Assistance with Hardscaping

[TheSoftLoft]

Hello everyone,

I am new to the hobby and have some questions regarding hardscaping a new reef tank. I will be keeping mostly softies with a few LPS and a couple of fish (goby, pistol shrimp, gramma). Is the rock placement too high? Any suggestions on how to make the tank look more interesting while also ensuring the coral are in optimal positions. I have also looked up and consulted my LFS for general coral species placement for when the tank is ready. Below is some tank specifics;
-20 gallon UNS 60U
-Icecap FP60
-AI blade grow

I do have experience in terrariums and bioactive enclosures for reptiles but never owned an aquarium before.

Thank you and appreciate the input

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Not too high at all for me, I like tall aquascapes. I would add a few more small rocks at the base to create more little caves,,, your fish choices (goby, gramma) are cave dwelling fish and each need their own space.

As for your light, hopefully you got the 40 watt version, if you got the 20 watt version, then try to return it. Your tank should have 50-60 watts of light, 40 will work but IMO 20 watts is enough to keep corals barely alive but they won't grow or thrive.

Later on I would add a second powerhead on the opposite side.

My last comment is to be careful about taking LFS advise, they are not all bad, but we have seen some terrible advice on this forum given by others.

Looks like a good start so far, good luck.