Gooooood Morning Reefers..

[ElChicano]

As I get closer to setting up my tank. Im approaching the fun filled journey of rockscaping.. So im sitting here with a glowing screen in my face enjoying a hot cup of Joe to jump start my day. And wonder what is everyone elses secret to rockscaping , tips, things to do and things not to do..

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[alton]

Make sure you place your rocks on the glass and fill in sand around them. I learned this one the hard way when about ten years ago my yellow head gobies dug under several rocks and pie ya.

[allan]

I think there are three aspects to a display once you get past tank selection. If you don't count lights which actually IMO play a big part.

Rockscape
Fish selection
Coral selection

Some folks are really into the fish only so they concentrate on that. Others focus on coral.

But the rocks are the foundation, IMO, to a truly riveting display.

I like something that gives the eye something to look for, a shape, a tower or cave. Something that looks fantastic but not unbelievable.

That basic shape you built in the garage had promise. I'd try to figure out a ledge of some sort. Make it contest nature, but not enough that it looks man made.

Are you going to do sps, lps, or softies?
Again, my opinion, sps branches need an area to grow up and out unmollested by others. For that reason I like the island style. The zoas do well on an island, shelf or wall of rock. Some softies require a wall to keep them from running amuck.

What kind of fish? I like fish to be secondary to the coral, but the rock should hold areas where your fish will flit in and out of, which I think will keep the eye traveling over the rockscape to other pieces of eye candy.

I was building me a rock wall against the back wall when I went to Aces house to pick up a T5 bulb. I believe I hadn't even introduced myself before walking into his house to check out his display.

So many possibilities. Firewater was my govern when building my current plateau. Made sure I didn't go "over the top". And bouncing ideas across my financial manager also helped.

[ElChicano]

As of now im just getting inspiration from everyones tanks. Google images and my favorite planet earth oceans deep episode. I have a odd shape tank to work with, and want to make sure I take advantage of the depth. Make it as natural looking as possible with out going over board. . I have a few ideas , like arches and caves. And belive it or not ,I cant figure out what I did in your garage with that rock.. Must of been one of those lucky moments of genius. Hopefully the moment of genius returns when I break out the hammer , and chisel and get to work..

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[rrasco]

I've mocked up a rock scape out of a tank before, took pictures (3 rocks), and was never able to recreate it. Those rocks are tricky I tell ya. I think Allan had a good descrip, get something you like, lots of hiding spots for the swim team, and lots of ledges and grow out space for corals you plan to keep. I most recently scaped my 105 with the intention of moving several of my current corals from my 29. It's much easier when you are scaping for a specific piece you already have.