zondebok Posted February 1, 2017 Share Posted February 1, 2017 I will be setting up my new tank in a few weeks, and want to make sure I get the rockwork right (at least for now). I have seen enough pictures to know that I am terrible at it and would love some ideas, or even to pay/trade someone to make it awesome. The new tank will be a 135 (72x18x24). I will be going for a full reef tank, over time. Currently I have a bunch of fish/shrimp/cuc that I will transfer over, and just a tiny ricordea and toadstool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jorge Posted February 1, 2017 Share Posted February 1, 2017 I went from lots of rock stacked high to a lower less rock look. I'm happy with it so far. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PowderBlue Posted February 1, 2017 Share Posted February 1, 2017 I wouldn't say I'm awesome at it but I feel like I come up with some pretty good looking scapes. Lay it all out on a area that's taped off and just play with rocks for hours.. That's what I do lol Sent from my SM-G928V using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beer503 Posted February 1, 2017 Share Posted February 1, 2017 18" width is not gonna give you alot of options ime! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JManrow Posted February 1, 2017 Share Posted February 1, 2017 18" width is not gonna give you alot of options ime! True, there may not be as many options as wider width tanks, still a lot can be done with creating arches and small caves. Allowing some open spaces in the tank can be aesthetically pleasing. Small canyons and arches can be created. Many beginning reef hobbyists have a tendency to build a wall or huge pile of rock. Much can be done with a few pieces of rock. It may take some time to achieve an effect you are finally happy with. I have seen some amazing aquascapes in even very small tanks. Remember... nothing good in this hobby happens fast! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JManrow Posted February 1, 2017 Share Posted February 1, 2017 (edited) Here, Scott Fellman discusses the "Golden Ratio" of aquascaping. This shows that setting up a nice looking tank can be either very simple, or very complicated! Edited February 1, 2017 by JManrow 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JManrow Posted February 1, 2017 Share Posted February 1, 2017 Simple and effective guide on reef aquascaping https://reefbuilders.com/2008/06/07/simple-and-effective-guide-on-reef-aquascaping/# Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xmas_one Posted February 1, 2017 Share Posted February 1, 2017 1. Lay it all out on a piece of cardboard the same size as the bottom of your tank. 2. Spend a few hours/days perfecting the "ideal" aquascape. 3. Last step is to actually use only a third of the rock you intended on using in step 2. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zondebok Posted February 1, 2017 Author Share Posted February 1, 2017 1. Lay it all out on a piece of cardboard the same size as the bottom of your tank. 2. Spend a few hours/days perfecting the "ideal" aquascape. 3. Last step is to actually use only a third of the rock you intended on using in step 2. If you are using less rocks, how do you not have a bunch of aggression from the fish when there are less hiding places? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PowderBlue Posted February 1, 2017 Share Posted February 1, 2017 I have literally 5 rocks in my display It started like this, but I replaced all the rocks on the left with one huge rock. You can do a lot with a little. I like minimal so I'm different than some, but I have 11 fish and no aggression issues in my tank. You'd be shocked in where they will hide. Sent from my SM-G928V using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TaylorW Posted February 1, 2017 Share Posted February 1, 2017 I'm the opposite, I probably have too much rock in one of my tanks lol. 55 gallon with probably over 100 lbs but I like it, I rearrange pretty often still though. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G360AZ using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bevo5 Posted February 1, 2017 Share Posted February 1, 2017 It's all so much personal taste that I don't know if anybody can really help you. Just do what people are suggesting - build it in the garage (also tape off height of tank and make sure you're leaving enough room for corals to grow). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N70SJ Posted February 1, 2017 Share Posted February 1, 2017 WOW! I wouldn't worry. That tank would look awesome empty. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zondebok Posted February 1, 2017 Author Share Posted February 1, 2017 I really like the look of this Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zondebok Posted February 1, 2017 Author Share Posted February 1, 2017 This too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
albertareef Posted February 1, 2017 Share Posted February 1, 2017 Lots of good suggestions and advice on here. If there is one really simple thing I have learned, whether you prefer lots of rock or a more minimalist look, is to avoid symmetry. This gets to the golden ratio talk linked above but is an even more simplistic rule of thumb that I find helpful. It may not make sense at first but, as you experiment a bit, you will probably find that the asymmetric arrangements (Like PowderBlue's above) will "wear" better in the long run and you will be less likely to find yourself tearing things up and starting over. I ignored this in one of my builds and regretted it for a long time after! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dunpeal Posted February 2, 2017 Share Posted February 2, 2017 Some solid ideas already. Definitely setup outside of tank. Take a few pics and even a video to review later when putting in the tank. I suggest filing a few flat edges on base rock and silicon it to the glass before sand. I also drilled my rock and ran fiberglass rods through to prevent toppling. I hate rock falling over Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovesalt Posted February 2, 2017 Share Posted February 2, 2017 What if it's already in the tank and you want to rearrange it? I want to do something different. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ninjabeaver Posted February 2, 2017 Share Posted February 2, 2017 I ended up with a series of arches and caves, but with coral grown in so much its hard to see. A good problem I suppose. My fish will have to work harder to get into their caves at night. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
albertareef Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 I ended up with a series of arches and caves, but with coral grown in so much its hard to see. A good problem I suppose. My fish will have to work harder to get into their caves at night. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk This is a problem I wish i had! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ninjabeaver Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 This is a problem I wish i had! https://vimeo.com/202306908 Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spectra Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 A lot of good advice here......I went simple and love a open sand bed so minimalistic approach I guess. But now may add a few more as I am running out of real estate...........in the end I think it all depends on what you are after and also how many corals you are wanting in the tank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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