Requesting Feedback On Reef Aquascape - 75G AIO

[Canaan]

Hi all. Aquascaping my 75 gallon AIO with MarcoRocks. Thoughts on this aquascape? I feel like it's a bit too flat? The plan is to have mostly soft/LPS with a few easy SPS. Total tank height is 20". The tallest rock is about 6" right now. Thanks in advance for input!

[Canaan]

[ParrotFish]

Definitely needs another level or two. Fish also love arches/archways. Keep in mind rock is also where beneficial bacteria and micro fauna live. 

 

Here is my tank. It is hard to see but I have 4 rocks for the bottom level, 2 large rocks for the mid level and one at the top. Kinda makes a pyramid shape like this. 

       ^        

   ^      ^

^   ^   ^   ^

https://photos.app.goo.gl/QnUFGRjtri47kCgv8

Edited February 27 by ParrotFish

[Salty Rambler]

I would recommend more height to interrupt fish sight lines, and make sure you are leaving enough space for the corals to grow out -- space to avoid coral warfare as well as space to still have room to clean the glass.

[monstamich]

Hi Canaan,

You will definitely want some more rock higher up to fill in some of the space and create barriers for both fish and coral.  It will also create layers, additional mounting areas and light gradients to accommodate different coral requirements in light and flow.  
 

More importantly, (in my opinion) make sure you’re giving yourself enough space between the rock work and the glass.  I always make sure to have at least 4 inches (and it’s never enough) of space along the front and sides or the tank.  Imagine having to pick something up from the sand, scrubbing algae, using a net or a fish trap.  Coral growth should also be considered.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve “fragged” colonies unintentionally.  
 

Additionally, having more free floor space allows for greater variety when it comes to substrate dwelling fish, inverts, and coral.  Have you worked on a stocking list?  They often get thrown out of the window later in the journey but thy can help mold your initial aquascape design.  
 

Hopefully that helps.  Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.  
 

Thanks,

Mike

 

[YHSublime]

Look up the rule of thirds, then apply. Definitely need height

[CC888]

YouTube has a lot of tutorials on creating aquascape using Marco rocks and thin superglue. It is amazingly fast and really solid. I just did my first attempt and amazed how the glue fused the rocks together. I included my attempt.

[Canaan]

All - thank you so much for the feedback. Incredibly helpful. Please see my second attempt here. I'm content with it but open to feedback - more arches? Tried to add some more on the right side but didn't quite look right.

 

[Canaan]

For stocking: 

Clownfish x2

Tomini Tang

Lyretail Anthias x3

Pink Streak Wrasse

Tailspot Blenny

Possum Wrasse

Neon Goby

[BowieReefer84]

Google “negative space aquascape.” Bust up your rocks with a hammer. Get some foundation Marco rock for the base. Use liquid super glue and Marco powder plus some epoxy or Marco mortar. The BRS NSA is one of the nicest I used as inspiration. I kept watching videos and looking at photos online. I have about 32oz of liquid super glue plus the e Marco mortar holding this together. It’s 3 pieces that are easily moveable. This is going in a 120. Put in the effort now because you won’t want to redo this once it’s wet.