Jump to content
Premium Aquatics Aquarium Supplies

Constructive peer reviews for an aquascape


hey

Recommended Posts

SO... I am surprised there isn't a thread for this that I can find but I think there should be one.

 

What I want in this thread, someone to post a picture of their tank, one that has been running for a while and not just rock work (this isn't meant for that) that anyone viewing the thread can quote your image then provide a meaningful peer review of it.

 

Here's the point's I would love to see covered in any peer review someone posts:

 

1: What is working for the tank, this includes colors, shapes, balance, livestock choices and any other good you can see in it. We all like and need some positive feedback.

 

2: What isn't working for you personally, this also includes the colors, shapes, balance, livestock choices, and anything else you see that (just isn't working for you). Here's the catch, anything posted here has to be "justified" due to lack of a better word in part 3.

 

3: This is the part where you post why you believe whatever you posted in 2 doesn't work. Avoid I just don't like it. People use this section to look objectively at their own work and decide whether or not to apply changes based on feedback. Also, what good would saying why something doesn't work without a suggestion on what you would do to try to fix the situation.

 

 

A final word of warning: This is not the thread to post a picture of your tank if you just want someone to tell you how pretty it is, this is a thread for people that want feedback on their aquascapes to make improvements and become better. If comments seem harsh, ignore them. If you find the comments helpful and something you see you could improve upon thank them. I'd love this thread to stay civilized and become a great resource to people who see aquascaping as their hobby.


I'll try to jump start this to get a feel for how it works with my own tanks image, but please post your own when you are ready!

 

17081069683_0cf4f71145_b.jpg

Link to comment
  • Replies 81
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Only thing I'd maybe do on your tank hey is maybe place one random coral in the sand on right side. I love the rest very much. It's original and colors are awsome. Great idea for thread. I honestly like little feedback. I know things I'd do different with mine but will wait till I upgrade lol. So here is mine.

 

 

9F3F7CBF-546A-473D-8AE5-60796DCF7AFC_zps

Link to comment

I have no feedback for either of you fellas love both tanks. I am actually planning on doing my scape like Hey's if my rock ever shows up.

Link to comment

17081069683_0cf4f71145_b.jpg

I like the triangular jumble of the rocks juxtapositioned with the calm of the open water on the top right.

The branches draw the eye to the open space but the heavy-ness of the rocks pulls the eye back down.

The colors are very soothing to me, with none of the super bright neons to draw the eye from gazing at everything.

 

The only thing not working for me is the tallest branch breaking the water surface, could be slightly lower to see the continuous water line/gap. But I think since the pumps are shut off the water level dropped, maybe with the pumps running, the branch doesn't cut the surface.

Link to comment

17081069683_0cf4f71145_b.jpg

I like the triangular jumble of the rocks juxtapositioned with the calm of the open water on the top right.

The branches draw the eye to the open space but the heavy-ness of the rocks pulls the eye back down.

The colors are very soothing to me, with none of the super bright neons to draw the eye from gazing at everything.

 

The only thing not working for me is the tallest branch breaking the water surface, could be slightly lower to see the continuous water line/gap. But I think since the pumps are shut off the water level dropped, maybe with the pumps running, the branch doesn't cut the surface.

That is the only thing I am changing. It still breaks the surface if my eyes are correct.
Link to comment

Maybe his thoughts were same as mine. My thought with my shallow tank was to make it look more like low tide reef.......

Link to comment
HarryPotter

I would appreciate some criticism and/or reccomondations on my aquascape as well. I know it's not as developed as most, but I feel the more experienced here could offer some great criticisms.

 

7D64C251-3D02-4033-B0C2-3329B624B87C_zps

Link to comment

Thanks for the criticism guys, yeh Kat the branch is protruding even with water lvl higher. Honestly I wouldn't do it again because the salt creep on it is hideous as it wicks water up it then evaporates. I have considered a coral as well but was maybe thinking a clam there if I try to offset the one side deadness of it. When I have my next tank set up I am definitely not protruding slightly it's go big or go home or it's a salt creep nightmare.

