Post FT w/Arches, Pillars, and Overhangs

[azfishgal]

I'm looking into redoing my aquascape to make it look more natural and more open. I want to get away from the "wall" look and have more sand surface area. Attached is one example that I think is VERY cool. It was posted on -- and he actually lives in the same area as me, so I just might go take a look at it myself. So, if you have a tank that has pillars, big arches and overhangs with a more "open" look please post them. I need inspiration!

 

[anonome]

You do realize that you will lose a lot of your bio filtration with less rock? Maybe just open one area, not the whole tank as the pic shows.
You can still have interesting aquascaping with "the wall" effect. Just a thought.

 

[azfishgal]

I won't be taking out any rock, just moving it around. I will actually probably be adding some more rock. I'm thinking some base rock that is flat would work well for some overhangs. I have so much coraline growth that the base rock will be covered in no time. So no point in spending money on more live rock. As you can see I should be able to do it with the rock I have and a few more key pieces. Oh, and the cave on the left won't be touched, my cleaner shrimps would be very upset with me.

 

[bronco300]

drill your rock and put piping through to build cliffs and overhangs like that...would be pretty sweet

 

[mcbdz]

I have to say, that first pic is soooooooooo cool. I was thinkin of dividin' my next tank with large open area in middle, but now I love this look.

 

[yosemite sam]

Originally Posted by Bronco300
drill your rock and put piping through to build cliffs and overhangs like that...would be pretty sweet
Yeah, I know a few people who have done this and it looks really cool. I don't have any pictures, though...
Azfishgal, do you know the size and dimensions of the tank in that first photo?

 

[azfishgal]

Originally Posted by Yosemite Sam
Yeah, I know a few people who have done this and it looks really cool. I don't have any pictures, though...
Azfishgal, do you know the size and dimensions of the tank in that first photo?
It's 36x36x24. Here is another picture.....

 

[wangotango]

Hey AZ, is that the "Bansai tree inspired tank?" Very nicely done. I've got a few tunnels and somewhat of an overhang, so I'll see if I can take some decent pics tonight.
-Justin

 

[fish addict]

There is this awesome fish store in Kansas City that has a half cylinder tank that is amazing! There is overhangs and shelfs and tonga rock branching out but I don't have pictures... I think that you could just be creative and get the look you're going for but it's going to take a lot of work. It took me quite a while to aquascape my nano, and there is only a couple pieces of rock in it!

 

[kjr_trig]

Originally Posted by Bronco300
drill your rock and put piping through to build cliffs and overhangs like that...would be pretty sweet
How tough is it to drill through base rock?

 

[bronco300]

i have no idea, but if its anything like drilling through a boulder outside

[hr]
it!

no...i doubt it would be too hard since liverock is more porous usually
But i think i'll do it for my next tank.

 

[kevin34]

You could try adding some tonga branch. That stuff usually makes great aquascaping. Check out the very first tank of this thread. Its one of the best Iv ever seen.
https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/282013/lets-see-pics-of-your-aquascaping

 

[yannifish]

Well, you already know my story, I say just do it! And if you don't like it, send some of your live rock to me, so you can keep your base rock and have a new look anyways!

 

[azfishgal]

Originally Posted by WangoTango
Hey AZ, is that the "Bansai tree inspired tank?" Very nicely done. I've got a few tunnels and somewhat of an overhang, so I'll see if I can take some decent pics tonight.
-Justin
Yep, you guessed it. He only lives like 20 minutes from me, so I need to check it out in person some day.

 

[wrath]

hey azfishgal i myself have a bridge in my tank. alothough it does just hang there i have it attached to 2 buildings of rock. hope my pics can give u a idea
heres a pic of what i mean
sorry the pics r reallly bad.

 

[azfishgal]

Originally Posted by Kevin34
You could try adding some tonga branch. That stuff usually makes great aquascaping. Check out the very first tank of this thread. Its one of the best Iv ever seen.
https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/282013/lets-see-pics-of-your-aquascaping
True, I might add a few more pieces of tonga branch. There was another tank picture on the 3rd page that was nice, has a bridge in the middle of the tank. Something I've thought about doing is building a frame from pvc pipe and then spray it with "Great Stuff" and use that to build up one area.
Thanks for the ideas and keep them coming!! The creative juices are starting to flow. Of course that also means a very time consuming project.

But I think I'll be much happier with my tank once it's all done.

 

[azfishgal]

Originally Posted by WangoTango
Hey AZ, is that the "Bansai tree inspired tank?" Very nicely done. I've got a few tunnels and somewhat of an overhang, so I'll see if I can take some decent pics tonight.
-Justin
Can't wait to see it.

 

[brandan]

Live rock is VERY VERY easy to drill through. I would say on a scale of 1 to 10, it is a .5. lol. I have used a 1" hole saw bit and 1" piping and it has worked very well.

 

[azfishgal]

Originally Posted by Brandan
Live rock is VERY VERY easy to drill through. I would say on a scale of 1 to 10, it is a .5. lol. I have used a 1" hole saw bit and 1" piping and it has worked very well.
Thanks for the tip. I'm sure my husband won't have a problem doing it. I'm also going to use zip-ties and apoxy, so I should be set.

 

[azfishgal]

Originally Posted by wrath
hey azfishgal i myself have a bridge in my tank. alothough it does just hang there i have it attached to 2 buildings of rock. hope my pics can give u a idea
Thanks Wrath!!! I was hoping you would pop in because I remembered your tank before but couldn't remember who it was or where to find it. THANKS!! Very inspiring!!