Aquascape

[cdfjr1975]

Just wanted to share an idea for my aquascape. My rendering needs some work because "at scale" it left too much open space at the top. So I plan on removing the left rock in the drawing and rescaling the remaining pieces as well as moving them left. This will possibly create more space on the right but until the wife can rescale this, she is the designer/artistic one of us, I won't know for sure.

I have included the inspiration for this aquascape and plan to arrange it in a way which uses the rule of thirds.

Here is the design:

I've read you should view other tanks and nature for inspiration and I saw a natural reef which immediately brought to mind the last supper so I tried to use this remarkable piece of art as my inspiration for dedign.

 

[BummersReef]

How big is your tank? how long is it? you will need a long tank to encompass The Last Supper!
it is great to start with a drawing but keep in mind the rock itself will have it's own "style" and you may need to adjust your vision to match the rock shapes themselves.
Some things to consider:
will this tank be more focused on fish or corals? if fish, then you need to allow for as much space a possible for them to swim around (especially if you get bigger fish like tangs or angels)
what kind of rock are you going to use?

btw ... welcome to R2R!!!

 

[cdfjr1975]

5 foot 100 gallon tank 16 inch deep 24 inch tall. I sketched the idea first then put the scale to it afterwards which then made me realize I needed to get rid of one of the end pieces. The picture cropped it out but I wrote a note to remove the left rock leaving and rescaling the rest so it would be a little taller.

I'm thinking of using pukani and certain that this initial vision will more than likely change some depending on the sides received.

I haven't picked out my live stock yet, I'm still months away from being complete but I believe FOWLR at first but leaving options for beginner chassis once I know I can keep consistent water conditions.

@BummersReef thanks for the input I appreciate the assistance in getting me off on the proper foot.

 

[BummersReef]

Pukani is great stuff. If you think FOWLR, you will need room for fish to swim - it's kind of hard to tell from drawing how much rock you will actually have but I think the overall shape is nice. Make sure there is room on either end and in front and back for fish to swim all around (they like/need as much open space as you can give them)
great start!
our tank is 5ft long also, a difficult length to work with for lights as most tanks are either 4ft or 6 ft.

 

[dbl]

If you haven't come across this thread, take a look. You might pick up a tip or two. Just remember, assuming it's designed to accommodate flow, coral placement and your inhabitants, the only person that has to like the aquascape is you. You're the one that gets to enjoy looking at it every day, we only get to see the occasional picture...lol.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/tips-and-tricks-on-creating-amazing-aquascapes.97209/

 

[cdfjr1975]

@dbl great thread thanks. I know I'm the only one who needs to enjoy it I just like to hear real life opinions and suggestions because I know I'm going to miss 20 things.

@BummersReef how did you handle lighting for a 5 foot tank? I've been looking and I can't seem to find the best option yet. I'm thinking LED for the most part but open for other suggestions. Also thinking some LED t5 combo

 

[BummersReef]

[QUOTE="
@BummersReef how did you handle lighting for a 5 foot tank? I've been looking and I can't seem to find the best option yet. I'm thinking LED for the most part but open for other suggestions. Also thinking some LED t5 combo[/QUOTE]
honestly that is exactly what is keeping me up at night! I can not figure out what do about the lighting. Not only is the tank 5ft long, it has a very short canopy (hood) that is oak and lovely. Right now, we have the two 40 watt fluroescents that came with this used tank (it as used a freshwater) plus a used 4 ft ecoxotic led (cheap thing). We have some corals but they just sit there, there is just not enough light for them to truly grow. We had wanted to put in GOOD stuff but how can I get new LEDS and put them so close to the top of the tank? the lid is only 4" from the top of the tank! it has very nice acrylic covers so I don't worry about splash but 4"?? Radions are like 2" thick!! and how many do I get? so stumped. keep meaning to post something here about it .... but I'm hijacking this post so I will shut up now. sorry!