nickkohrn Posted July 11, 2016 Share Posted July 11, 2016 I am having the most difficult time trying to decide on what rock to use in my IM 10. I have tried BRS Reef Saver rock, but I found it to be crumbly at times. Also, since the pieces were too large I had to take a hammer and chisel to them, which made the rock crumble even more. Not only was that discouraging, but the parts that did break off had places that I did not want visible because of the breakage. I tried BRS Pukani, but I did not like the look of the pieces that look like fans/pyramids. I tried Walt Smith's Project Reef Rock, which I decided not to use because it is not very porous. I am really struggling because I see so many beautiful aquascapes that have negative space, which is what I am after. It's really difficult for me in such a small tank. I want corals on the bottom of the tank, and I can't seem to find anything that doesn't look like just a pile of rocks. I love Tonga Branch rock mixed with other types, but it's really getting the best of me when trying to come up with a solution. - How are you deciding on aquascapes for your nanos when space is a limiting factor? - What rock did you use? - What was your inspiration? Link to comment
Elizabeth94 Posted July 11, 2016 Share Posted July 11, 2016 I just used live rock from my fish store and went outside and broke it with a sledge hammer. I prefer rocks that are large, but light. This means they have more surface area for bacteria to live on. I am surprised your rock was crumbling- it must be that type of dry rock. My old tank was started with dry rock but it was very hard, and broke in nice pieces. I was inspired by a few tanks on this site and by the types of corals I was hoping to keep. It is amazing how everything transforms when you really start to fill it in.. When it was first put up. Now This little tank fills up fast. But it doesn't help that I purchased a really large torch. I haven't really been able to find frags I could place in there anymore without shading them. So I am not upgrading to the IM 20.. - How are you deciding on aquascapes for your nanos when space is a limiting factor?- What rock did you use?- What was your inspiration? Link to comment
Tamberav Posted July 11, 2016 Share Posted July 11, 2016 My IM10 is new but people seem to be digging the scape (sorry for crappy phone pix). I used reef cleaners cuz its the best and you can request sizes/shapes and tell him the dimensions of your tank and he will do his best to fill the order. I wanted negative space (sand) so I made a little arch/cave type thing in the back corner. My tank is also in a corner so I can only see it from two angles so this made the best sense to me. I just googled "reef cube aquascapes" for inspiration and checked out the IM10 threads on here. Here are some I liked, guess I wanted an arch/cave thing people had, I think these are bigger tanks but I applied a similar idea, just smaller and thicker arch for more coral placement. I didn't want my rock too tall either because I plan on having some SPS. I would just google and check out the IM10 thread and TOTM photos to get ideas on what it is YOU like. Link to comment
spectra Posted July 11, 2016 Share Posted July 11, 2016 Those are some nice pics Tamberav! When I did mine I had one rock well actually 3 I think from my 20 that I had epoxied together. Reefcleaner rock is what it was also. Fits great and all I wanted was a home for the RFAs. Link to comment
nickkohrn Posted July 11, 2016 Author Share Posted July 11, 2016 Thanks for your responses and inspiration everyone! I checked out Reef Cleaners and I think that's the route I will go! My IM10 is new but people seem to be digging the scape (sorry for crappy phone pix). I used reef cleaners cuz its the best and you can request sizes/shapes and tell him the dimensions of your tank and he will do his best to fill the order. I wanted negative space (sand) so I made a little arch/cave type thing in the back corner. My tank is also in a corner so I can only see it from two angles so this made the best sense to me. I just googled "reef cube aquascapes" for inspiration and checked out the IM10 threads on here. Here are some I liked, guess I wanted an arch/cave thing people had, I think these are bigger tanks but I applied a similar idea, just smaller and thicker arch for more coral placement. I didn't want my rock too tall either because I plan on having some SPS. I would just google and check out the IM10 thread and TOTM photos to get ideas on what it is YOU like. This is exactly what I am after! Your wants for your aquascape match mine. I want some negative space for a fish that is a swimmer and for some corals to be placed on the bottom of the tank. I also really want some open space at the top of the structure for some SPS to be able to grow out. Thanks a lot for your detailed post! It's exactly what I was after! Link to comment
nickkohrn Posted July 11, 2016 Author Share Posted July 11, 2016 I ended up going with rock from John Maloney at Reef Cleaners. I can't wait to receive it! I sent him links to photos of aquascapes that inspire me, and asked him whether I should order the 15-pound or 30-pound package for best chances of finding rocks that will help me achieve what I'm after. He said to order the 15-pound box and that he believes that I will get exactly what I need. What a great guy and great customer service. I haven't read a single negative review about John, Reef Cleaners, or his rock. I'm super excited to get it! Thanks everyone for your input!! Link to comment
CuhRazy Posted July 22, 2016 Share Posted July 22, 2016 I used Reef Cleaners rock. Heres what mine looks like! Link to comment
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