Rt, your tank looks great very active looking reef.

Only thing I'd maybe do on your tank hey is maybe place one random coral in the sand on right side. I love the rest very much. It's original and colors are awsome. Great idea for thread. I honestly like little feedback. I know things I'd do different with mine but will wait till I upgrade lol. So here is mine.9F3F7CBF-546A-473D-8AE5-60796DCF7AFC_zps


If I were to mess with it a bit I notice it is almost a triangle shape coming to a point in the center of the tank. The centeredness looks a bit unnatural to me.

If I were to tinker with it I would try to make the tip of the triangle (or foreground focal point) off center either left or right.

 

I want to expand on this point as I said it from my phone and well thats a pita to be detailed. The triangle I am referring to is most easily seen from above with its tips being back left back right corners and one tip center front of the tank. I think messing with it would be easy though as most of the corals look to be on the sand bed or close to it so moving the bulk of them left or right of center would accomplish what I was trying (and probably failing) to describe heh.

 

BTW thanks for being the first guinea pig man, hopefully the thread keeps going and more people review!

Link to comment
stefalopod

Only thing I'd maybe do on your tank hey is maybe place one random coral in the sand on right side. I love the rest very much. It's original and colors are awsome. Great idea for thread. I honestly like little feedback. I know things I'd do different with mine but will wait till I upgrade lol. So here is mine.

 

 

9F3F7CBF-546A-473D-8AE5-60796DCF7AFC_zps

 

Wow, I seriously love all the mature corals and the lighting.

 

This isn't a con at all, as I don't think anyone can do anything about this, but I'm always a little distracted by the power heads in DTs. Powerheads have such engineered shapes that they don't fade into the organic shapes of a reef at all. Maybe one day someone will bring out a truly camouflaged power head. =)

SO... I am surprised there isn't a thread for this that I can find but I think there should be one.

 

What I want in this thread, someone to post a picture of their tank, one that has been running for a while and not just rock work (this isn't meant for that) that anyone viewing the thread can quote your image then provide a meaningful peer review of it.

 

Here's the point's I would love to see covered in any peer review someone posts:

 

1: What is working for the tank, this includes colors, shapes, balance, livestock choices and any other good you can see in it. We all like and need some positive feedback.

 

2: What isn't working for you personally, this also includes the colors, shapes, balance, livestock choices, and anything else you see that (just isn't working for you). Here's the catch, anything posted here has to be "justified" due to lack of a better word in part 3.

 

3: This is the part where you post why you believe whatever you posted in 2 doesn't work. Avoid I just don't like it. People use this section to look objectively at their own work and decide whether or not to apply changes based on feedback. Also, what good would saying why something doesn't work without a suggestion on what you would do to try to fix the situation.

 

 

A final word of warning: This is not the thread to post a picture of your tank if you just want someone to tell you how pretty it is, this is a thread for people that want feedback on their aquascapes to make improvements and become better. If comments seem harsh, ignore them. If you find the comments helpful and something you see you could improve upon thank them. I'd love this thread to stay civilized and become a great resource to people who see aquascaping as their hobby.

I'll try to jump start this to get a feel for how it works with my own tanks image, but please post your own when you are ready!

 

17081069683_0cf4f71145_b.jpg

 

Great thread! Following!

I love you DT, especially love the frosted background with light coloring behind. I'm a big fan of asymmetrical design in reefs, only suggestion would be to create more porosity or texture in the rock work by building in more projections and caves. As it is the rockwork and corals fade together into one mass.

 

My reef isn't far enough along to be a candidate here, but I can't wait to post once my corals outgrow their just-fragged-ness.

Link to comment

I would appreciate some criticism and/or reccomondations on my aquascape as well. I know it's not as developed as most, but I feel the more experienced here could offer some great criticisms.

 

7D64C251-3D02-4033-B0C2-3329B624B87C_zps

 

While it's not quite as full/mature as I intended to have in this thread be on I'll give this a shot. Really the only reason is because I want to refrain from talking too much about the rockwork as there are tons of aquascaping threads on it and when its the dominant thing in a new tank its hard to see the direction.

