93 gal.build

Wow nice!!

Did you say somewhere where you got your stand from?

Rick, that first structure was very nice looking.
Now that you have received a good amount of feedback, the next one you put together can be just as nice, but also more practical for all the reasons mentioned.

In case it has not been mentioned before, within the structure should go some LR. It's better to mix the LR into the reefscape rather than set it all on top. My suggestion is to place the first level of dry Marco rock on top of some small pieces of LBTR, then fill the tank half full of a mixture of LW and newly mixed saltwater. When adding the LR and Marco onto the 2nd level be sure to turn, twist and shake these pieces underwater to remove as many air bubbles as possible. This is especially important for the LR.

Doing this dry pre-scaping is a good way to get in practice and visualize how to put it together before you actually do the real thing.

moved away from glass, verified that structure is stable in an attempt to duplicate my first scape.

after looking at a few more examples, not sure if I am totally satisfied, but here it is.

One thing I notice about Marco rock is that it seems to have a similar general shape and it's all exactly the same color.
In this pic it seems like the rock is stacked like flat wafers and in some places it looks like puzzle pieces fitting snugly together. Try putting some pieces in vertical or diagonal positions and also leave larger gaps between the rocks.

Because of the shape of Marco rock, it could make some awesome ledges sticking out.

I would not use Marco exclusively. When LR is added the difference will be too stark. I'd add a few pieces of LBTR as well. Things that come in three's are more natural than two's.
Sorry, I've been at this too long. I've probably commented enough. I'll shut up now.


Edited by Mark Peterson - January 23 2011 at 4:30pm

Mark your comments are always welcome, as well as from everyone else.  I looked at some pieces of LR yesterday, to try to mix it up, but my budget is at the point that I am unable to pay those prices.

I also agree with mark....you got a puzzle of rocks going there (typical stacked wall of rocks)....its your tank and you scape how you like it, I think this will be an impressive tank, but thought I would chime in and back Mark on his suggestion as well.... I myself am always a fan of tilting the rocks in funky ways, then stacking, resulting in larger swim caves, dwellings, and retreats for fish.....this also helps improve ledges for coral placement.....

Great job on the base rock placement....adds nice depth!


Edited by bur01014 - January 23 2011 at 6:09pm

Looks good. Can see it a lot better. Looks very clean. Nice job on the plumbing!

Get some water in that thing already

I would be hesitant as well to put water in this tank until you are satisfied with the rockwork. I would imagine it is not simple to aquascape this tank given it's unique footprint and stand. You have done an amazing job so far on your setup, I would take your time to ensure you don't have to move the rock around too much and risk scratching/chipping the glass. I wanna see water in this tank just as much as the next guy, so don't keep us waiting too long. Good choice with the Marco Rock.

My two cents would be not taint the look of Marco Rock in the display with LBTR, keep it in the sump where it belongs.