Tank aqua scaping help

[ScubaSteve]

For me the scaping usually just turns out how the rocks fit together but there are a few rules I aim for:

1) use negative space (google the concept). In our tanks this would be bare sand, open swimming areas and view of the back of the tank. This gives the tank an open, clean, uncluttered feeling.

2) use the rule of thirds to distribute the rocks. For example, create a valley in the middle of you rocks about 2/3 of the way along the tank... So 2/3 on one side, 1/3 on the other. Have bare sand in between to highlight the divide. Or pile all your rock on 2/3 of the tank (and piled up to 2/3 of the height high) and slope it down continuously to the sand at the 2/3 point. Have bare sand on the other 2/3. Or try making two islands with one island 2x the size of the other.

3) do not make a wall of rocks

4) try to create tunnels and holes to swim through. Overhanging ledges are great spots for corals and provide the fish with places to hide, especially when the main lights are on.

5) if you want to get really crazy, you can drill your rocks and strap them together to create all sorts of interesting designs. Google bonsai reef tanks.

[Aquattro]

Here's a shot of mine a couple of days after (when the milk cleared). Actinic only, so very blue, but you can see the open scape idea, bare sand and channels that give it a bit of depth. More noticeable in person, but maybe this will help

[Coralgurl]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

Here's a shot of mine a couple of days after (when the milk cleared). Actinic only, so very blue, but you can see the open scape idea, bare sand and channels that give it a bit of depth. More noticeable in person, but maybe this will help

That's pretty talented, love how this looks! I have sand now, don't need more, maybe the blindfold idea would work...lol

My goby makes caves or tunnels under all the rocks and right now, all the base rocks are on the glass but I don't think he would cause a collapse if they were on the sand.

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll keep messing around with it.

[daniella3d]

wow, that's awesome!

do you have pics of it recently?

Originally Posted by Aquattro

Here's a shot of mine a couple of days after (when the milk cleared). Actinic only, so very blue, but you can see the open scape idea, bare sand and channels that give it a bit of depth. More noticeable in person, but maybe this will help

[Coralgurl]

Originally Posted by ScubaSteve

For me the scaping usually just turns out how the rocks fit together but there are a few rules I aim for:

1) use negative space (google the concept). In our tanks this would be bare sand, open swimming areas and view of the back of the tank. This gives the tank an open, clean, uncluttered feeling.

2) use the rule of thirds to distribute the rocks. For example, create a valley in the middle of you rocks about 2/3 of the way along the tank... So 2/3 on one side, 1/3 on the other. Have bare sand in between to highlight the divide. Or pile all your rock on 2/3 of the tank (and piled up to 2/3 of the height high) and slope it down continuously to the sand at the 2/3 point. Have bare sand on the other 2/3. Or try making two islands with one island 2x the size of the other.

3) do not make a wall of rocks

4) try to create tunnels and holes to swim through. Overhanging ledges are great spots for corals and provide the fish with places to hide, especially when the main lights are on.

5) if you want to get really crazy, you can drill your rocks and strap them together to create all sorts of interesting designs. Google bonsai reef tanks.

I've tried 1, 2, and 4 and end up with 3....not sure if you've some of my posts, I am not good with tools and equipment so haven't even attempted drilling or strapping rocks.

I'll keep looking at others and trying to put something together.

I've got approx 150 lbs of rock give or take, is it as beneficial to have some in the sump? That would give me more room.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Coralgurl

I've got approx 150 lbs of rock give or take, is it as beneficial to have some in the sump? That would give me more room.

My tank only has a little over 100#, makes it easier to get that open look. I don't have any in my sump, but it can't hurt.

[albert_dao]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

My tank only has a little over 100#, makes it easier to get that open look. I don't have any in my sump, but it can't hurt.

I'd argue against putting rocks in the sump. They just become detritus traps down there unless you add a bunch of powerheads. And really, why?

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by albert_dao

I'd argue against putting rocks in the sump. They just become detritus traps down there unless you add a bunch of powerheads. And really, why?

I'd tend to agree, but most people do it, and I'm tired of arguing anything about rocks Like I said, no rocks in my sump. Well, one little one, it's for the crab to hang in

[smokinreefer]

Originally Posted by albert_dao

I'd argue against putting rocks in the sump. They just become detritus traps down there unless you add a bunch of powerheads. And really, why?

if you have the room for it, wouldnt it allow for a heavier bioload? heavier feedings?

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by smokinreefer

if you have the room for it, wouldnt it allow for a heavier bioload? heavier feedings?

Shao, I think if you have a sand bed, that provides more than enough extra surface area for bacteria. I have a fairly high load and feed heavily, and only run about 1/2 pound of rock per gallon. If no sand, then extra rock may allow heavier stocking, but I would suggest that it would need cleaning every now and then..