Help with my aquascape

[aus1230]

I currently have a 40 gallon innovative marine that has been set up for 14 months. I've always felt like this aquascape is probably too cluttered and has caused me some issues with detritus and left over food getting caught up in certain pockets. I recently moved one of my Nero 3s to the back of the lower tank to help with this issue but long term I would like to not have to be too concerned with that. My main question is if I take out the main arch center piece do you think I will have enough rock to suffice in this tank. I do understand that ultimately I would have to weight rocks to know that actual answer. Also just looking for some friendly ideas on re scaping as well. Thanks!

 

[Saltyreef]

Nice tank! Rock placement and powerhead placement takes a little time to dial in if you want the powerheads to do all the heavy lifting.
What i like about the ecotech vortech pumps is the nutrient transport function.
I run it in the evening and it puts all the detritus into suspension for the surface skimmers to take care of it.
I still use a coral feeder/turkey baster to clean off the rocks and push crud out of the holes.

Also the amount of rocks you have is just fine. If you removed some it wouldnt be that big of a deal.
I would keep as much rock as you can though!

 

[aus1230]

Nice tank! Rock placement and powerhead placement takes a little time to dial in if you want the powerheads to do all the heavy lifting.
What i like about the ecotech vortech pumps is the nutrient transport function.
I run it in the evening and it puts all the detritus into suspension for the surface skimmers to take care of it.
I still use a coral feeder/turkey baster to clean off the rocks and push crud out of the holes.

Also the amount of rocks you have is just fine. If you removed some it wouldnt be that big of a deal.
I would keep as much rock as you can though!

I'm looking to just remove the center piece because I know that's where buildup is occurring. I would love to say that I'm going to more diligent with blowing things out this new baby in the family would say otherwise. I just know it's a big piece of rock and am concerned it'll hurt more taking it out. Also don't necessarily want to purchase another power head that his current time.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Flow aside, do you have creatures that scavenge the sand? Sea cucumbers? Hermit crabs, etc.?

 

[aus1230]

Flow aside, do you have creatures that scavenge the sand? Sea cucumbers? Hermit crabs, etc.?

I do have blue hermit crabs in the tank. I have thought about adding some more but I would say there are about 10 active blue hermit crabs in the tank currently and a good amount of various snails.

 

[aus1230]

Flow aside, do you have creatures that scavenge the sand? Sea cucumbers? Hermit crabs, etc.?

These are some photos of the spots around that center piece where I’m assuming build up is just happening

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Thought about adding a conch or urchin to your tank? Those can take care of algae issues quickly

 

[aus1230]

Thought about adding a conch or urchin to your tank? Those can take care of algae issues quickly

I have two conch that are a pretty good size. I’ve considered an urchin.

 

[Privateye]

I personally wouldn't worry about a little cyanobacteria showing up, but some others do. IME it often goes away on its own with routine maintenance. Certain hermit crabs will eat it though.

A sand-sifting goby would clean the sand, and likely eliminate detritus pockets in it. If you suspect there's detritus building on the rocks too, then a turkey baster could help with that.

I think what you're dealing with is still within the normal realm, so I wouldn't be too worried about changing the aquascape unless you don't like the look of it.

 

[aus1230]

I personally wouldn't worry about a little cyanobacteria showing up, but some others do. IME it often goes away on its own with routine maintenance. Certain hermit crabs will eat it though.

A sand-sifting goby would clean the sand, and likely eliminate detritus pockets in it. If you suspect there's detritus building on the rocks too, then a turkey baster could help with that.

I think what you're dealing with is still within the normal realm, so I wouldn't be too worried about changing the aquascape unless you don't like the look of it.

Went ahead and overfed to watch where my food was landing and removed the big rock at the front since a lot of food was getting stuck down there. Also centered my rock work more so there was clear flow in the back.