SCAPING INPUT NEEDED!

[Pike]

i vote chop it now but could there be an alternative ?. Chopping all that rock seems like a big task unless you have the right tools. How about detaching from the base and flipping them around in another position that would lower everything ?

[mike31154]

Why chop the large rock at all? Shame to cut up a nice piece like that. Lay it on it's side and it won't be as tall, or is that not an option?

[straightrazorguy]

Originally Posted by mike31154

Why chop the large rock at all? Shame to cut up a nice piece like that. Lay it on it's side and it won't be as tall, or is that not an option?

+ 1. YOu can re-arrange the rock without chopping.

[eli@fijireefrock.com]

It is a nice piece the way it sits,I suggest rearranging 1st before chopping.
But like someone said above you could place the slower growing SPS at the top of that Pukani.
You mentioned that you have roughly 8" from the top of that Pukani to the water surface line that is good distance for growth.

If you still planning on chopping maybe try this.
Chop the bottom half flip it and place it on another side of the tank and you have a large Pukani a smaller piece and the branching Tonga.

[gregzz4]

Honestly, I don't think 8" to the surface is enough space for SPS such as stags.
If its going to be a tabling acro tank, then things change and the rock can be higher.
I'm all for the rock being no higher than the mid-point and let the SPS go nuts

BTW, great to meet you tonight Dog

[WarDog]

First off, I'd like to thank everyone for the great ideas. I spent most of the afternoon Friday cutting, and chipping, and re-arranging.
Here are a few crappy phone pic examples:







This last one appeals to me the most. I must have tried more than a dozen combinations.
I think I will fill in a few gaps with fresh live rock, but for now I think this will make for a good base.



I don't have any pukani left, but I do have approx. 30lbs of branch left over (if anyone wants some branch let me know, lol).

Thanks Greg for the invite and the tour. Sorry I kept you up late stalling your WC!

[Myka]

Big improvement! I like your last one best, but the rock in the middle needs to be 1/3 to 1/2 the size that it is imo - really low prolife, just barely sticking up above the sand (if you're using sand). It will be like an island of Zoas or maybe an incrusting Monti if you want all SPS.