 

First off I wanna say I love that this is going to be a clam centered tank (I assume as its got plenty) I think a heavy clam focus makes for some gorgeous tanks, hell last months totm is one imo.

 

as for what I dislike: I am assuming the clams will be eventually mounted. If not that would definitely bother me as your rockwork lends itself to a clean sand bed imo. The rockwork on the right also bugs me a bit as it almost makes the gap between the 2 islands insignificant. A bit of coral growth and that middle gap may end up covered up and it'll look like one big centered slab.

 

what I would try to fix what bothered me: I'd mount those clams ofc. As for the gap being relatively small, I would try to rotate the rockwork on the right to where the right side of it was closer to the front of the tank, that would increase the gap size a big so when corals grow out it will still be 2 separate islands and maintain its interest.

Link to comment

This is a really great idea! I am definitely open for suggestions and ideas. I've been through a few iterations of aquascapes (see my thread in signature for past layouts).
Here is what I am working with now. Note the corals are not all open and happy in this photo. It was about a day after the new 'scape.

 

EDIT:Adding actual photo this time.

fts070515_zps4v0lryve.jpg

Link to comment

SO... I am surprised there isn't a thread for this that I can find but I think there should be one.

 

What I want in this thread, someone to post a picture of their tank, one that has been running for a while and not just rock work (this isn't meant for that) that anyone viewing the thread can quote your image then provide a meaningful peer review of it.

 

Here's the point's I would love to see covered in any peer review someone posts:

 

1: What is working for the tank, this includes colors, shapes, balance, livestock choices and any other good you can see in it. We all like and need some positive feedback.

 

2: What isn't working for you personally, this also includes the colors, shapes, balance, livestock choices, and anything else you see that (just isn't working for you). Here's the catch, anything posted here has to be "justified" due to lack of a better word in part 3.

 

3: This is the part where you post why you believe whatever you posted in 2 doesn't work. Avoid I just don't like it. People use this section to look objectively at their own work and decide whether or not to apply changes based on feedback. Also, what good would saying why something doesn't work without a suggestion on what you would do to try to fix the situation.

 

 

A final word of warning: This is not the thread to post a picture of your tank if you just want someone to tell you how pretty it is, this is a thread for people that want feedback on their aquascapes to make improvements and become better. If comments seem harsh, ignore them. If you find the comments helpful and something you see you could improve upon thank them. I'd love this thread to stay civilized and become a great resource to people who see aquascaping as their hobby.

I'll try to jump start this to get a feel for how it works with my own tanks image, but please post your own when you are ready!

 

17081069683_0cf4f71145_b.jpg

I can see what some are saying, and I might change the branching bit that juts up to the surface of the water, but I love the rest. To me it looks like the end of a reef shelf just before it drops off into the vast ocean. The rock and coral all to one side with the emptiness really, to me, makes this tank look WAY bigger than it is. The illusion makes me think that I am diving and am about to turn and basically drop off.

Also I am going to go here and get feedback for my tank, because I need HELP.

 

TJGSuo5.jpg

Link to comment

SO... I am surprised there isn't a thread for this that I can find but I think there should be one.

 

What I want in this thread, someone to post a picture of their tank, one that has been running for a while and not just rock work (this isn't meant for that) that anyone viewing the thread can quote your image then provide a meaningful peer review of it.

 

Here's the point's I would love to see covered in any peer review someone posts:

 

1: What is working for the tank, this includes colors, shapes, balance, livestock choices and any other good you can see in it. We all like and need some positive feedback.

 

2: What isn't working for you personally, this also includes the colors, shapes, balance, livestock choices, and anything else you see that (just isn't working for you). Here's the catch, anything posted here has to be "justified" due to lack of a better word in part 3.

 

3: This is the part where you post why you believe whatever you posted in 2 doesn't work. Avoid I just don't like it. People use this section to look objectively at their own work and decide whether or not to apply changes based on feedback. Also, what good would saying why something doesn't work without a suggestion on what you would do to try to fix the situation.

