AQUASCAPING

[tHEcONCH]

AQUASCAPING

Written by: tHEcONCH

INTRODUCTION

Aquascaping is the process of arranging dead or live coral rock and / or sand into a functional and aesthetically pleasing formation. It is as much art as science, but there are certain basic principles that will help you avoid some problems and create a suitable environment for your fish and corals. Some fish need the sense of security offered by rock formations or even ‘bolt holes’ where they will retreat when startled, and some corals need more light than others, so aquascaping a tank well can create a range of conditions better fitting their requirements. Aquascaped live rock also contributes to the filtration of toxins from you tank by providing a suitable environment for beneficial bacteria to grow, and it also provides a breeding ground for tiny creatures like ‘pods’ that are essential in keeping some fishes.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS

Regardless of what look you like, be it an open sandy lagoon, or high towers and faces, there are a few basic principles that will help create good aquascaping.

Compatibility with livestock – first and foremost your aquascaping should be appropriate for the kinds of fish and corals you intend to keep. Some fish need a sandy flat bottom to survive; others need plenty of mid-water swimming space. Some corals require fast currents and strong light; others require calmer waters. Research the sorts of fish and corals you want to eventually keep and bear their requirements in mind when designing your aquascape.

Water flow – aquascaping combined with the number and position of pumps greatly affects total and localised rates of flow in your tank. Whatever you do, don’t stack large amounts of rock into dense piles as it will create toxic ‘dead spots’ with little or no flow. Always try to allow water to flow freely around and through rock formations so that detritus is carried away rather than getting trapped.

Cleaning – remember that you are going to have to clean the glass around you rock formations so you should always leave at least a 3 inch / 75mm boundary around the inside perimeter of your tank that is free of rock. The exception may be the back wall, but only if you provide sufficient flow to blow all detritus out from behind the rock.

Stability – your rock formations must be stable. Falling rock can cause a lot of damage to whatever it hits, or even shatter the tank. If you choose to build high towers reinforce them with plastic rods or zip-tie pieces of rock together. Build the tower ‘dry’ outside your tank and if it isn’t self-supporting and stable, reinforce it before you put it in your tank.

BASIC DESIGNS

The possibilities for you design or layout is virtually endless and really turns on what you like the look of, subject to the basics outlined above, however three classic designs offer a lot of benefits and are a good starting point for your particular designs,

‘The Island’ – Basically a central conical formation of rock near the centre of your tank. ‘The Island’ offers plenty of swimming room, makes cleaning glass easy, offers a range of heights for placing corals nearer or further from light, and is inherently stable. There are some disadvantages, however – its broad base has the potential to create a dead zone, and frankly, it can be a little boring. Its best suited to smaller squarer tanks with plenty of circulation.

‘Twin Islands’ – Probably the most popular choice, it is similar to the above, but comprised of two cones or towers with a prominent gap or chasm between them. Often one island is much larger than the other. The advantages are better flow with a reduced chance of creating a dead spot, better cover for fish with a nervous disposition, and it is a better shape for typical rectangular tanks. The disadvantage is that the ‘Twin Island’ design can overfill your tank and reduce the amount of free swimming space some fish need.

‘The Lagoon’ – Basically an open bottom surrounded by a semi-circle or rock. Well suited to keeping fish that require a sandy-bottomed tank, ‘The Lagoon’ requires careful construction so as to be stable.

Remember that it will take at least a month, probably longer, for your tank to cycle up (see the separate article) so you will have plenty of time to experiment and find a look that you like. For inspiration search this site and the internet for images of marine tanks - there are some awesome designs out there. Whatever look you favour make sure it’s suitable for the fish and corals you want to keep, and then just experiment with different arrangements until you are happy with the basic look. Don’t forget to allow room for corals to grow.

Have fun!

[Celcuis]

Good info