Build Series| Eps. 20| Reef Aquarium Aquascape

[@915Mang]

Nice Gil, and thanks for the 915MANG SHOUT OUT! I forgot to mention I have metal tongs that I use to grab the Plastic from the Boiling water! My Badddd!

[@ReeferGil]

It's okay, I have good insurance. The emergency room visit was only $100 bucks. I'll bill you later! 😉

[@maysontorin559]

i know it's kinda off topic but does anyone know of a good place to stream new series online ?

[@jesiahtyson6646]

@Mayson Torin flixportal

[@maysontorin559]

@Jesiah Tyson thanks, I went there and it seems like a nice service :D I really appreciate it !!

[@jesiahtyson6646]

@Mayson Torin you are welcome :)

[@mitian]

Your videos are so well explained and your patience to talk about all the details is very nice. I enjoy watching your videos. Have a good night!

[@ReeferGil]

Really appreciated that post, thank you.

[@PaulieWalnutss]

Love it there is no wrong way. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

[@ReeferGil]

There you go Steve! Thanks!

[@1977logan]

That aquascape is top notch!

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks Logan, always appreciate you stopping by!

[@semisuccessfulreefer220]

Very nice, my favorite reef channel on KZbin...

[@ReeferGil]

Many many thanks!

[@kernpierre5103]

Thanks for this video...i've been really stressing out on aquascaping....you have given me some great ideas😆..

[@ReeferGil]

Don't stress on it... you won't see the rocks once your coral grow out. People make a really big deal out of a scape, I don't.

[@eliavedri7876]

I've watched most of your videos from this series of videos so far, I've come to the conclusion that you're like me lol a lot of attention to details, I myself am going back to a salty tank, 5 years ago I had 250 gal salty, after 3 years I got a very very good offer for it so sold it lol, then i bought a 220 gal tank and this time Freshwater African cyclids. But now I also got a 370 gal, my uncle left the hobby asked if I wanted his tank and for free, can't say no lol, so i thought this is a good opportunity to go back to salty tank, a lot has change in those 5 years so im doing a lot of research, I'm quite excited, especially since the tank is huge!

[@ReeferGil]

Haha, a 370 just fell in your lap. That doesn't happen everyday. I would have taken that deal in a heartbeat. Glad to hear you're enjoying the vids.

[@eliavedri7876]

@@ReeferGil yes your videos have good information, although im not new to this hobby at all i like watching videos because There's no such thing as knowing too much, the more information the better. I'm pretty excited about the new tank because that's why I do a lot of research before I start... And because this is my biggest tank ever.

[@Johnaubreyduncan]

Nice to see your back, and still enjoying the hobby. Scape looks nice!!!.

[@ReeferGil]

There is a stranger from the past! Thanks Doc, you still rolling with your system?

[@IanB1015]

Very glad to see you actually filling the tank. I personally (and I’m sure I am not the only one) use egg crate on the bottom layer and then stack my rock and add sand last. Adding sand last is such a pain sometimes to evenly spread it around. Very cool update. I am very excited to see the tank filled. 👍👍

[@ReeferGil]

Hey Ian, I was very close to doing the egg crate myself. I decided against it since this sand isnt the heaviest and would likely expose the egg crate. I didn't want a sandbed deeper than a couple of inches. Thanks for sharing this technique for others to consider.

[@Nathan-gq1hr]

I like the aquascape, looks great and cant wait to see clams in the sandbed

[@ReeferGil]

LOL, I hope to have a couple of them. They drain your calcium but filter the water. Give and take, besides, they look awesome!

[@racecarsandreeftanks9660]

I love the reef welder! I'm am so excited to see this video especially since your IG post. I'm really enjoying this build and constantly look forward to Sunday's because of it.

[@ReeferGil]

Hey AJ, those are big props, thank you!

[@LittleBitOfaReef]

Scape looks good! Lots of room for coral. 🙌🏽 (just gave me some inspiration for this rescape I’m about to do on my tank. 😆)

[@ReeferGil]

Sweet!!! Thank you very much and good luck with your new scape!

