Input on my current aquascape?

[ryanc1025]

Tank has been up and cycling for 2 days. I should have posted this earlier, oh well still have time for changes. Wanted some input on my current aquascape with adding corals in the future. This is a 100 Gallon, 48x22x22. Plan on doing a mixed reef. See any issues here?

Any feedback would be appreciated!

 

[lapin]

Why is there a fish in your tank ? Is it plastic? 2 days of cycling does not make a cycled tank? Rocks look good

 

[Bruttall]

Rocks look great, you left lots of vision breaks/hiding spots and water can flow all around and thru it because you left space behind the rock between the back wall of the tank. Well Thought Out!!

In 100g water that 1 fish is starting the Nitrifying bacteria cycle and should be just fine. In fact you will get more ammonia from uneaten food if you're not careful than that 1 fish can produce.

After about 10 days start testing for Nitrates, once you see them start climbing above 30 do a 30% water change. You're cycled. You could start to add some coral at this time BUT!!!!! Do your due diligence. Some coral do not belong in a brand new tank, like acropora or euphyllia for example. Zoa's, Paly's and Leathers on the other hand do great in new tanks because they are nearly bullet proof.

 

[esquare]

As stated, looks very good with many areas for fish.

One thing I believe I did wrong with my scape is going to high which doesn't leave enough room for growth/water flow. Your middle section may be boarding on a little high but that is something you can change later on if it turns out to be an issue.

 

[Sophie"s mom]

Looks great! Lots of hiding places as well as room to cruise!

 

[strich]

I think it looks pretty good. The following is just constructive criticism and it's your vision, so take it with as much salt as you like:

• The rods in the rocks are an obvious eyesore that you could've covered up, and still can. On the other hand maybe you have plans to pretty quickly cover them in corals. Personally I wouldn't stand for it even now haha.
• There is something not quite right with the flow of the scape to me personally. I haphazardly drew some lines to illustrate:
  • 
  • These are the kinds of through-lines I see looking at your scape, and what I might imagine you would try to keep up with when planting the tank. That middle bit feels off to me.
  • I would be tempted to remove that bit entirely and separate that last line from the group. Doing this would give coral planted along the last line more airspace to grow vertically too.
  • Here is an inspirational piece to guide you:
    • 

 

[ryanc1025]

I think it looks pretty good. The following is just constructive criticism and it's your vision, so take it with as much salt as you like:

• The rods in the rocks are an obvious eyesore that you could've covered up, and still can. On the other hand maybe you have plans to pretty quickly cover them in corals. Personally I wouldn't stand for it even now haha.
• There is something not quite right with the flow of the scape to me personally. I haphazardly drew some lines to illustrate:
  • 
  • These are the kinds of through-lines I see looking at your scape, and what I might imagine you would try to keep up with when planting the tank. That middle bit feels off to me.
  • I would be tempted to remove that bit entirely and separate that last line from the group. Doing this would give coral planted along the last line more airspace to grow vertically too.
  • Here is an inspirational piece to guide you:
    • 

I appreciate the feedback. I didn't care much for the scape myself lol so I ended up making changes last weekend. I plan on adding in one additional piece to the far right shelf that'll cover the visible rod but all in all I'm happy with the overall look and depth. Not too many shaded spots and way more space for corals!