Aquascape thoughts?

[Srfnhooker]

Here's my new aquascape for my new IM 75 EXT. Took me about 4hrs to build. I have a few more pieces to add as islands in the front. What do you think? Tomorrow I add sand and water. Cycle starts.

 

[AZReef13]

I like it

 

[Waters]

I think it looks great.....I would use those small rocks that you are going to add strategically against the base to create a hiding spot (or two) for fish.

 

[Srfnhooker]

I think it looks great.....I would use those small rocks that you are going to add strategically against the base to create a hiding spot (or two) for fish.

Took your advice and added a couple areas for smaller fish to hide. One on the right and 1 left. Got the sand in and half the water yesterday. Finished the rest of the water today.

 

[Lavey29]

It looks very nice but I think you should try and create some actual caves for your fish not just covered openings. Depending on what livestock you choose this may be essential.

 

[Srfnhooker]

It looks very nice but I think you should try and create some actual caves for your fish not just covered openings. Depending on what livestock you choose this may be essential.

Noted. I'll see what I can do. I've got plenty of time before fish go in. Going to start the cycle tomorrow once the water clears a bit more.

 

[Reef Devils]

Here's my new aquascape for my new IM 75 EXT. Took me about 4hrs to build. I have a few more pieces to add as islands in the front. What do you think? Tomorrow I add sand and water. Cycle starts.

Love it!! Wish mine was something like that. Min has some more caves and hiding areas for fish. That is definitely something you need to think about. But you have lots of real-estate for corals.

 

[steveschuerger]

Looks good. What corals are you eventually thinking of having?

 

[vtecintegra]

Add more rock. Create a reef habitat vs. an aquascape.

 

[Lavey29]

Noted. I'll see what I can do. I've got plenty of time before fish go in. Going to start the cycle tomorrow once the water clears a bit more.

To give you perspective, I have basically the same size tank with 12 fish in it. At night, every fish there disappears out of sight into his or her preferred cave and I can't see them without a flashlight and most I can't even find.

 

[Srfnhooker]

Love it!! Wish mine was something like that. Min has some more caves and hiding areas for fish. That is definitely something you need to think about. But you have lots of real-estate for corals.

Thanks. I appreciate it. Lavey29 recommends the same for hiding spaces. I'll work that in over the next week or so.

 

[Srfnhooker]

Looks good. What corals are you eventually thinking of having?

I'm not really sure at this point but I will probably start with some lps and softies and then eventually after I get all the equipment I need I would like to try my hand @ acropora. I am just getting back to reefing after about 10 yr. So much has changed. I have a lot still to research. Takin it slow.

 

[Srfnhooker]

To give you perspective, I have basically the same size tank with 12 fish in it. At night, every fish there disappears out of sight into his or her preferred cave and I can't see them without a flashlight and most I can't even find.

I don't plan on having that many fish. I will add more rock for hiding spaces for half a dozen fish or so. Thanks.

 

[Lavey29]

I don't plan on having that many fish. I will add more rock for hiding spaces for half a dozen fish or so. Thanks.

Good plan and if you really want to kick start your tank on the right foot make those additional rock pieces real live wet ocean rock and you will be way ahead in the game.

 

[Srfnhooker]

Good plan and if you really want to kick start your tank on the right foot make those additional rock pieces real live wet ocean rock and you will be way ahead in the game.

I have about 15 to 20 lbs of cycled Caribsea rock from a previous setup (not mine) I will be adding to the sump tomorrow. It been in a bucket with a pump for about 2 months. Fed it and performed water changes.

 

[Srfnhooker]

Good plan and if you really want to kick start your tank on the right foot make those additional rock pieces real live wet ocean rock and you will be way ahead in the game.

My AC guy offered a piece of Tampa Bay live rock from his established tank/sump but he is going thru an algae outbreak right now. I don't want to take on his problem.

 

[Lavey29]

I have about 15 to 20 lbs of cycled Caribsea rock from a previous setup (not mine) I will be adding to the sump tomorrow. It been in a bucket with a pump for about 2 months. Fed it and performed water changes.

That's good but won't have the biodiversity and microfauna or real rock straight from the ocean so your tank will only get partial benefits.

 

[Reef Devils]

Thanks. I appreciate it. Lavey29 recommends the same for hiding spaces. I'll work that in over the next week or so.

Cool. Keep us updated on the tank. More hiding spaces will make your fish happy and make them feel safe

 

[Srfnhooker]

That's good but won't have the biodiversity and microfauna or real rock straight from the ocean so your tank will only get partial benefits.

I live an hour from Tampa Bay saltwater. I'll look into that.

 

[steveschuerger]

I live an hour from Tampa Bay saltwater. I'll look into that.

It’s good rock . I’ve gotten small orders a couple times.