[@dudepros]

Very exciting man! Love the quality of your build and the method you go about doing things.

[@ReeferGil]

Right on Dudesreef, thank you!

[@InfamousAquatics]

I personally love it. Tank is boss

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks fellow Ninja! You should see V3 of this lid, totally awesome!

[@joeymerrell8585]

You can drill it with a masonry bit, and you may need a hammerdrill. I have a 12v Milwaukee hammerdrill that worked like a champ. Just don't try and plow into it. But you pulled it off. That scape looks great.

[@ReeferGil]

Yeah, I wanted to do a different scape, but was ready with plan B since I heard this rock is difficult to drill without the tools you mentioned, which I don't have. I'm happy with it so far.

[@ReefEco]

Its alive! : ) Looking great man, and kudos for using the man-made rock!

[@ReeferGil]

Hey thanks Reef! It's ECO friendly, like in your name!

[@MyReefLiving]

Man dude another built!! Nice

[@ReeferGil]

There he is, thanks Tony!

[@UnderTheTide]

Fantastic setup. I really like your canyon between the 2 islands. The steep walls looks excellent. Well done bud.

[@ReeferGil]

As always, thanks Phil!

[@JyB818]

Looks great! One suggestion that I've been doing. Make sure you're looking at your scape with the display lights on. This way you can play around with light and shadows. Some corals don't like direct light.

[@ReeferGil]

JyB818 Most excellent advice. Never crossed my mind. Thanks JyB!

[@cubanreefer1582]

Like I said before, everyone has their own opinions and I will express mine here too, I like the island look but I prefer a connecting plate on top of both Islands for some plate Corals or other acros but overall is you the one who has to decide the final look , but man I can’t believe that is being 6 months already, a lot of things happen in this time. Your tank still looking awesome and ridiculously beautiful with the equipment setup and the colors. One of my favorite tanks

[@ReeferGil]

Haha, it has been a longtime coming. Things should move pretty fast now. Nothing wrong with expressing your preferred designs. Thanks Cuban!

[@lineman4204]

Nice work, next build will also have island's in it. Can't wait for you next vid

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks Linemen! The Island theme is nice!

[@mikethereefer3719]

Looks great bud! 👍

[@ReeferGil]

Thank you Mike!!!

[@ReeferGil]

First off, let me say you guys are TOTALLY AWESOME and I truly appreciate all the feedback and advice. I wanted to touch on a couple of concerns some have brought up in the comments. #1 a shift in the sand will topple over the rocks. Answer: A valid point, but in this scape, I used large rocks that are solid against the top of the glass with a few grains of sand in between. I wiggled the bottom rocks till they did make contact with the glass. These rock structures are not going to topple over if a few grains of sand shift due to clean up crew members or burrowing fish. #2 Placing sand first will cause detritus to build up under the rock. Answer: Very true, detritus will accumulate anywhere in the tank where flow is weak. Weather there is sand under the rock or glass, detritus will still form. I haven't seen anything that says one will have more than the other. Ultimately, sand will seal the edges of the rock and trap any debris. This is where good flow comes into play, so hopefully the combo of the RFG nozzles and dual Gyres will do their part. These are both GREAT points and something for those researching their aquascapes can consider.

[@Moreysreef]

Really like your videos and aquascape! Good job Gil!🤙

[@ReeferGil]

Right on Jose!

[@yourfellowreefer7145]

Love this scape man 👍🏻 I have real reef rock too it’s good stuff and looks great right off the bat . Glad to see the tank is coming along . I love lookin at nice scapes !

[@Reefgrrl]

I used egg crate panels and put my base rocks directly on them, then added sand. Now I have a pistol shrimp excavating and making tunnels everywhere, I’m soooo glad he can’t dig under the rocks! No chance of the rocks collapsing..... From what you said though, hopefully this type of thing can’t happen with how you’ve set yours up. 🤞🏻🤞🏻

[@ReeferGil]

I really did consider the egg crate but if any of it became visible, it would drive me nuts. The base rocks were layed out just like my 75 gallon. Pistol shrimp (will never get them again because dog hates the snapping noises and goes crazy) would have plenty or room. Gobies would also have room in the crevasous of rock to burrow. Thanks Reefgrrl, hope all is well!

