Zechenia's 28 Gallon Bowfront Beginner Reef [UPDATED]

I have a pretty big "new to the hobby" thread going, and I have decided to start putting my tank build pictures here, and keep the other one for if I have any more questions.

I'm still about a week or so out on supplies before I can start cycling, but here are some pictures through the process ;D

New tank


Painted


Latest Rock Scape (subject to change sand to be added once I figure out if I should change it or not!)




Comments and Suggestions are highly encouraged! Thanks!

Edit: Also, this is starting out with just fish, then upgrading to Coral as I get experience and pick up better lights

 

Looks great so far. I would put eggcrate on the bottom under the rock before you add sand. It will give it stability and less chance of your bottom getting damaged. JM2C

 

good looking start Zechenia

you will possibly have that rock in and out 2 or more times before you settle on how it looks
thats pretty normal IME

Steve

 

haha, ya. I would expect that! Especially since I am trying to open it up, but my girlfriend prefers more of a tight look, so finding the happy medium is tricky!

I have been debating the eggcrate thing. I am a little worried about restricting the movement of things in the sand. Plus, I feel like the sides are in just as much trouble as the bottom if anything falls, so I am making sure everything is VERY stable as I design my rock work.

 

Looking very good, great start

 

After some minor tweeking, I decided I liked my scape!

I added 20 lbs of sand (I have another bag of 15) but I think I have plenty (agreed?)

Here's some pictures!





Hard to get a good picture here, but I have a little arch, with a small passage into the middle tunnel.

 

Very good look, plenty of sand

 

everything looks good man..

 

Oh yea, that looks like a good scape. I like it more open with individual pieces placed. Just tell the gf that piles of rubble are not normally found in the ocean and you are going for a natural look.

 

Thanks!

Now I just have to wait until next Thursday when my power-heads and heater show up and I can start cycling!!!!

And the small piece on the bottom in the middle of the opening was all my gf needed to be happy. Glad she suggested it, I like the way it turned out!