Red Sea Reefer 3XL 900 G2+ Noob Build

[Ernie Mccracken]

Any suggestions, thoughts? Thank you!

Are you a collector and coral showcaser or more of an aquascaper? Right now I'd say that rockwork is set up for showcasing.


If you are going for a more artistic take, my opinion is to think about things like:

• You have all short rocks in the front and tall rocks in the back. This is the "fruit stand" look that most hobbyists like, but it kills sense of depth.
• All 3 taller structures in back are the same exact height. If 3 is your number (instead of 5 or 7), they should vary in height and shape.
• The hardscape is all oriented in the same fashion, the tall ones like table lamps and the short ones like pancakes.
• There's nothing in the top third, which shrinks the sense of scale. I know some will say "space for corals," but if this tank remains up for 5+ years and you have huge SPS colonies that need the entirety of the top 1/3, leave that as a decision for future you, imo.
• Your negative space is a perfect symmetrical T-shape right in the top/middle. Try to work in more of the rule of thirds.
• I would move the entire scape off the back wall and more towards the front pane. The idea is to trick your brain into thinking there's infinite depth behind your scape.

 

[ze_reef]

Are you a collector and coral showcaser or more of an aquascaper? Right now I'd say that rockwork is set up for showcasing.


If you are going for a more artistic take, my opinion is to think about things like:

• You have all short rocks in the front and tall rocks in the back. This is the "fruit stand" look that most hobbyists like, but it kills sense of depth.
• All 3 taller structures in back are the same exact height. If 3 is your number (instead of 5 or 7), they should vary in height and shape.
• The hardscape is all oriented in the same fashion, the tall ones like table lamps and the short ones like pancakes.
• There's nothing in the top third, which shrinks the sense of scale. I know some will say "space for corals," but if this tank remains up for 5+ years and you have huge SPS colonies that need the entirety of the top 1/3, leave that as a decision for future you, imo.
• Your negative space is a perfect symmetrical T-shape right in the top/middle. Try to work in more of the rule of thirds.
• I would move the entire scape off the back wall and more towards the front pane. The idea is to trick your brain into thinking there's infinite depth behind your scape.

Thank you @Ernie Mccracken for your great insight and advice! The 3 taller structures are not on their final positions yet, I’m not even sure if I’m gonna use them or not, I just put them there so I can see my inventory. I think I’d like my aquascape to appear more artistic versus showcasing a collection, something more pleasing to the eyes composition-wise. I have some Fiji rocks that I can use to make the scape appear more natural and hopefully artistic. I will work on getting together a structure that I can make as my anchor point for a more rule of third composition. Again, thank you!

 

[ze_reef]

I got the tank mounted yesterday. Now the fun begins…

 

[KHH]

I’m liking to progress. Your making me jealous! Keep up the good work.

 

[ze_reef]

I’m liking to progress. Your making me jealous! Keep up the good work.

Thank you! Did you get your tank yet?

 

[KHH]

Thank you! Did you get your tank yet?

Nope waiting for the email that it’s shipped

 

[ze_reef]

Some things I did for the tank recently:

I installed a 7 stage RO/DI system to supply my 10 gallon ATO reservoir. I’m using a Smart Buddie to maintain constant water pressure into the RO membrane and with auto waste flushing to minimize TDS creep, water comes out 0 TDS every time. I’ve installed the RO/DI system under the sink, I drilled holes under the kitchen cabinets to run the RO tubes through for concealment.

 

[ze_reef]

I’ve also leveled the tank using a digital angle finder and a bubble level so now it’s all level on all sides.

 

[ze_reef]

I’ve installed leak detection probes today before I put on the floors of the stand.

Floors were put on

Sump and extension and plumbing installed. Hopefully no leaks

Tomorrow will be for putting on the doors and I’ll start with my aquascape.

 

[KHH]

I’ve installed leak detection probes today before I put on the floors of the stand.

Floors were put on

Sump and extension and plumbing installed. Hopefully no leaks

Tomorrow will be for putting on the doors and I’ll start with my aquascape.

Looks amazing! Does it come with flexible tubing for the return pump?

 

[ze_reef]

I don’t think a flexible tube is included, only 2 barb adapters if you’re running dual returns

 

[ze_reef]

Finally got the doors on, I think the tank is ready

 

[KHH]

Finally got the doors on, I think the tank is ready

What is your GPD on your ROID how long is it taking to fill up? Looks amazing!

 

[ze_reef]

I o

What is your GPD on your ROID how long is it taking to fill up? Looks amazing!

I’m only using the 100gpd membrane and it took about 24 hours to fill that much.