Aquascaping for large tanks?

[|Tom the Bomb|]

Just started scaping for my reefer 900 and this is my 2nd attempt lolFirst attempt was ok, I did a horrible job of applying the mortar and when I tried to lift it some rocks did detach
I've seen most people do it out of the tank so that's what I did,
just wondering once I'm done how would I get it into the tank, the scape is really heavy. and I'm worried that maybe some pieces may break off and fall which would be a disaster.
planning to secure it with super glue and mortar again (hopefully better this time)

I could just do everything in the tank but then the mortar might make a mess and it'll be a pain reaching the nooks and crannies since the tank is so tall, don't wanna damage the glass either

Any advice would be appreciated!

Current scape (not the best but it is what it is)

build thread here!

 

[lapin]

I used 25 to 50 lbs pieces and stacked them so they would not fall. My gobies cannot lift 50lbs

 

[lavoisier]

I did the same. Remember that as your corals grow out the aquascape details disappear! The general shape and ratios will be what counts. Keep to the 5::3 horizontally and vertically and you will be happy 2 years from now.

 

[kzenoni]

I’ve got a 350 gallon.I just stacked them against the back wall with plenty of empty spots for the fish. No glue. I’ve got a sailfin tang around 11 inches long and he can easily swim in behind the rocks.

 

[|Tom the Bomb|]

I did the same. Remember that as your corals grow out the aquascape details disappear! The general shape and ratios will be what counts. Keep to the 5::3 horizontally and vertically and you will be happy 2 years from now.

Oh yea true! Even if it doesn't look as nice now, once the coralline and corals start to grow it'll definitely be better

I’ve got a 350 gallon.I just stacked them against the back wall with plenty of empty spots for the fish. No glue. I’ve got a sailfin tang around 11 inches long and he can easily swim in behind the rocks.

Nice tank!
I was skeptical of piling rocks against the back cus from what I've heard from others it might cause flow issues or whatnot but yours looks great!

I'm planning to get a snowflake eel so I was worrying that it might go around bumping and moving rocks which may be concerning. Also wanted to make a good cave for it so that might need extra securing

 

[|Tom the Bomb|]

has anyone tried those aquarium putty / clay type of things ?

 

[|Tom the Bomb|]

also does this super glue look ok? I mean it says cryanoacrylate but uh just wanted to make sure if its 100% safe, I have one of these so if it is then I don't need another

 

[kzenoni]

Oh yea true! Even if it doesn't look as nice now, once the coralline and corals start to grow it'll definitely be better

Nice tank!
I was skeptical of piling rocks against the back cus from what I've heard from others it might cause flow issues or whatnot but yours looks great!

I'm planning to get a snowflake eel so I was worrying that it might go around bumping and moving rocks which may be concerning. Also wanted to make a good cave for it so that might need extra securing

I had two eels in that tank with no issues. Moved them to my 200 gallon fowlr tank when I noticed my shrimp missing. My fish are checking one eel out that is in the rocks.

 

[Pntbll687]

For large rock aquascape I would do a general build outside the tank, then mortar in place inside the tank. Don't take a chance with 25# rock coming loose during transfer.

If you went the negative space scape, with lots of branching pieces made of small rocks, I would be more comfortable moving that into the tank.

And build the scape YOU WANT. You're the one who had to look at this every day

 

[Nick Steele]

also does this super glue look ok? I mean it says cryanoacrylate but uh just wanted to make sure if its 100% safe, I have one of these so if it is then I don't need another

Im not sure on that glue in particular but if you have a dollar store near you they have 2 sometimes 3 packs of glue for $1might need a few packs but I love this glue for everything tank related.

has anyone tried those aquarium putty / clay type of things ?

I have used this before. It works good and holds tight when done correctly. They have a white version too if you don’t want the purple. And if you ever need to get rid of it you can just heat it up and it comes apart

 

[albano]

Can’t find that for sale anywhere

 

[Nick Steele]

Can’t find that for sale anywhere

I got mine from marine depot but sadly they don’t exist anymore so I’m at a lost for it too

 

[|Tom the Bomb|]

ah well thanks for all the suggestions, I ended up going with just regular super glue (cyanoacrylate) and a tube of aquastik epoxy! siand some of the rocks on the bottom were already previously secured with cement and it seems to be pretty stable