It is the plastic used for cutting boards; particularly those used in commercial applications like restaurant kitchens and butcher shops. It has a texture to the surface so it is not slippery and commonly comes in 1/16" to 1" thickness. Starboard is used to create a sandbed look in barebottom tanks, and although its use in aquaria en masse is relatively new, it has gained some popularity. Not only does it provide a more appealing look than a glass bottom it also can significantly distribute the rock weight depending on thickness. HDPE does float though, and silicone doesn't stick to it (pretty much nothing sticks to it lol) to you have to use the rocks to hold it down.

I have 3/4" in my tank. I got it from a plastics shop (they do custom acrylic signs and such) and it cost $60 I think. I think I'm going to drill it through part of its thickness and insert acrylic rod to help support my rock structure. The HDPE is cut 1/2" smaller than the inside tank dimensions to have a 1/4" gap all around. I put a bead of silicone around it to fill that gap so detritus and other gunk can't get down between the HDPE and the glass.