Have a look at this thread MTG posted up
http://www.thereefuge.com.au/threads/aquascaping-demystified.540/
http://www.thereefuge.com.au/threads/aquascaping-demystified.540/
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An aquascaping thread is what it took to get an updated photo of @NiCd s tankI would also add that it is at this stage that you plan out your layout, species and the overall plan for how you are going to stock the tank.
Set a list, ensure they are compatable, work out how high they are going to grow and then stick to that list. You want to balance out colours, heights, textures and movements styles. The flow of the tank that is influenced by the scape has to also be suitable for these species as well as the placement of the light intensity
One of the things that people always forget is that things grow, my two bombies have virtually merged into one on the right hand side of my tank, which was semi intentional, as it can still be seen as diffferent up close but from standing back it sort of flows in. My scapes are never the best example but to give you an idea of how much height you gain from sofites and lps here is some before and after pics around a year on
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So just remember that the scape by itself can look fairly dead, its the coral and fish that you are going to layer ontop of it that gives it life
It all sounds a little daunting but the planning and research at this stage will change it from something that you struggle with to something that you really enjoy.
Rather than rehash what has already been put together by others, Paul has spent alot of time on these write ups and I generally follow the same methodology;
http://www.reefsmagazine.com/forum/reefs-magazine/100520-aesthetics-aquascaping.html
http://www.reefsmagazine.com/forum/reefs-magazine/111388-aesthetics-aquascaping-part-2-a.html
http://www.reefsmagazine.com/forum/reefs-magazine/119589-aesthetics-aquascaping-iii.html
Rock first and allow the tank to cycle.Hi everyone, thanks for all the input, i've been thinking about this nonstop for the last few days.
Agent M - i love your triangular design but unfortunately think my tank is the wrong dimensions to hold it, especially as i have a weird box for my filter, my fault for buying an all in one tank i know!!
I love the tank pics NiCd posted up and think i want to go with something similar to that. ie a 2 bommie design.
I love the clean look and its very pleasing to the eye and as importantly it should be reasonably low maintenance and easy to clean?? My wife loves this layout as well. which is great.
so heres what i'm thinking, i have drawn my tank to the right dimensions, do you think this will work??
My tank is 100cm Long by 55cm High by 50cm Deep. The cut-out in the picture is the filter.
So the first questions I have are………….
1. What corals do you think I should put on them? Ideally I am looking for a range of low maintenance corals which I don’t need to spot feed
2. Logistically how do I go about doing this?
a. Do I go to a LFS (aquaristric or similar) and source the rock first
b. Or do I need to source the corals in at the same time?
I am happy to go with either base rock and seed with live or cycle live in a tub myself, what do you think is the best way forward?
I am happy to do either method but would like the least disruption to my fish as i want to work round them, ideally moving them out for a few hours as i do the work.
I also returned my 2 green brittle starfish at the weekend so have a fish only tank now (2 lionfish, one blue tang and a coral beauty).
Many thanks again for all your help, cheers!!!
Yes low maintenance, IF you keep it open just like @NiCd has shown in the first pic - that way the water can circulate in and around the rocks. You want the flow in your tank to kick up any sediment so the skimmer can remove it from the water.I love the clean look and its very pleasing to the eye and as importantly it should be reasonably low maintenance and easy to clean??
Rock/aquascaping first, then corals. Save the best bit for last :)2. Logistically how do I go about doing this?
a. Do I go to a LFS (aquaristric or similar) and source the rock first
b. Or do I need to source the corals in at the same time?
I personally prefer all live rock because the life on it is fascinating to discover and also everything matches (no stark white rock and then one purple one). The reasons to go for base rock is ease of working with it dry, less expensive, no cycling in a tub - it can go straight in the tank after a quick rinse. So up to you.I am happy to go with either base rock and seed with live or cycle live in a tub myself, what do you think is the best way forward?
I am happy to do either method but would like the least disruption to my fish as i want to work round them, ideally moving them out for a few hours as i do the work.