Wrong Rock Setup

[TacticalBacon]

Can I get some feedback on if I screwed up my rock placement? I am planning a mixed fish and coral tank.

Its a 43g Cube with ~50lbs of Rock.

I only plan on a few fish and some moving corals and some zoas.

Now that I am thinking about it more I am thinking I made a giant poop emoji in my tank.

Any thoughts on what I screwed up and does it need to be re-arranged?

If re-arranged, can I throw the extra rock in the sump and do I need to do another cycle?

 

[dschuffert]

I see nothing wrong with your rock placement. If you like it, then you should keep it that way. Everyone will have their own opinion.

 

[fishywishy]

I would just spread them out a little more so theres more caves and stuff where the fish can hide, but its not bad, once you have corals it will look good. If you want to through some rocks in the sump thats fine, you wont have to cycle again or anything.

 

[ScottJ]

It's not bad, I agree maybe more caves. Try to make flat spots at different levels to mount corals on, too.

 

[Tommy B]

The rockscape is completely up to the individual. I like to plan ahead for flow and lighting. I like to try to create little shelves or steps for corals and caves or arches for more swimming space.

 

[TacticalBacon]

Thank you all for your feedback. I am going to make a few changes. I was looking at some corals that need to be on an "island" or away from others and I realized that I don't have that option set up.

Also, I need to learn how everyone takes such clear pictures of their tanks. My pictures are awful, so thank you for looking.

I did move my powerhead to the middle of the tank and am pushing it through the center cave I made, and I am thinking about getting different one, more like the Gyre or Red Sea one that is wider and can be adjusted.

Is there a list of the X number of stages of a Saltwater Aquarium Owner?
1. Excitement
2. Fear
3. Impatience
4. Excitement, just cycled
5. Fear, something is missing
6. etc...

 

[Tommy B]

I try to put a lot of thought into a rockscape, especially if you're gluing it together. Its a nightmare to rearrange if you have corals attached and stirring up the sand bed isn't ideal.

 

[TacticalBacon]

I try to put a lot of thought into a rockscape, especially if you're gluing it together. Its a nightmare to rearrange if you have corals attached and stirring up the sand bed isn't ideal.

This is where my 'fear' is coming from, I've never had corals and not sure about the best way, place to place them.

I can see I don't have enough ledges, or flat spots, but I am thinking I can make some changes and get some space freed up, or opened up.

I am just ready to get something in the tank and be able to look at something other than Rocks and moving water.

 

[Jekyl]

Figure every cave and crevice you create equals one fish you can have. Each will need their own personal hiding / sleeping spot.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Can I get some feedback on if I screwed up my rock placement? I am planning a mixed fish and coral tank.

Its a 43g Cube with ~50lbs of Rock.

I only plan on a few fish and some moving corals and some zoas.

Now that I am thinking about it more I am thinking I made a giant poop emoji in my tank.

Any thoughts on what I screwed up and does it need to be re-arranged?

If re-arranged, can I throw the extra rock in the sump and do I need to do another cycle?

Just add some more caves in there and it will look great!

 

[GARRIGA]

Why would there be expectation of a required layout other than perhaps ensuring proper flow and poop sculptures shouldn't likely be a deterrent.

 

[TrottingReef]

I think the fish would be happier with cave designs they can use to hide and sleep in.

 

[BryanM]

Can I get some feedback on if I screwed up my rock placement? I am planning a mixed fish and coral tank.

Its a 43g Cube with ~50lbs of Rock.

I only plan on a few fish and some moving corals and some zoas.

Now that I am thinking about it more I am thinking I made a giant poop emoji in my tank.

Any thoughts on what I screwed up and does it need to be re-arranged?

If re-arranged, can I throw the extra rock in the sump and do I need to do another cycle?

The design of the rockscape should serve fish since you're going to have them... And they want caves, swim lanes, and places to hide.

I would focus on that and keeping it clear enough from the glass that it is easy to clean.

I have a huge tank compared to yours, but mine rock is primarily leaning against the back glass, and protruding in to the middle of the tank, leaving me a lot of room around the sides and front for corals in the sand, and a lot of surfaces for corals attached to the rock.

 

[TrottingReef]

The design of the rockscape should serve fish since you're going to have them... And they want caves, swim lanes, and places to hide.

I would focus on that and keeping it clear enough from the glass that it is easy to clean.

I have a huge tank compared to yours, but mine rock is primarily leaning against the back glass, and protruding in to the middle of the tank, leaving me a lot of room around the sides and front for corals in the sand, and a lot of surfaces for corals attached to the rock.

Exactly, everyone over looks fish habitat focused on coral presentation.

 

[TacticalBacon]

Exactly, everyone over looks fish habitat focused on coral presentation.

Well, I think I got it, the pic doesn't do it justice, but I have about 6 caves in the rocks, a few places to hide, some arches, some flat spots on the gravel and some on the back side. I am pretty happy with it ow.

 

[ScottJ]

Nice!

 

[Tommy B]

very nice!

 

[TacticalBacon]

Nice!

The Journey has been the best part.

 

[ScottJ]

The Journey has been the best part.

Agreed! :cool:

 

[Daz_1978]

Is there a list of the X number of stages of a Saltwater Aquarium Owner?
1. Excitement
2. Fear
3. Impatience
4. Excitement, just cycled
5. Fear, something is missing
6. etc...

That is the list I go through every time I visit the LFS... or online store! ;)

The end result of your scape looks pretty nice! Did you epoxy it in place or just stack it?
I can promise that you'll wish you did something different later on... it's a guarantee and it would happen no matter what you did.