First Attempt at Aquascaping

[djm]

Hi Guys

I’m currently setting up my D-D ReefPro 900 and attempting my first aquascape using the D-D Aquascape Natural Aquarium Rock.

I’ve used a cardboard cut out as the dimensions of the tank to lay out the rock.

Do you guys have any feedback or tips to what I’ve put together in the attached pictures?

Thanks

 

[Cell]

Vary heights/less symmetry.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I do like the rocks that are separated from the main scape!

 

[djm]

I do like the rocks that are separated from the main scape!

Thanks. I have a fluval evo at the moment which has an anemone which hosts 2 clowns, I ideally would like the anemone to stay on one of those islands….. easier said then done I know.

 

[djm]

I do like the rocks that are separated from the main scape!

Vary heights/less symmetry.

Second attempt at less symmetry

 

[Tidal Gardens]

Just my recommendation, the rock looks like it comes very close to the front glass. I would remove the front rock close to the glass and then form a cave on that side. It will help with flow and more places for the fish to swim under.

 

[Dmmz]

This is the part that takes me the longest when doing a new tank build just make sure you like it since you will be the one looking at it for a long time hopefully

 

[Sod Buster]

Andre Silvestre wrote a very nice aquascape article many years ago now. It still is probably online. It covered developing visual depth, different heights to promote flow, and blends for natural appearance. He was a real artist and photographer I think from Portugal. He took ideas from the planted tanks in Japan that appear to be landscape scenes. It is your tank, so what looks nice for you is final. Keep powerhead flow in mind, nooks for hide holes, ease of cleaning. One pic is his, one pic is mine, and the cool pic w/ the overhang fish in the shade I can't remember who's, maybe someone knows. All over 10 years old.

 

[JayM]

My general priorities on aquascaping:

1) Inhabitants need to like it..
2) You need to like it.
3) Everyone else needs to like it.
4) If you have a significant other, squeeze them between 1 & 2.

That said, it looks like you're on the right track. Hard to say for sure, but I see mostly caves and tunnels, without many tight cracks and crevices. Many fish prefer such places to sleep/hide in. I've got a few fish that sleep in spots that make me wonder how they even managed to squeeze in.

 

[Troylee]

My opinion is your prime lighting is in the center and you have no rock there only across the back.. I don’t really care what my rock looks like I just need space for my corals to cover it all and have good flow! Ascetic's of rock don’t matter much to me.. lol

 

[djm]

Just my recommendation, the rock looks like it comes very close to the front glass. I would remove the front rock close to the glass and then form a cave on that side. It will help with flow and more places for the fish to swim under.

I really like the idea of creating another arch on the side. I’ve placed the rock in the tank and attempted to create the arch

 

[Sod Buster]

Straight vertical walls are hard to find room for coral colors. Fish tank or reef tank? Rock mounds, not walls for a reef tank. The left side is pretty sheer like a granite cliff. You don't have to use all the rock you've bought & can even break some bigs into small chunks for fill. The big boy on the right bottom, move that to the left wall in front. Use the small one upper right to taper the arch down to the glass.

 

[djm]

Straight vertical walls are hard to find room for coral colors. Fish tank or reef tank? Rock mounds, not walls for a reef tank. The left side is pretty sheer like a granite cliff. You don't have to use all the rock you've bought & can even break some bigs into small chunks for fill. The big boy on the right bottom, move that to the left wall in front. Use the small one upper right to taper the arch down to the glass.

Thanks for the advice, I’ve tweaked it a little.

 

[Hooz]

My suggestion is to turn on your light to see where your shadows are. As people looking at the front (mostly) of the tank, we concentrate on what that looks like, but from a coral perspective, top down (light and shadow) is the most important. The light will act more like a spot light of sorts, so it'll look a lot different than it does just looking at it in a well lit room.

Think about what you plan to keep in there (shadowed, lower light or direct, higher light), what sort of flow it likes, how you plan to mount it and then adjust accordingly.

I like the flow of the rocks you've got going, though. It's looking pretty good.