Aquascaping and coral ideas

[jwesley5480]

So I’m not good at aquascaping and I’ll own that. What I have works meaning it’s allowing flow and fish safe habitats. However I want to add more coral and just feel like the current scaping won’t allow me too much creativity for that. Like there is to much empty space.

To add to that I have done a lot of research on lps and soft coral and want a tank full with as many as I can get.

So I’m reaching out for ideas on what I can improve upon for my LR currently and what might be good suggestions for coral placement in the future? I added a picture with just the front but will try getting a side or video later after work

 

[ScubaFish802]

This is by far the best post I have come across for this topic - the OP has some great knowledge that may give ideas - https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/tips-and-tricks-on-creating-amazing-aquascapes.97209/

 

[Dav2996]

So I’m not good at aquascaping and I’ll own that. What I have works meaning it’s allowing flow and fish safe habitats. However I want to add more coral and just feel like the current scaping won’t allow me too much creativity for that. Like there is to much empty space.

To add to that I have done a lot of research on lps and soft coral and want a tank full with as many as I can get.

So I’m reaching out for ideas on what I can improve upon for my LR currently and what might be good suggestions for coral placement in the future? I added a picture with just the front but will try getting a side or video later after work

View attachment 2870610 View attachment 2870611 View attachment 2870612

I like flat rocks and create angels with them. In real life I see slopes with flat rocks and create nice drops like in nature.

 

[RichReef]

You don't have to be good at scaping.

You just have to like what you create.

Get some tonga rocks to put on top or sides to create some branching. Break them up if you want to. Put corals on the branches.

 

[Dav2996]

I am no expert I just like the cliff like expirences and I always like seeing the angles and the flat rocks give a lot of space for coral. Flate rocks on uneven rocks make nice caves.

 

[jwesley5480]

I am no expert I just like the cliff like expirences and I always like seeing the angles and the flat rocks give a lot of space for coral. Flate rocks on uneven rocks make nice caves.

Flat rocks do look sweet and give a nice shelf like look. What I was wondering with that though is can I mix live rock with dry now that my tank is up to get some of those flat surfaces?

 

[jwesley5480]

I am no expert I just like the cliff like expirences and I always like seeing the angles and the flat rocks give a lot of space for coral. Flate rocks on uneven rocks make nice caves.

I like those angles and drops as well it give a tank some depth if you ask me. So I guess if went that route I would need dry rock to make that change some.

 

[jwesley5480]

This is by far the best post I have come across for this topic - the OP has some great knowledge that may give ideas - https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/tips-and-tricks-on-creating-amazing-aquascapes.97209/

Thanks this was a very informative read!!!

 

[Dav2996]

Flat rocks do look sweet and give a nice shelf like look. What I was wondering with that though is can I mix live rock with dry now that my tank is up to get some of those flat surfaces?

You can mix them but it will take 6-12 months for it to mature and you would need to cure it. I started with all dry rocks.

 

[Dav2996]

Thanks this was a very informative read!!!

When I scuba dive I see drops like mine. I like how it slopes downwards and gets deeper with mountain.

 

[jwesley5480]

You can mix them but it will take 6-12 months for it to mature and you would need to cure it. I started with all dry rocks.s

When I scuba dive I see drops like mine. I like how it slopes downwards and gets deeper with mountain. View attachment 2870996

If I get additional live rock from my lfs can I mortar it to my current rock but inside the tank?

 

[Dav2996]

Use this stuff, they have purple grey different colors of this epoxy. Put coral glue then epoxy on one side then coral glue under the epoxy so coral glue on both sides for a more strong mounting.

INSTANT OCEAN HoldFast Epoxy Stick for Fish & Reef Aquariums, 4.4-oz tube - Chewy.com

Buy Instant Ocean HoldFast Epoxy Stick for Fish & Reef Aquariums, 4.4-oz tube at Chewy.com. FREE shipping and the BEST customer service!

www.chewy.com

 

[Dav2996]

If I get additional live rock from my lfs can I mortar it to my current rock but inside the tank?

Eventually stuff will even grow on the epoxy so you won’t see just do not choose white it will always be noticeable later

 

[jwesley5480]

Use this stuff, they have purple grey different colors of this epoxy. Put coral glue then epoxy on one side then coral glue under the epoxy so coral glue on both sides for a more strong mounting.

INSTANT OCEAN HoldFast Epoxy Stick for Fish & Reef Aquariums, 4.4-oz tube - Chewy.com

Buy Instant Ocean HoldFast Epoxy Stick for Fish & Reef Aquariums, 4.4-oz tube at Chewy.com. FREE shipping and the BEST customer service!

www.chewy.com

amazing thank you so much!

 

[HudsonReefer2.0]

You don't have to be good at scaping.

You just have to like what you create.

Get some tonga rocks to put on top or sides to create some branching. Break them up if you want to. Put corals on the branches.

Eventually the rocks w all b covered when the corals fill in.

 

[HudsonReefer2.0]

And welcome to R2R.

 

[jwesley5480]

And welcome to R2R. View attachment 2871035

thanks! I always worry about being the annoying person doing this and asking all sorts of questions. But how else can I learn!

 

[jwesley5480]

thanks! I always worry about being the annoying person doing this and asking all sorts of questions. But how else can I learn!

Eventually the rocks w all b covered when the corals fill in.

Now that is what I can’t wait to see. The idea of it has me just nerding out!

 

[Dav2996]

Now that is what I can’t wait to see. The idea of it has me just nerding out!

I taught myself a lot using reef to reef be careful and double check advice with other sources. Somthings are trolls on here haha . Happy reefing!

 

[jwesley5480]

I’ve decided to start re-scaping. I have some dry rock from my lfs epoxy and glue. My plan is to base around the dry rock then break up my live rock and add it to the base scaping so I don’t lose my bacteria.

my dry rocks getting dirty but I assume I can dunk it in rodi water before adding it to my tank. I’ll post pics as I progress. This has me a bit excited