Rockwork placement

[Jacobthe]

I am new and looking for criticism and advice on the functionality of this setup. It will be mixed corals and fish in a 40 cube. I have a bunch more rocks but this placement looks appealing, but I want function to be top factor. These rocks will be about half the verticals height of the tank. The blue painters tape is the 3 inch space between glass and rocks.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I think it looks good! Maybe some more caves for swimming on the right rock? Do you know about how many pounds of rock you are using?

 

[keepingfishwithnoidea]

It's a little evenly spaced, and a little too symmetrical,id reccommend you shorten one of the rock stuctures and maybe put a smaller rock in the sand near the bigger rock (the one you didn't make shorter). This technique Im explaining right now is used quite often in aquascaping especially in freshwater (iwagumi scapes are completely dependent on this rule). When in comes to saltwater tho, I would recommend you would also take in what corals you will use, how big you think they will get eventually,etc. The smaller rock I told you to put near the bigger rock is to Balance the feel of the scape, maybe it could be a zoa rock. Honestly, what aquascape that will be best completely depends on what fish, coral or whatever else your thinking of putting in here, could you please provide with a future stocking list (or wish list if you haven't decided yet)?

 

[Jacobthe]

I think it looks good! Maybe some more caves for swimming on the right rock? Do you know about how many pounds of rock you are using?

I think about 15 or 20

 

[Jacobthe]

It's a little evenly spaced, and a little too symmetrical,id reccommend you shorten one of the rock stuctures and maybe put a smaller rock in the sand near the bigger rock (the one you didn't make shorter). This technique Im explaining right now is used quite often in aquascaping especially in freshwater (iwagumi scapes are completely dependent on this rule). When in comes to saltwater tho, I would recommend you would also take in what corals you will use, how big you think they will get eventually,etc. The smaller rock I told you to put near the bigger rock is to Balance the feel of the scape, maybe it could be a zoa rock. Honestly, what aquascape that will be best completely depends on what fish, coral or whatever else your thinking of putting in here, could you please provide with a future stocking list (or wish list if you haven't decided yet)?

Not sure about stocking yet. Def a firefish, Blenny, maybe a royal gramma, not really sure if I want clownfish.

 

[keepingfishwithnoidea]

Not sure about stocking yet. Def a firefish, Blenny, maybe a royal gramma, not really sure if I want clownfish.

Any corals?

 

[keepingfishwithnoidea]

Also try making the right side taller than the left, assymetry is key to a natural looking aquascape

 

[X-37B]

Scapes are personel so of you like it go with it. You will learn along the way.
Here is my current 15g cube at 10 months.
This gives you an idea of how fast it can fill in.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

IMO its too vertical, it should slope more to offer more mounting space for corals, it looks kind of like 2 pillars. Not enough nooks and crannies and hiding spaces for fish. It could be the perception of the picture, but overall doesn't look like a lot of rock for a 40 gallon. It your tank these are just my 2 cents good luck with your project

 

[Apayson]

I agree that it looks a little symmetrical.

I'm loving the left structure. I would recommend that you restart the right one and maybe even try flipping the flat side up and create some branches or caves!

Make sure you have an inch or two between the rock to the glass.

Attached below are some structures experimenting with that. Nothing wrong with smashing something to pieces and restarting!

Overall think about what corals and livestock you want to have and the space they'll need.

 

[Jacobthe]

IMO its too vertical, it should slope more to offer more mounting space for corals, it looks kind of like 2 pillars. Not enough nooks and crannies and hiding spaces for fish. It could be the perception of the picture, but overall doesn't look like a lot of rock for a 40 gallon. It your tank these are just my 2 cents good luck with your project

What about this? Too much rock?

 

[Jacobthe]

IMO its too vertical, it should slope more to offer more mounting space for corals, it looks kind of like 2 pillars. Not enough nooks and crannies and hiding spaces for fish. It could be the perception of the picture, but overall doesn't look like a lot of rock for a 40 gallon. It your tank these are just my 2 cents good luck with your project

Better or too symmetrical?

 

[Apayson]

Better or too symmetrical?

Looking good, I think you should smash that middle rock into pieces and make a tiny branding cave