New aquascaping on 180 gal pentagon mixed reef

[gawf4fun]

I recently overhauled my rockwork and migrated from the stale "rock wall" perspective to a column type design, to enhance my flow and improve the general health of the tank. I used 1/2 pvc to build the columns and drilled holes in my rock to build a more stabile base which will not topple if contacted during cleaning or other maintenance. (This has happened before and cost me a lot of time, stress and SPS growth). Here is a picture of the basic wall structure previously.



The new design has more opportunities for coral placement, better flow, more arches and hiding places for fish and is generally a lot more pleasing for me to watch. I'd appreciate hearing any comments viewers may care to leave.

Here are a few pictures of the new design:





Thanks for any feedback, suggestions, comments, etc. you have.

Fish wishes,

Mark

[ckprax]

i like both setups, they look great!

[zy112]

both look good but i really like the new design. I will be trying to do something similar. Nice work

[mokeyz]

It's great - not the usual pile-up of rocks1

[gawf4fun]

Thanks for the positive replies. I've never been big on maintenance so this set up helps to keep the debris in the water column and provides better access to sand maintenance as well.

Although a lot of work up front to re-do the rock, the rewards are great and have increased my enthusiasm for the less than sexy parts of tank ownership. Good luck whatever you decide.

[dc_909]

Definitely looks good both ways

[Silverfin]

Great setup before and after! Really love the new!

[Kannin]

I think the worst thing you can do is spend thousands of dollars on reef tank and then throw your aquascape together in the shape of a wall. While your wall was a very nice wall... I think your new habitat is much, much better.

By the way... I used to live in Lake O. Is the Giant still there?

[the_dizzy52]

Originally posted by ckprax
i like both setups, they look great!

Rocks look better than a wall 4 sure, but even the columns? Expand some; for more gaps to that will allow for proper flow throughout your biological filtration . _dizzy

[gawf4fun]

Kannin: Thanks for your feedback. And yes, the Giant is still there and possibly makes the best burgers and seasoned fries this side of the Mississippi.

the_dizzy52: You are right the more gaps the better for flow. My photos don't show particularly well the extensive gaps behind the "bay" because of the black back.

[grallster]

Much, much better!

[macronut]

I think the new design is great, and it makes your tank look larger! I like what you have done!

[macronut]

I think the new design is great, and it makes your tank look larger! I like what you have done!

[coralreefer2110]

The new design looks great. I am looking at doing something similar, did you lose/break much rock while drilling holes in it?
Nice work!!

[gawf4fun]

reefer2110: No. Surprisingly I don't recall breaking much at all other than a few smaller parts which I was using as thumb grips to hold the rock itself. I did get quite a lot of dust once I put the rock into the tank however, so If I did it again, I would use a bucket of salewater for pre-dipping to ensure that most of the pasty residue was washed off prior to putting the rock back in the display. Thanks again for the comments.

[RyanBrucks]

fantastic aquascaping. I love your columns and how you straggered them at different depths. it looks so much deeper than before, and the different shapes kind of draw the eye from place to place instead of presenting everything all at once.

definitely inspired

[mg426]

Its a nice set up.

[thor32766]

wow awesome. rare to see one that size.