Aquascaping an Island Tank

Bruce60 · Mar 23, 2019

Hi everyone!

This is my first post on Reef2Reef although I have been an avid aquarist for over 40 years with fresh water, FOWLR and reef tanks. I now am attempting a 150 gal (5' by 2' by 2') island tank with a central overflow (see images). Inside this 3" diameter pipe runs the drains and returns to the tank. This will be viewable from all sides except for the 7" of the second floor support pillars on either side. As I fill the tank I am struggling to envision how to aquascape when there is no back or front and you want good views from all side. While I do not want to cover the central overflow with rock, I also need to consider its impact on the overall layout.

I would greatly appreciate any advice, and especially would love to see any images of others' island tanks. Thanks!

Bruce

dantimdad · Mar 23, 2019

That's gonna be nice!

Welcome aboard!

Smarkow · Mar 24, 2019

That looks like a promising start. I would consider reading this excellent 3 part series by Paul Whitby in 2011.
Aesthetics of Aquascaping, Part I - Reefs.comhttps://reefs.com/magazine/aesthetics-of-aquascaping-part-i/
Aesthetics of Aquascaping: Part II - Reefs.comhttps://reefs.com/magazine/aesthetics-of-aquascaping-part-ii/
Aesthetics of Aquascaping III: Building the Backbone of an Aquascape ...https://reefs.com/.../aesthetics-of-aquascaping-iii-building-the-backbone-of-an-aquasc...

The only thing I don't see him talk about in these articles is that you should consider taping off the primary viewing panes into 3 x 3 equal grids or golden ratio rectangles to select where your focal points will go. That has helped me in past.

I think you should reconsider not covering the central overflow, it will draw the eye's attention regardless of how you handle it, so consider turning it into a unique opportunity to display plating montipora or tabling acros? Or some sort of encrusting coral or polyp. It would not have to go all the way to the top, in fact if it went 1/2 or 2/3 of the way to the top and then some corals with height were placed with room to grow... could be awesome and unique! Consider some small stacks of rocks placed up against the glass on the short ends by the support poles, and some good pumps (opposing gyres?) at the top of the end panes.

Good luck :)

cdhappy · Apr 1, 2019

I love tanks this are visible on as many sides as possible, nice choice of setup.

Looking forward to watching it develop. I do think incorporating rock work around / to semi-cover the center overflow could be cool, the black pipe will really stick out otherwise. You could also glue some things to it like montis, tabling acro, or if you’re not into SPS maybe some barnacles (most LFS carry as a decoration) that zoas or the like could grow over?

Aquascaping can be difficult. I looked at as many pictures as I could find for inspiration. For what it’s worth, here’s a few picts of my 5x2x2 SCA 150. (Just getting it setup & still need to build the stand facade) It’s against the wall with a black back; like you I wanted to leave lots of area so I can view from as many sides as I can. I love Anthias and wanted lots of caves and rock work, yet lots of open space as well.