 

 

A final word of warning: This is not the thread to post a picture of your tank if you just want someone to tell you how pretty it is, this is a thread for people that want feedback on their aquascapes to make improvements and become better. If comments seem harsh, ignore them. If you find the comments helpful and something you see you could improve upon thank them. I'd love this thread to stay civilized and become a great resource to people who see aquascaping as their hobby.

I'll try to jump start this to get a feel for how it works with my own tanks image, but please post your own when you are ready!

 

17081069683_0cf4f71145_b.jpg

Great idea for a thread!

 

Just a quick comment on your magnificent scape. Contrary to the opinion in this thread I really like that the water line is being broken. To me this is as if the enclosed microcosmos of the tank reaches out towards the macrocosmos of the outside world, separated from each other by the negative space of the empty triangle of water, thus creating a bridge between the two worlds. Consequently, it would make a lot of sense to me if it was a living coral that broke the surface, implying a living will, forcefully trying to pass the bridge, rather than dead inanimate rock.

 

Maybe this is taking aquascaping a bit too far philosophically, but you asked for our thoughts ;)

Link to comment

Just my opinions

SO... I am surprised there isn't a thread for this that I can find but I think there should be one.

 

What I want in this thread, someone to post a picture of their tank, one that has been running for a while and not just rock work (this isn't meant for that) that anyone viewing the thread can quote your image then provide a meaningful peer review of it.

 

Here's the point's I would love to see covered in any peer review someone posts:

 

1: What is working for the tank, this includes colors, shapes, balance, livestock choices and any other good you can see in it. We all like and need some positive feedback.

 

2: What isn't working for you personally, this also includes the colors, shapes, balance, livestock choices, and anything else you see that (just isn't working for you). Here's the catch, anything posted here has to be "justified" due to lack of a better word in part 3.

 

3: This is the part where you post why you believe whatever you posted in 2 doesn't work. Avoid I just don't like it. People use this section to look objectively at their own work and decide whether or not to apply changes based on feedback. Also, what good would saying why something doesn't work without a suggestion on what you would do to try to fix the situation.

 

 

A final word of warning: This is not the thread to post a picture of your tank if you just want someone to tell you how pretty it is, this is a thread for people that want feedback on their aquascapes to make improvements and become better. If comments seem harsh, ignore them. If you find the comments helpful and something you see you could improve upon thank them. I'd love this thread to stay civilized and become a great resource to people who see aquascaping as their hobby.


I'll try to jump start this to get a feel for how it works with my own tanks image, but please post your own when you are ready!

 

17081069683_0cf4f71145_b.jpg

Hey, your tank is simply gorgeous. The natural look is lovely. But I'm not sure about the branches sticking out, I fell like the same idea could've been done with branching sops, leather coral, or gorgs with a smoother look. But it's unique. I also agree that a coral or tiny island would look good on the sand.

 

Only thing I'd maybe do on your tank hey is maybe place one random coral in the sand on right side. I love the rest very much. It's original and colors are awsome. Great idea for thread. I honestly like little feedback. I know things I'd do different with mine but will wait till I upgrade lol. So here is mine.


9F3F7CBF-546A-473D-8AE5-60796DCF7AFC_zps

I love your tank, I feel like it deserves a TOTM in the future. I like the "active" look as Hey said, with lots of shapes and colors, but I would try to create more negative space.

 

I would appreciate some criticism and/or reccomondations on my aquascape as well. I know it's not as developed as most, but I feel the more experienced here could offer some great criticisms.

7D64C251-3D02-4033-B0C2-3329B624B87C_zps

 

It's hard to say because your corals aren't fully grown, but I think the left island is too large, and that doesn't help the right island. It's also hard to tell because not everything is mounted on the rock.

This is a really great idea! I am definitely open for suggestions and ideas. I've been through a few iterations of aquascapes (see my thread in signature for past layouts).
Here is what I am working with now. Note the corals are not all open and happy in this photo. It was about a day after the new 'scape.

