Natural Aquascape vs Minimalistic

[Raphael Dalmeida]

Just been seeing some of these Instagram reels of aquascapes that are minimalistic, like two islands and lots of swimming space and that's it.

What are your thoughts on the minimalistic aquascape vs the rock heavy scape?

My tank is a 5ft peninsula tank and while the sides have plenty of swimming space, I have a ton of rocks with overhangs, caves etc.

Doesn't look as nice as the Instagram aquascapes, but I feel the fish appreciate, considering each has a safe space when needed.

Minimalist


Naturalist rock heavy

 

[exnisstech]

I'm a heavy rock guy, even if it's totally unorganized.The tank on the top while beautiful it almost looks fake to me where the other looks more natural.
Also I think watching fish swim in and out of the rocks is much more interesting than watching them swim around a couple of islands.

 

[Science/G]

Just been seeing some of these Instagram reels of aquascapes that are minimalistic, like two islands and lots of swimming space and that's it.

What are your thoughts on the minimalistic aquascape vs the rock heavy scape?

My tank is a 5ft peninsula tank and while the sides have plenty of swimming space, I have a ton of rocks with overhangs, caves etc.

Doesn't look as nice as the Instagram aquascapes, but I feel the fish appreciate, considering each has a safe space when needed.

Minimalist


Naturalist rock heavy

That minimalist escape is a really bad example. Though attractive, your eye just bounces back and forth. The Rock heavy scape now has that beautiful shape where your eye is drawn in a circle all around following the golden ratio. I think you can have the best of both worlds somewhere in the middle.

 

[Science/G]

My aquascape actually has some of the qualities of that rock heavy scape, or at least did from the start before things really grew in on his/her reef.

 

[bluemon]

The picture you chose for the minimalist is a bit unfair.

I think in a perfect setup, the top of that scape would have some big SPS that can create some impressive scapes on their own. Like a big frogs skin acro to provide structure

 

[Raphael Dalmeida]

I'm a heavy rock guy, even if it's totally unorganized.The tank on the top while beautiful it almost looks fake to me where the other looks more natural.
Also I think watching fish swim in and out of the rocks is much more interesting than watching them swim around a couple of islands.

It's a fine balance.

When I upgraded my tank I had to move everything from old tank to new tank, I didn't even have that much time to think about these superb aquascapes.

I just placed the rocks so theres plenty of caves, and the fish have homes at night, and as the corals grow, things just look natural. I have quite a few tangs, wrasses, angelfish and find that at night they all go to bed in their little "homes".

Those minimalist tank look very pretty, but I wonder if the fish don't feel stressed for the lack of hiding spots. And where would they go to at night when ready to sleep?

 

[jackson6745]

Minimum scape with maximum coral growth to fill the voids. The end product looks more natural IMO.

 

[Raphael Dalmeida]

The picture you chose for the minimalist is a bit unfair.

I think in a perfect setup, the top of that scape would have some big SPS that can create some impressive scapes on their own. Like a big frogs skin acro to provide structure

I haven't really looked into "fairness" per se. Understand as the reef building corals grow in the minimalistic aquascape, you'd get more rocks.

You do have a point, still they are two very distinct scapes. Even if it was to grow, I believe the rock heavy has a lot more hosting spots than the other.

Although the minimalistic does look aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

 

[X-37B]

I have had and have both.
Current 150 has 150lbs live rock placed along the bottom. Only 2 pieces are stacked.
It's 1 year old. In 2-3 years it will be grown. The Stags in the back will be at the surface.
I did my old 120 the same way.
150

 

[bluemon]

The picture you chose for the minimalist is a bit unfair.

I think in a perfect setup, the top of that scape would have some big SPS that can create some impressive scapes on their own. Like a big frogs skin acro to provide structure

I haven't really looked into "fairness" per se. Understand as the reef building corals grow in the minimalistic aquascape, you'd get more rocks.

You do have a point, still they are two very distinct scapes. Even if it was to grow, I believe the rock heavy has a lot more hosting spots than the other.

Although the minimalistic does look aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

The minimalist scape won’t be “minimalist” with enough coral growth.

Picture 1 is at the beginning of its coral growth journey, while picture 2 is pretty much full to the brim with no more room to grow.

 

[Science/G]

This is a really nice minimalist aquascape

 

[X-37B]

Its really how you scape it. This is my old 120. It had 80lbs of rock. This is 2.5 year mark.

 

[X-37B]

The opposite in my 15" nano cube.
Currently 36 coral.
You can only put in so much rock in 10g's of water.

 

[bluemon]

This is a really nice minimalist aquascape

Not really minimalist, more “negative space” which was popular for a while.

Different things but similar in some ways

 

[ingchr1]

The aquascape needs to provide the proper habitat for the tanks inhabitants. In my opinion, a minimalistic one does not provide that.

 

[HELLCO]

I’m in between, liking a somewhat minimalistic scape. I still made sure to give the fish places to hide and/or swim through
I don’t care for the “fruit stand” look at all. This is my tank at 7 months. Still have a long ways to go.

 

[p1u5h13r4m24]

I personally love the two pillar look. Especially on a peninsula !

 

[areefer01]

I have to acknowledge that some of my fellow hobbyist treat their display like a piece of art whereas I do not. I respect that.

Having said that I am of the opinion that fish health and activity relates to the reef structure we provide. I also believe that it plays a vital role in our displays microbiome.

I understand we can't replicate the ocean but as an active diver I tend to pack my display and sump with lots of rocks.

 

[Raphael Dalmeida]

I have to acknowledge that some of my fellow hobbyist treat their display like a piece of art whereas I do not. I respect that.

Having said that I am of the opinion that fish health and activity relates to the reef structure we provide. I also believe that it plays a vital role in our displays microbiome.

I understand we can't replicate the ocean but as an active diver I tend to pack my display and sump with lots of rocks.

Really cool footage from the dives. Whereabouts ?

I think it's a fine line, you probably can get best of both, as in a functional piece of art. Though it's difficult.

 

[mermaid_life]

IME my minimalist rockscape quickly became natural looking with coal growth. If I had to start a new tank now, I would do minimalist for sure aiming for natural after growth.