Feedback on Marco scape

[SixlineRyan]

I actually quite liked the idea of the flat rock. It got my wheels turning on what a wall of zoas or something would look like.

 

[martin.a]

Thanks for all the comments, I really appreciate them! And I like the suggestions and the critic. This is the only way to get anything better.
As promised, please see below v.2 - I removed the flat, tall rock, extended the front ledge and added small top-back ledge on the left rock. These extensions are only tack welded, do not hesitate expressing your opinions . For now, I also removed the 2 small rocks in the front, but they are coming back.

 

[Science/G]

Big difference before and after. A few small changes made all the huge difference. There really is something to the way your eyes move around the scape when the golden ratio is considered.
Amazing work! One of the more beautiful aquascapes I've ever seen.

 

[martin.a]

Thanks everybody for critique and encouragements. It was very helpful! This scape is much better looking now, and I like it more too. I will post pictures when it finally is insitu.

 

[Michael Hughes]

Beautiful hardscape! Lots of fish habitat in addition to the aesthetics.

 

[Reef Jedi]

Looks great! Has a nice negative space while blending practicality into coral placement and fish movement throughout. Also gives the option for expansion in the future if you so desire. Only suggestion is leave your self enough room around the edges to syphon for maintenance and enough room to scrape the glass since that’ll be an every 2-3 day task.

Remember, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and with the ocd, don’t over think it. It’s really well thought out.

 

[martin.a]

For the record: The whole scape weights 40.5kg (90lb) and displaces 18.5kg (40.5lb) of water meaning the density of the rock is 2.2 g/cm3. The rock is a bit lighter than I expected. I expected ~2.7 g/cm3. Maybe my hand scale, or my weight-lifting skills are a bit dodgy.

 

[Science/G]

Getting mathy on us now.... Bravo! Archimedes would be proud!

 

[winzig]

Thanks heaps! Those bits will be bolted to the base of the rocks. I am uncomfortable with 'dropping' rocks straight on the glass, and would pref to avoid a full-size sheet or crate. There is 25cm (10") of clearance for SPS. Yeap, I am worried about flow. These are 3 separate rocks in the front, plus that tall and flat 'afterthought' in the back. The scape can be reorganized if needed.
I will be aiming for smaller fish including gobies (including YWG+shrimp) and blennies.

What are you going to "bolt" the bits to the rock with?

 

[martin.a]

What are you going to "bolt" the bits to the rock with?

With 8mm delrin rods. I will dril holes through the rock and the plate. They will be drilled at an angle, looking 'inwards'. Like shown below. Once the rods are inserted they will (should) lock each other. There will be 3 or 4 of them for each plate.

I am waiting for delivery of those rods. Hopefully will be here before the weekend.

 

[winzig]

How did this work out for you?

 

[martin.a]

Not done yet. Got the rods on Mon. I will do it this weekend and report back.

 

[Science/G]

This is awesome I used acrylic rods on my aquascape as well.