 

EDIT:Adding actual photo this time.

fts070515_zps4v0lryve.jpg

 

I like the single island scales in cubes, I feel like a cave in the middle would look cool. There are lots of nano/bio cube TOTMs for you to look at. Trying to make an overhang, arch/cave, or similar structure can really help with the scale IMO. Columns can look cool as well.

I can see what some are saying, and I might change the branching bit that juts up to the surface of the water, but I love the rest. To me it looks like the end of a reef shelf just before it drops off into the vast ocean. The rock and coral all to one side with the emptiness really, to me, makes this tank look WAY bigger than it is. The illusion makes me think that I am diving and am about to turn and basically drop off.


Also I am going to go here and get feedback for my tank, because I need HELP.

 

TJGSuo5.jpg

Same as above cube. You could do the corner island look like Hey as well.

Link to comment

I agree on what everyone said about mine and it's good to hear. One day my plan is to go little bigger to fix things pointed out but not any time soon.I want more room for sand around my structure. :)

Link to comment

Thanks for stepping up guys I was a bit worried the thread might turn into ( let hey who has no real credentials pass judgement on your tank thread) love reading everyone's feedback thus far

Link to comment
HarryPotter

Thanks for stepping up guys I was a bit worried the thread might turn into ( let hey who has no real credentials pass judgement on your tank thread) love reading everyone's feedback thus far

 

OH my reply to your comment didn't post?!

 

Anyway- thanks so much Hey. I really like your suggestions of mounting the clams and shifting the right rocks- that'll clean it up very well and the contrast between the two islands will be much nicer with the horizontal contrast

Link to comment

OH my reply to your comment didn't post?!

 

Anyway- thanks so much Hey. I really like your suggestions of mounting the clams and shifting the right rocks- that'll clean it up very well and the contrast between the two islands will be much nicer with the horizontal contrast

 

If you do go that route there's no hurry as everything's gotta be ready for the new light intensity. But yeah glad you found it helpful.

Link to comment

If you do go that route there's no hurry as everything's gotta be ready for the new light intensity. But yeah glad you found it helpful.

And also I'd wait to move anything until the squamosa is ready :)

 

Hey, I literally have no comments about your tank scape. I honestly think it is one of the most beautiful I've seen (and I'm taking some inspiration from your scape for my 12 long build :)). It is very artistic - both with the layout and your choice of colors. I do agree that maybe something in the right would work but maybe some macro algae or something more "flowy" like that that would create some movement, but not too much structure to take your attention from the main event. I also like Tibbsy's thoughts on the edge of a coral reef. I agree with that! It is really a great scape.

Link to comment

 

 

I like the single island scales in cubes, I feel like a cave in the middle would look cool. There are lots of nano/bio cube TOTMs for you to look at. Trying to make an overhang, arch/cave, or similar structure can really help with the scale IMO. Columns can look cool as well.

 

 

Thanks for your feedback! I actually have a cave in the middle. The entrance is on top of the Monti. I suppose that monti is probably going to grow over the cave entrance soon so I should probably try to make that more prominent. The rock tower I would have to move to open that cave up is the tall structure with the birds nest branches on it. I've been considering moving that to either the back right or back left. I have a lot of open space in the back right near the intake, but I was experimenting with that being my 'negative space'. Not sure now I feel about using that up which leaves me with the back left. That is already my point hitting the top left quadrant, perhaps there is nothing wrong with making that more prominent?

 

Interesting you mention the column look. I use to have that, sort of that 'bonsai 'scape'. I changed it because it was difficult to work around in such a small space, it did not come out the way I originally intended, and was becoming a little unstable. So I chose to rescape and came to there design you see today.

 

Here is my former scape:

16828244228_c5d1c0677e_h.jpg

Link to comment

Just my opinions

Hey, your tank is simply gorgeous. The natural look is lovely. But I'm not sure about the branches sticking out, I fell like the same idea could've been done with branching sops, leather coral, or gorgs with a smoother look. But it's unique. I also agree that a coral or tiny island would look good on the sand.

 

I love your tank, I feel like it deserves a TOTM in the future. I like the "active" look as Hey said, with lots of shapes and colors, but I would try to create more negative space.

