Aquascaping is more than stacking rocks. It shapes flow, filtration, and fish behavior. Good reef layouts also make coral care easier.
Plan the layout before you touch the rock
Start with your tank size and livestock plan. A 20-gallon nano needs simpler structures. A 75-gallon reef can support taller arches and islands.
Leave space for cleaning and coral growth. Keep rock 2–3 inches off the glass. Leave at least 1–2 inches from the back wall for flow.
Use a simple rule for rock volume. Aim for 0.5–1.0 pounds per gallon with porous rock. Use less if you run a strong skimmer and refugium.
Sketch your plan and mark coral zones. SPS prefers high light and high flow. LPS likes moderate flow and room for sweepers. Soft corals spread fast.
- Choose one main focal point, not five small ones.
- Build two islands for better flow and fish paths.
- Keep a clear sand “runway” for gobies and wrasses.
For more on livestock spacing, review reef tank stocking basics. It helps you plan hiding spots and territories.
Build stable rockwork that supports flow
Stability comes first. Set base rocks on the tank bottom, not on sand. Sand shifts and can cause collapses during burrowing.
Use dry rock and test-fit outside the tank. Create arches with three-point contact. Avoid tall stacks with small contact points.
Bond rock with reef-safe mortar or thick gel cyanoacrylate. Use small pieces as “shims” to lock angles. Let the mortar cure per the label before filling.
Design for flow around and through the structure. Aim for 20–40x turnover in mixed reefs. Use two powerheads to reduce dead spots behind the rock.
- Leave caves with two exits for timid fish.
- Angle shelves to catch light without shading below.
- Keep the highest rock at least 3–4 inches below the surface.
If detritus collects, adjust pumps before moving rocks. Small changes help. Point one nozzle slightly upward to ripple the surface.
Finish with sand, coral placement, and maintenance habits
Add sand after the rock is stable. For most reefs, 1–2 inches works well. Deeper beds need careful planning and consistent maintenance.
Rinse aragonite until the water runs mostly clear. Use a plate or a bag to pour water gently. This reduces clouding and protects pumps.
Place corals with growth in mind. Leave 3–6 inches between LPS colonies. Give euphyllia extra room for 6–8 inch sweeper reach.
Use test frags to confirm zones. A montipora can show if the flow is enough. If tissue recedes, reduce light or increase random flow.
- Target nitrate 5–15 ppm and phosphate 0.03–0.10 ppm for mixed reefs.
- Keep alkalinity stable within 0.3 dKH day to day.
- Turkey-baste rocks weekly before a water change.
Common mistakes are easy to fix early. Avoid packing rocks against the back wall. Do not glue corals to unstable rubble. Quarantine new frags to avoid pests. See coral dip and quarantine guide for a simple process.
Also watch for “too clean” rock. Sterile dry rock can take months to mature. Seed with a small live rock piece and bacterial starter. Learn more about cycling a saltwater aquarium.
A good aquascape balances beauty and function. Plan open space, build stable structures, and support strong flow. With steady parameters, your reef will grow into the design.
Sources: Delbeek & Sprung, “The Reef Aquarium” (Vol. 1–3); Tullock, “Natural Reef Aquariums”; Borneman, “Aquarium Corals”.
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