Aquascaping
I have decided to use an initial 30kg of fiji live rock, 30kg of rock to 225 litres of actual tank before displacement, 1kg:7.5l. Many authorities recommend 1kg:10l so this should be OK but will wait and see.
Since setting up my reef I came across three really good articles in Reef Magazine.
Aesthetics of Aquascaping
by Paul Whitby Part 1,Part 2 and Part 3
I have tried to create a pretty open structure with little contact with back or sides of the tank.
Something I didn't really consider with the initial setup was creating spaces to site corals as the reef developed. Perhaps more regard to creating ledges would have helped with coral placement.
Since setting up my reef I came across three really good articles in Reef Magazine.
Aesthetics of Aquascaping
by Paul Whitby Part 1,Part 2 and Part 3
I have tried to create a pretty open structure with little contact with back or sides of the tank.
Something I didn't really consider with the initial setup was creating spaces to site corals as the reef developed. Perhaps more regard to creating ledges would have helped with coral placement.
First attempt
Nice caves but not quite what I want. Rock has some good shapes and fits together reasonably well. Looks a bit bulky in the tank though. I tried to avoid symmetry but don't think I have quite managed it. I like the right hand side but not keen on the lft. One piece of rock is really good and not used particularl well. I want it to look good from the sides and be open across the back to allow for good flow.
Second attempt
Looking a bit better I think. Not as symmetrical and with a bit more height on the left. One contact point with a piece leaning onto the weir. Open swimming space around the back of the tank with caves leading through. Once corals start growing I think this should be OK. Some people have suggested more live rock but I think this would look to much and not give the flow and free swimming space I would like.
Final attempt, so far.
Bought an extra couple of kilos of live rock, small pieces for specific spots. Tried to keep the basic shapes with a little more interest. Worked on caves, overhangs and lots of nooks and crannies. Tried to keep the back open for flow and free swimming space.
Below are the right and left sides of the tank.
Below are the right and left sides of the tank.
Rule of thirds
Anyone interested in photography or design may be aware of 'the rule of thirds'. This helps with getting the proportions correct and the positioning of key parts o the composition.
I tried to take this into account when constructing my aquascape.
Not sure how successful I have been but it does look reasonably pleasing on the eye. I think!
I tried to take this into account when constructing my aquascape.
Not sure how successful I have been but it does look reasonably pleasing on the eye. I think!