Input on Aquascaping BioCube 29

Set up the live rock last night... it was a first attempt at aquascaping, but we want to get it set up before we worry about buying animals. So... we're looking for feedback or suggestions. I'd like a bit more rock, but we figured some rock might come with the coral and/or anemone(s).



Taken of the right side of the tank (left as you view it from the front). I think we like this one the most, so we might try to rotate everything in the tank so this is the front view.





Thanks all for your input! We're currently cycling the tank. Also, being that we filled it last night and spilled some water on the glass, there are water spots on the glass that will be taken care of soon.

 

Looks pretty good. If you like it then keep it that way

 

I'm with you on the right side of the tank view.

You may get rocks with coral, especially if you buy them specifically that way, but most frags nowadays come on frag disks instead. If you order online you might want to ask what it's coming on. You won't likely get rock with an anemone, since they move around a lot on their own. Make sure you don't get one too soon (min 6 month old tank) so it has the best chance of survival!

 

How much room should be left between the back and the rocks? Just seems if they were slide back it would give more room for them to swim in the front. Also, after the cycle is complete... what's the next step, a pair of small clownfish or a scarlet skunk shrimp?

 

Looks good.

Just make sure the larger rock on the top is very stable. I like the smaller piece off to the side like that.
;D

 

Yeah, that worried me as well. I poured 20 gallons of water right on top of it and it didn't move, so I'm hoping it's decently stable. I tried to put some of the jagged edges of rock into natural pockets in the upper rock so it would be more "locked in". I really feel like repositioning it all so that the side view I pointed out is the front view.

 

Depends on how clean you want the back glass. I have spots I have to hit with a toothbrush in my tank because the magfloat won't fit between the rock & the glass (a toothbrush will).

I'd go for fish first, as shrimp are a little more sensitive to parameter swings.

 

The BioCube doesn't have rear glass like the other three sides. There's a healthy gap between the wall and the rear of the unit where everything is housed. So, once the cycle is over, a pair of small clownfish? We're still deciding what other fish we want, but clownfish are a definite. And my LFS ordered some new tank raised Perculas in. They're very active and playful.

What would be a good choice for a goby or blenny? I like the looks of a scooter blenny:

But I also like the coloration of the Bridled Goby:

The problem is that most of the other pictures of them seem lack luster. Also, I think we may attempt a mandarin fish later. The guy at the fish store seems to be good at getting them to accept alternative foods (picked his brain for over an hour a couple days ago about them), so I think it's a bit more possible. Ultimately, I don't want to build a tank that will compete directly for food.

 

Scooter blennies are dragonettes, just like Mandarin "gobies" are.

 

No on the scooter blenny, they need bigger tanks.