NSA aquascape vs “regular aquascape” rock requirements.

[nibes]

Hello all, I am switching my aquascape up for my Waterbox 20 cube, and I am hoping to get some feedback regarding suggested rock weight. For example, currently I have 19 lbs of rock, but my new aquascape as it stands currently weighs about 7 pounds. I’m worried that if I add much more weight it will hinder my tanks NSA features? I’d love to get your thoughts!
Mike

 

[Jekyl]

NSA is only good for you, not the inhabitants.

 

[Reefing_addiction]

Hello all, I am switching my aquascape up for my Waterbox 20 cube, and I am hoping to get some feedback regarding suggested rock weight. For example, currently I have 19 lbs of rock, but my new aquascape as it stands currently weighs about 7 pounds. I’m worried that if I add much more weight it will hinder my tanks NSA features? I’d love to get your thoughts!
Mike

Pictures?

Possible fish list?

 

[nibes]

So all I really have is 2 clowns, 1 sand sifting goby, a royal gramma and various CUC.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I agree with above, nsa aquascape is 100% for your viewing pleasure, nothing to do really with the livestock benefit, so if you think adding more rocks will make it look ugly, then seems like you answered your own question

 

[esquare]

If you are concerned that adding more rock to increase biological filtration will negatively impact the aesthetic you are trying to achieve, you can add rock or other media in the sump, if you have one. This is the approach I took with my NSA, I added MarinePure blocks in the sump. If you do not have a sump, possibly a HOB would be an option.

 

[Kzang]

NSA is only good for you, not the inhabitants.

Yeah. My peninsula first 1/3 is NSA, next 1/3 is half NSA/half normal, and last 1/3 is normal.

 

[Reefering1]

Where do the fish go if they want to feel safe? There is zero space that is out of sight

 

[esquare]

That is a limiting factor

 

[nibes]

Hmmm, you all bring up a good point, I have loads of ceramic media in the AIO area, it may be a solution to make half nsa and half normal, for the sake of filtration/fish. I really appreciate all the insight. Thanks folks!

 

[nibes]

Is it a possibility to have a NSA aquascape, with loads of water movement and still have some places for fish to hide? Would love to see some examples

 

[leepink23]

Is it a possibility to have a NSA aquascape, with loads of water movement and still have some places for fish to hide? Would love to see some examples

I made sure to have multiple hiding places for all my fish. I have a lot of flow and everyone seems happy. I wanted open space but hiding spaces, overall happy with mine.

 

[esquare]

Very Nice

 

[esquare]

I don't know about loads of places but I have several places for fish to hide

 

[Reefing_addiction]

https://pin.it/6RvdKpVhT

 

[esquare]

https://pin.it/6RvdKpVhT

Nicely laid out

 

[nibes]

Nicely laid out

Awesome feedback folks, I will be breaking down what I had to try again, I really appreciate your assistance. Super glad I didn’t mortar yet.

 

[Reefing_addiction]

https://pin.it/7ATZ24pIV

This one says habitat nSA?

 

[Reefing_addiction]

Nicely laid out

Pinterest…lol …. Although I’m doing g a new tank soon soo this is giving me ideas.

My fish like their hidey holes much to my displeasure but I want them happy.

My mandarin loves all the rocks in my tank I doubt I’ll do a NSA

This one

that entire left side is like a cave system

 

[Reefing_addiction]

Awesome feedback folks, I will be breaking down what I had to try again, I really appreciate your assistance. Super glad I didn’t mortar yet.

Look up NSA aquascapea on Pinterest or maybe even habitat nsa aquascapes??

I know my new tank will need places for the nems to attach.

My tomini tang is a scardey cat.
But my purple likes to zoom.

My clowns hang with the nems

I need to come up with a plan for the new tank! Thanks for making this post! It’s giving me ideas!

I also need to consider (and so should you) where you want your corals and what types.

As you can see in my pictures of my current tank I have plenty or corals I need to consider placement of. My new tank has a coast to coast overflow so I will have extra floor space to work with!. New tank is also 2 inches wider!