Hey all, brand new to the hobby and setting up my first tank, a 60 gallon cube. Thoughts on my aquascape? I like it, but I’m worried it’s not very functional for my goal of a primarily coral mixed tank. Any insight is appreciated.
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There are a few caves around the big base rocks, and a small cave in one of the rocks of the arch. I’m not planning on having more than a few utility fish, so I wasn’t too concerned about it to be honest.What caves will your fish hide in at night when the lights are off?
Is it not enough rock? Should I look to add more? In terms of filtration I have more rocks in the sump, I just couldn’t figure out how to add them without it feeling cluttered.I think it's cool, some around here don't like NSA (negative space aquascpaing) but I'm not one those haha
Yeah it may not be the BEST for overall coral placement, but with the little amount of rock you are working with it's not bad. A number of distinct shelves at various levles. . . I approve haha
That’s the idea, just a couple small utility fish and mostly invertebrates and corals. Lots of good small holes and caves in the rocks for inverts too.Fine if the plan is 1 or a pair of fish.
From a filtration aspect you are probably fine, especially if you are running some type of bio media.Is it not enough rock? Should I look to add more? In terms of filtration I have more rocks in the sump, I just couldn’t figure out how to add them without it feeling cluttered.
I myself love the nsa aquascape but long term biological filtration is a concern.Is it not enough rock? Should I look to add more? In terms of filtration I have more rocks in the sump, I just couldn’t figure out how to add them without it feeling cluttered.
I have about half’s the visible rocks worth of rock in the sump as well, and some bio bale pellets. Hearing from people though, might think about adding some more rock into the display.I myself love the nsa aquascape but long term biological filtration is a concern.
If you decide to add more get a couple of real live ocean rock shipped wet to you. This will Jumpstart your tank with biodiversity and microfauna and give your biome a big boost.I have about half’s the visible rocks worth of rock in the sump as well, and some bio bale pellets. Hearing from people though, might think about adding some more rock into the display.
every bit helps, even if its just piled in the sump.I have about half’s the visible rocks worth of rock in the sump as well, and some bio bale pellets. Hearing from people though, might think about adding some more rock into the display.
I had thought about this, my plan was to carefully choose coral so whatever goes there wont grow too high, something nice and short or encrusting. I know its too tall, but I would love to avoid messing with it as much as possible now that its set up.It should really be half that height. Keep in mind corals will make it higher. Right now if you place coral on the top they will be too high.
I have multiple corals growing tips out of the water surface so your arch is not even close to being to high. SPS need to be in the upper third of the tank. Most of mine are mounted 8 inches below the surface and grown to the top of the tank.I had thought about this, my plan was to carefully choose coral so whatever goes there wont grow too high, something nice and short or encrusting. I know its too tall, but I would love to avoid messing with it as much as possible now that its set up.
Thank you, I appreciate your input! I'm trying to consider a way to add more hiding places that fits with my aesthetic goals, in any case its still gonna be a bit before any livestock goes into the tank so I have time to figure it out. Thinking I might replace the small island with a cave-y hole-y structure I can build. Half the fun for me is the design process so I'm trying to avoid the option of just throwing a bunch more rock in the tank, but I definitely need to prioritize the needs of my animals more.That will likely be stressful for most wild fish. They need places to totally get away, escape and not be seen - feel secure. If you just want a pair of captive bred clowns, then they probably don't care. Stacked rock that allows fish to totally get away is the number one thing to lower aggression and make fish feel safe, IMO.
In general, if you can see the fish, then they likely will want someplace more secure to go when they feel threatened.