Chris-W
New Member
I am in the process of planning out a 45 gallon mixed reef. My tank, which is still on order and in transit, is a 45 gallon JBJ all-in-one system. The dimensions of the display are 26.5" x 17" x 19" (taller than it is deep). I've made a PVC frame whose outside dimensions are the same as the DT. I am hoping to attempt some SPS in this tank.
I've put together a couple of options and am curious what you all think would be best. I am working with rock from my some of my old systems which I have thoroughly cleaned ( bleached and then rinsed many times in RODI). You'll notice two different types of rocks with two different colors. It's not ideal for appearances of a new tank, but I am hoping the athestics improve as the system matures. I am planning on making two main pieces for the aquascape that can either be connected or disjoint.
The two options are as follows.
(1) Continuous Ridgeline (First set of photos)
I tried to put together something that had plenty of hiding places and mounting options for corals. While the ridge is cavernous and fairly hollow, it might not be quite a good for flow as the second option. This was the one my family liked the most.
(2) Islands: Tower and Overhang
This layout somewhat incorporates one of the original ideas I had which was to make some type of large overhang. There is good negative space between the two elements which should improve flow through the tank. I would not consider this design complete as I would attach at least one more small shelf to the "tower" on the left. The tower also was one of the very first pieces of live rock I had as a kid which was home to an Orchid Dottyback.
Which of the two do you guys think would be best for a mixed reef with (hopefully) some SPS? Would you suggest any changes to either design?
Thanks for the help!
I've put together a couple of options and am curious what you all think would be best. I am working with rock from my some of my old systems which I have thoroughly cleaned ( bleached and then rinsed many times in RODI). You'll notice two different types of rocks with two different colors. It's not ideal for appearances of a new tank, but I am hoping the athestics improve as the system matures. I am planning on making two main pieces for the aquascape that can either be connected or disjoint.
The two options are as follows.
(1) Continuous Ridgeline (First set of photos)
I tried to put together something that had plenty of hiding places and mounting options for corals. While the ridge is cavernous and fairly hollow, it might not be quite a good for flow as the second option. This was the one my family liked the most.
(2) Islands: Tower and Overhang
This layout somewhat incorporates one of the original ideas I had which was to make some type of large overhang. There is good negative space between the two elements which should improve flow through the tank. I would not consider this design complete as I would attach at least one more small shelf to the "tower" on the left. The tower also was one of the very first pieces of live rock I had as a kid which was home to an Orchid Dottyback.
Which of the two do you guys think would be best for a mixed reef with (hopefully) some SPS? Would you suggest any changes to either design?
Thanks for the help!
