40G Breeder Aquascape Suggestions

[LesPaulGtr]

Hi All. I’m in the progress of upgrading from a Fluval 13.5 to a 40 gallon breeder with 20 gallon sump. I purchased some Tropic Eden Morroca rock (see pic below) and they kind of just fall together like this. I did leave out 1 4lb rock from the order and I plan to migrate 1 large rock from my existing tank to the back of the new tank and 2 smaller rocks to the sump.

Any suggestions on my setup, too much rock, not enough, placement, etc? I love the stacking piece although it only seems to work as a separate “island”. The cardboard is the same dimensions as the tank.

Thanks in advance!

Top View:

Existing 13 gallon tank: will be migrating the larger right rock behind the rock work and the other rocks to the sump:

 

[TX_REEF]

I'd reduce the amount of rock a bit, you'll be glad you did later because you really want some more space between the rock and glass on all sides so you can get your hands or tools in when needed for cleaning, adjusting, etc. That's one of my regrets with my main display scape - I wish I left more space between the rock and glass on the front, back and sides.

Also, consider adding a bit more terracing, rather than one stacked structure, so you have multiple different "shelves" at different depths for corals that prefer different levels of light and flow.

The rock itself looks very nice, though.

 

[LesPaulGtr]

I'd reduce the amount of rock a bit, you'll be glad you did later because you really want some more space between the rock and glass on all sides so you can get your hands or tools in when needed for cleaning, adjusting, etc. That's one of my regrets with my main display scape - I wish I left more space between the rock and glass on the front, back and sides.

Also, consider adding a bit more terracing, rather than one stacked structure, so you have multiple different "shelves" at different depths for corals that prefer different levels of light and flow.

The rock itself looks very nice, though.

Thanks @TX_REEF for the input! I see what you mean, but (I haven't weighed them) I'm afraid of not hitting the 1 lb per gallon rock guideline. Concerning terracing, I'm wondering if I should break up some of the rock and glue them on at different heights, although with the rock I've chosen, it's a bit difficult to get nice smaller pieces broken off.

 

[LesPaulGtr]

Thanks All. I’ve made a couple adjustments: Removed the far right rock and 1 of the rocks on the left and replaced it with a flatter dry rock to give it a more stepped appearance. Thoughts?

 

[TX_REEF]

that looks much better! I'd still recommend "shortening" the structure a bit on the right or left sides, if feasible.

 

[LesPaulGtr]

Thanks @TX_REEF, I wonder if tilting the rock on the left inwards a bit towards the front of the tank will give me some extra room between it and the glass?

 

[LesPaulGtr]

Got the rocks in the tank for a fit. I tilted the arch a bit to make more room side to side, how does it look?