RE: Aquascaping for sps

[Randy1]

What is some of the best layout or Aquascaping techniques that would create a reef thats best for sps? pictures?

[hobogato]

here is my 8' long tank on the last redo. i did a steep island on one end and a gradual slope up to the other end with a trench in between. this allows for all light range sps - i even planned some places for lower light deep water acros. since my tank is a mixed reef, i had to have space near the bottom for my lps and zoas. this arrangement also allows for lots of growout space and swimming space for my vlamingi tang (i am going to hate giving him up when he outgrows the tank - he frags more of my corals than i do :D )

fuul tank
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c329/hobogato/AEFW/aquafront.jpg
left side
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c329/hobogato/AEFW/aquafrontleft.jpg
right side
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c329/hobogato/AEFW/aquafrontright.jpg

here it is with the AEFW treatment survived corals
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c329/hobogato/AEFW/full2007_1_15.jpg

[kirstenk]

Don't go too high with any of the rock structures. One because acros grow :) and two because I feel the light and flow is best starting about 1/3 under the water. Nothing to base this on just my experience and my tank.

Here are some tips from the PRO.

http://www.oregonreef.com/sub_aquascaping.htm

[Randy1]

Very nice, great ideas. How do you provide enough flow and maintain your nice sand bed?

[hobogato]

the sand i used is special reef grade - not sugar fine. i have about 2000 gph from my returns, 4 @ seio 2600s on 2 controllers and a tunze pwrhd (1200 gph) on a controller. the sand moves a little until it settles to the flow patterns, but never goes up into the water column.

[kpk]

Kirsten post pics of your tank! I looked at your gallery and it's amazing.

Kyle

[funstarfish]

its steve weast's tank... check out that page

[kpk]

Oh I've looked at Steve's tank it is something else!

[kirstenk]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9035614#post9035614 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kpk
Kirsten post pics of your tank! I looked at your gallery and it's amazing.

Kyle

Thanks! I will put up a pic in your tank thread. :)

Ace....your avatar is great! I am gonna nominate it for the RC avatar award.

[hobogato]

thanks kirsten :D that is all i ever pictured when i looked at that coral, so one day, i just had to do it :)