 

 

It's hard to say because your corals aren't fully grown, but I think the left island is too large, and that doesn't help the right island. It's also hard to tell because not everything is mounted on the rock.

 

I like the single island scales in cubes, I feel like a cave in the middle would look cool. There are lots of nano/bio cube TOTMs for you to look at. Trying to make an overhang, arch/cave, or similar structure can really help with the scale IMO. Columns can look cool as well.

Same as above cube. You could do the corner island look like Hey as well.

Thanks for the feedback. I usually like the style you recommend, but I think the 11.8"x11.8" space is difficult to do a single corner island, but I'm currently trying to get it to work.

 

Here is what I'm currently working on (Teeny's 10g is one I am using to inspire my new scape) http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/350986-tibbsys-ten-gallon-new-fts/?p=5072932

Link to comment

 

Thanks for your feedback! I actually have a cave in the middle. The entrance is on top of the Monti. I suppose that monti is probably going to grow over the cave entrance soon so I should probably try to make that more prominent. The rock tower I would have to move to open that cave up is the tall structure with the birds nest branches on it. I've been considering moving that to either the back right or back left. I have a lot of open space in the back right near the intake, but I was experimenting with that being my 'negative space'. Not sure now I feel about using that up which leaves me with the back left. That is already my point hitting the top left quadrant, perhaps there is nothing wrong with making that more prominent?

 

Interesting you mention the column look. I use to have that, sort of that 'bonsai 'scape'. I changed it because it was difficult to work around in such a small space, it did not come out the way I originally intended, and was becoming a little unstable. So I chose to rescape and came to there design you see today.

 

Here is my former scape:

16828244228_c5d1c0677e_h.jpg

 

Well I did it again. Its like a freaking addiction. I rescaped last night as part of my water change and cleaning. I wanted to create a cave in the middle but ended up creating some pillar like structures and a center cave-like area.

Once everything settles and corals open I will post up some new pictures.

Link to comment

 

Thanks for your feedback! I actually have a cave in the middle. The entrance is on top of the Monti. I suppose that monti is probably going to grow over the cave entrance soon so I should probably try to make that more prominent. The rock tower I would have to move to open that cave up is the tall structure with the birds nest branches on it. I've been considering moving that to either the back right or back left. I have a lot of open space in the back right near the intake, but I was experimenting with that being my 'negative space'. Not sure now I feel about using that up which leaves me with the back left. That is already my point hitting the top left quadrant, perhaps there is nothing wrong with making that more prominent?

 

Interesting you mention the column look. I use to have that, sort of that 'bonsai 'scape'. I changed it because it was difficult to work around in such a small space, it did not come out the way I originally intended, and was becoming a little unstable. So I chose to rescape and came to there design you see today.

 

Here is my former scape:

16828244228_c5d1c0677e_h.jpg

 

Careful with the GSP. i used to love mine until it recently has spread to every corner of my tank, now im looking at a tank reset cause of it. I wish i would have listened to the advise i read once to put it on an isolated rock.

Link to comment

FTS about 6 months ago. I have already done some changes including adding a frag tank:

post-37457-0-44072500-1436714090_thumb.jpg

Hardscape when first setup:

post-37457-0-08353400-1436714103_thumb.jpg

 

Let me know what suggestions including what corals would be good to add/ move/ remove.

Link to comment

I would appreciate some criticism and/or reccomondations on my aquascape as well. I know it's not as developed as most, but I feel the more experienced here could offer some great criticisms.

 

7D64C251-3D02-4033-B0C2-3329B624B87C_zps

I think the monti caps will look really cool when they are grown out though, in a tank that size I am not sure I would locate them all together as it may make too large of a monti cap "wall" relative to the tanksize. I would also add more sps or other more branching type corals to the big left rock, Since it has a fairly flat face I would limit the amount of encrusting corals. I would also consider rotating the right island a bit to get more of a channel between. I also agree that your left rock may be too large or at least too close to the glass. Essentially just make sure you have enough room for your future corals to grow.

Link to comment

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recommended Discussions


×
×
  • Create New...