Rate My Minimalist Aquascape!

[ZzyzxRiver]

Would love some feedback on my first scape that’s more than just piling rocks! Video and pic below.





Details: 50 gallon AIO, ~42 lbs of rock, ~40lbs of sand. The white marks on the box indicate where the flow heads go (they each have two adjustable nozzles facing opposite directions).

Currently I have four tiny fish: two clowns, a YWG and a red scooter blenny. Plenty of room and I’m in no rush, I’m more about the corals anyway.

 

[Reef.]

Definitely wouldn’t call it minimalist.

I would make sure there is space to clean the inside glass, I also think it is too tall, you will be very limited to what corals can go on the top.

Apart from those points, I like it, maybe shrink it by a 3rd.

 

[bakbay]

Looks good man!!

 

[lewis19]

Scape looks epic!

 

[Psyduck]

It looks nice. Like what Reef. said, you are probably more than 1lb per gallon so definitely not minimalist. If I have to change anything, i would lower the scape by 5-7 inches. You wont be able to mount any corals that high and expect something to grow upwards.

 

[Nano_Tuners]

Cool scape

The only way to figure out your flow patterns on something like that is get it in a tank w water… then adjust your coral placement accordingly to the aquascape

 

[ZzyzxRiver]

Should note that the blue tape on the back is 2/3 the height of the tank, and on the bottom it’s the 2” clearance around my tank walls.

Maybe not minimalist, just spindly? Haha.

 

[Nano_Tuners]

Should note that the blue tape on the back is 2/3 the height of the tank, and on the bottom it’s the 2” clearance around my tank walls.

Maybe not minimalist, just spindly? Haha.

Who cares how it’s defined, if you like it go with it. I would recommend reinforcing major joints with an epoxy if you secured with superglue though

 

[ZzyzxRiver]

Who cares how it’s defined, if you like it go with it. I would recommend reinforcing major joints with an epoxy if you secured with superglue though

I’ve got mortar ready to apply once I’m sure I’m sure with the overall structure!

 

[Reef.]

Who cares how it’s defined, if you like it go with it. I would recommend reinforcing major joints with an epoxy if you secured with superglue though

I agree, its so important to go with what you like, the scape can always be changed later as you add corals and learn what works etc.

 

[Northern Flicker]

The worst thing you can do in this hobby is worry about making people on the internet happy. They don't look at your tank all day.

That type of scape isn't my cup of tea, but it also is a launching point for quite a dramatic tank. In 3 years, with a lot of work and perseverance and patience, it could be an iconic scape on here. Or, it could just be something that you created and get to enjoy with the people who see your tank. Both have the same value.

Have fun!

 

[ZzyzxRiver]

One other thing I am wondering is if I have enough habitat for fish. I've made a few larger caves, lots of crevices, several spots for fish to float under rock, and open water the full height throughout most of the front of the tank. Is it enough?

 

[Reef.]

One other thing I am wondering is if I have enough habitat for fish. I've made a few larger caves, lots of crevices, several spots for fish to float under rock, and open water the full height throughout most of the front of the tank. Is it enough?

Hiding and sleeping spaces are extremely important, hard to tell from the photo but you need those.

 

[OriginalUserName]

Looks nice. Hard to tell from the pic but will it be shading itself?

 

[ZzyzxRiver]

Looks nice. Hard to tell from the pic but will it be shading itself?

It has a few step-outs that you can see from overhead. It’s unavoidable but I made a big effort to minimize sheer verticals. I’m thinking of eventually adding a second AI blade to minimize shadows, but right now even my lowest light areas (on the back) still feel like they have enough to sustain low-light corals.

 

[I never finish anythi]

Looks epic .