When (if ever) would you use tall aquascape structures in your tank?

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So I know conventional wisdom for aquascape rock structures is to keep them on the shorter size (I've read to keep them at about half the height of the tank), and that certainly makes sense for things like SPS colonies to grow up and to preserve some swimming space. However, I'm wondering when (if ever) you might intentionally add a taller structure to your aquascape that reaches say 3/4 of the height of your water column? What might be the purpose of that structure?

 

[shakacuz]

i've seen this done more with people who use the top structure that sticks out of the water as a planter for air plants or something similar. have not seen people purposely place structures higher than half tank (i actually intentionally added a structure to the left side of my tank as a cave for my blenny which he doesn't use anymore.)

 

[aurora.k]

I have taller structures because I think they look nice to give a lot of dimension - but I used arches to preserve swimming space. I also have a deep tank so 1/2 would be really deep. That said, nothing grows at the very top left that is basically at the surface (https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/auroras-red-sea-xxxl-900-build.788739/post-8430827) but it's only the tippy top - the rest of the left "bommie" has lots of growth, but I still like the way it looks with the left all the way to the top of the water

 

[Breadman03]

I would if I was getting ready to add a magnifica anemone.

 

[fish farmer]

Standard 29 gals don't have a lot of floor space.

 

[FoolishWizard]

I really like shallow / lagoon style tanks that actually have the rock work breaking through the water surface... May do this for my next build.

 

[ReefEco]

Creating a higher light bommie is probably the most used reason I would guess - only caveat is that you have to consider the obstruction for flow purposes. But that is surmountable.

 

[Tonycass12]

Mine used to be 2/3 the hight of the aquarium I started that way and I think it was just more visually appealing rather then having a bunch of empty space. I quickly realized once things got growing it was going to cause trouble long term. Luckily or unlucky depending on how you look at it my tank got itch and I had to pull all the fish, that gave me an opportunity to remove some base rocks and lower the scape a bit. Im much happier with it now.

 

[Lost in the Sauce]

Standard 29 gals don't have a lot of floor space.

Great use of Space!

 

[brmc1985]

I have always wanted to do a really deep tank and mimic something like a wooden pillar for a pier or something. Stock it with more open water fish that tend to hang around them. Convict tangs, squirrel fish and maybe triggers. Or even panther grouper and lion fish. Here was an attempt that I never finished because I started a 180. Small pump with mini “tide pools” that had some GSP in it.

 

[Dbichler]

I like tall rock scales for hiding spaces I only do soft corals though so not intended for coral placement mine is probably 24 of the 30 inches

 

[Haacheew]

Like some posters mentioned:
I have an nano 20 gal with small floor area, rockscape needs to go upwards for accommodating more coral placements.
Equally important, high par demanding SPS need higher ground for my lighting max out at 63 Watts.

 

[Jedi1199]

I tried to follow the "rule of 3rds" when designing the original piece for my scape. It reaches about 3/4 of the way to the top on the left. Works out nicely as some of the higher points allow for more light demanding corals to be placed.

 

[steveweast]

My tank revolves around pinnacles that reach the surface. It provides a somewhat unique aquascape that allows fish to circumnavigate the pillars.

 

[i cant think]

So I know conventional wisdom for aquascape rock structures is to keep them on the shorter size (I've read to keep them at about half the height of the tank), and that certainly makes sense for things like SPS colonies to grow up and to preserve some swimming space. However, I'm wondering when (if ever) you might intentionally add a taller structure to your aquascape that reaches say 3/4 of the height of your water column? What might be the purpose of that structure?

When I need a higher lighting for corals such as harder Acros.

 

[flyingscampi]

I made a noob error by forgetting the water level will be lower than the tank height. So I put GSP on top and it doesn't get too bothered during water changes.

Aquarium is a Dennerle 60 litre.

 

[i cant think]

My tank revolves around pinnacles that reach the surface. It provides a somewhat unique aquascape that allows fish to circumnavigate the pillars.

That looks beautiful. It gives off a more natural look too, especially with coral coming off of the pillars and filling in gaps between them.

 

[Shooter6]

My currently set up 400g display has some high areas. I used branch rock, and did this to add to the realism. As they become encrusted with coraline,algaes,and corals, they will give the old reef growth look to the display. The 320g that's plumbed inline but dry for now will have a completely different look though. Left side has the highest points but if you look theres plenty of highs and lows. This is an 8x3x2 400g so the space to do this is there with 36 inches of front to back area.

 

[BillyF]

My tank revolves around pinnacles that reach the surface. It provides a somewhat unique aquascape that allows fish to circumnavigate the pillars.

I absolutely love the coral mix in this tank. Though I have a few softies, the lighting and flow in my tank have been too strong to support the variety that you demonstrate. Mostly SPS in mine but not for lack of trying. I have a 600 that reaches 42 inches tall and I bring the reef all the way to the top. I just like the wilder look.

 

[beginner_reefer]

I thought I screwed up when we started ours. 100 gallon system. We did 2 rock trees on each side. Trying for a mixed reef. Up and running since March of 2021. Adding a little at a time.