stinkydavis
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I am a rookie on all fronts. I am also a huge planner. Does the way I set up my rock promote an easy coral placement in the future? I will also be adding more rock to the corner that is open. Open to suggestions.
Rock setup for good reef?
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OfficeReefer
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Break it all up, lots of pieces. Save the bits and get plenty of glue and insta-set probably some epoxy too. You'll also want to get some foundation pieces from Marco's rock so whatever you build stays flat.
This is best way and if you don't want to do that, Two Little Fishies makes a stax box of flat rocks. I think with something this round you'll have a hard time getting light on all the areas you want.
This is best way and if you don't want to do that, Two Little Fishies makes a stax box of flat rocks. I think with something this round you'll have a hard time getting light on all the areas you want.
stinkydavis
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What would u suggest I use to break it into flatter pieces?
razorskiss
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Your scape will do perfectly well, but if you're interested in going a step further look into some techniques for building negative space aquascapes like this:
It takes a lot of time though and may be a bit intimidating but it makes it a lot easier to segregate corals that shouldn't mix and creates a better habitat for fish. Don't feel pressured at all to go this way, just wanted to suggest the possibility if you hadn't seen the concept / method before and might be curious to try.
It takes a lot of time though and may be a bit intimidating but it makes it a lot easier to segregate corals that shouldn't mix and creates a better habitat for fish. Don't feel pressured at all to go this way, just wanted to suggest the possibility if you hadn't seen the concept / method before and might be curious to try.
I think your scape looks good! It all opinions and what you desire but from a functional point it has good coral placements and places for fish to hide.
The only thing I would recommend is making a couple small islands because we tend to buy coral that has rapid growth early on and then it takes over are whole scape. Any leathers zoa's GSP should have its own island unless that's the look your going for.
The only thing I would recommend is making a couple small islands because we tend to buy coral that has rapid growth early on and then it takes over are whole scape. Any leathers zoa's GSP should have its own island unless that's the look your going for.
RBarth
Active Member
Why types of corals do u want? Ie do u like 'flowy' things that move or stick/still type corals. I personally think u have way too much rock in the tank. Also that pump on the right is going to cause issues for certain types of corals u want if u don't either raise the pump or lower the rock. Hope that makes sense...I learned all this the hard way.
stinkydavis
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I like flowy corals. There is 65lbs in there with a 75 gal tank. According to everything I have read shouldn’t I have more? I can raise the pump when it comes time.
OfficeReefer
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I feel it's a bit much rock myself, although you have it well arranged considering the size. I would get a large box or something for dust, which you'll use later with the glue and insta-set spray for fast curing areas. Any large hammer (3-4lbs+ is best) but the most important item is you'll want a good chisel. Break up some rock in pieces then find a few to break up into smaller ones. Repeat twice or so until you feel you have enough to begin gluing them together. I wouldn't do more than a few of the larger rocks from what I see, maybe those that have no coralline or those with false coralline or are painted.
It is advised to use a foundation piece from Marco's Rock where possible but not in all cases. It can be helpful but not required, to tape off the area of your tank on the box or buy some cheap plumbing to makeshift a work area. Glue the rocks together as you picture them to be, adding some ridges here and overhangs here. Use the leftover dust in a space between two pieces and then add glue, spraying the insta-set on areas where you need to let go sooner. Add extra glue and more dust on noticeable areas to conceal. Use epoxy where needed on large pieces and try to not put all the weight on a single pile but think more like a tree or coral itself grows. Break off and rebuild any pieces you don't like right away before they cure overnight. Be sure to leave enough room for fish to swim around and to clean occasionally. Do keep in mind a height greater than 60% will be tight for an SPS tank and 50% for mixed reef is best. The areas to consider are what you want to put in your tank, not just corals but also of fish and their habitats. Also consider the areas for flow and the last thing is, make sure its clean before putting it in the tank.
It is advised to use a foundation piece from Marco's Rock where possible but not in all cases. It can be helpful but not required, to tape off the area of your tank on the box or buy some cheap plumbing to makeshift a work area. Glue the rocks together as you picture them to be, adding some ridges here and overhangs here. Use the leftover dust in a space between two pieces and then add glue, spraying the insta-set on areas where you need to let go sooner. Add extra glue and more dust on noticeable areas to conceal. Use epoxy where needed on large pieces and try to not put all the weight on a single pile but think more like a tree or coral itself grows. Break off and rebuild any pieces you don't like right away before they cure overnight. Be sure to leave enough room for fish to swim around and to clean occasionally. Do keep in mind a height greater than 60% will be tight for an SPS tank and 50% for mixed reef is best. The areas to consider are what you want to put in your tank, not just corals but also of fish and their habitats. Also consider the areas for flow and the last thing is, make sure its clean before putting it in the tank.
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RBarth
Active Member
Ok, THIS is a great first step and something that I think many new reefers don't consider...'What do u like'. If u like things that move in ur tank, cuz ur tank can't have a lot of big or many fish, than get it from ur corals. If this is ur first reef, don't try for a mixed reef...not yet anyway. Master LPS and softies.
The biggest problem with starting ur first tank is u always add too much rock cuz u want that tank to look like a reef tank day one. Ask me how I know lol. Some of the coolest rock structures I've seen I'll never see again once corals start growing. Flow is gonna b one of the biggest challenges u will face in a smaller tank assuming u want Euphyllia...my tank is full of them in a 40g cube. I love that u are pre thinking coral placement but trust me when I tell u to lower that rock...trust me. The problem u will face is ur pumps will b blowing directly on ur Euphyllia...they don't like that. Ur getting GREAT advice on breaking the rock up and creating smaller islands. The other thing to consider is cleaning. All that rock needs to b IMO at least 4 inches from any wall. If u want to message me I'll b more than happy to show u where I started with my rock, where I am now and what I wished I did differently.
stinkydavis
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Okay I am on board to rescape. Any ideas for how to do this with fish and small cuc in place?
RBarth
Active Member
I wouldn't worry about a rescape with fish. They won't care. One thing u can do is Google image 75g saltwater tanks and find ones that u love. It will take u down a rabbit hole but enjoy this process!
Hello RBarth, I am interested in seeing where you started with your rock placement, and what you would have done differently. I have a 140g tank that was a fish only but I have now started the switch over to a softie/lps and need some ideas for my rock placement, thank you.
RBarth
Active Member
Sure thing! If u wouldn't mind, just message me and I'll give u some ideas!
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