[@CescaTheDarkHorse]

Nice video Gil. Like the aqua scape will look forward to updates :)

[@ReeferGil]

Thank you sir!

[@CescaTheDarkHorse]

It is Miss Gil :)

[@Davelembo]

Following this build. Off to a great start

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks Dave! Following you as well!

[@MrZephyrdee]

I totally love how the rock has pits and crevices for little fish. And the use of relative size of the two islands. What i dont see a lot is use of all that dead space from so much rock though

[@WilSantiagoReefing]

Fiji pink is what I went with too. I used 2 bags. Scape looking awesome! 👍

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks Will, I honestly can't see the difference between on brand of sand next to another. I just wanted variety in grain sizes.

[@katehalle407]

It looks great!!

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks Kate!

[@dennismoody4312]

Looks great brother

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks Dennis!

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

Nice work man! After mounting all my sps I’ve come to appreciate having as much mounting surfaces as possible. Can’t wait to see how you stock it... also glad to see how that epoxy looks I’ve had a jar of it on my shelf for weeks haha

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks CJ, real estate for corals gets tight once things start growing out. The more mounting space the better.

[@BillyPipes]

I like it. Reminds me of my rock scape 👍

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks man, going to tweak it just a bit!

[@99ronmarsh]

Loving it so far, there is no right or wrong!!!! Keep us posted, And btw I want your tank haha :)

[@ReeferGil]

LOL, thanks Ron, but I'm keeping this one 😛

[@OceanLife6977]

Man, been subscribed to your channel for quite some time now, and do to my negligence I have failed to follow your channel and learn from it. But it's never too late! Just in time to start my (yet to decide) 40 or 55 gallons saltwater aquarium. So I won't miss another episode brother! Great video!

[@ReeferGil]

Thank you very much, grab some popcorn and a pop. Time to do a ReeferGil marathon, lol.

[@OceanLife6977]

ReeferGil You are on to something! Lol! You better believe it. Thanks again.

[@ReeferGil]

No... thank you!

[@AmericanReefing]

Looks awesome man love the scape it looks very natural I see a few nice places for a clam or 2 😉

[@ReeferGil]

Lets shoot for two clams 😛

[@briansfishtanks]

It looks good. It's what you like that matters. That being said, if you are looking for suggestions, I'd say add some sort of peak to the right rock. Giving it a little more height will make it look even better IMO. Either way, whats important is what you like.

[@ReeferGil]

Yup Yup, I'm taking that one and running with it. Going to add some height to that larger island. Really appreciate the advice sir! Thanks Brian!

[@gregoryrunningelk865]

Looks good!

[@chrismoniz5898]

love the bild looking good😎

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks Chris!

[@serenabowman2214]

You will get alot of die off with them rocks now, but I love the scape buddy 👌 looking good man

[@marineone2010]

looking good! This is something that I wish I took more time on.

[@ReeferGil]

Oh man, I think we are all in that boat. I was getting very frustrated at first.

[@marineone2010]

Looking good i have been keeping up on your build. I decided for now to stay keep my tank until i move later this year. Just didn't have the heart to give it up.

[@ReeferGil]

A true reefer! It's way too hard to tear down a system unless you're building a new one right away.

[@Abreezeducttesting]

It looks good, Do the gyres have to face each other or you can you put one on the back wall and leave one were it's at. I'm thinking they can blow down the back wall which would allow you to get the rocks a little bit closer to The back wall. more space in the front would appear a little bit deeper. Have been painting my house Sense Sunday .1st time to watch the video.

[@alancunningham5120]

looking good mate..

[@ReeferGil]

Appreciate that Alan!

[@TheReeferCuz]

Awesome scape!

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks Luis!

[@tsurro8086]

Looks awesome, just like mine! I had that sand in my last tank and blew all over the place, I removed it, new tank I used Hawaiian black sand, scratched the heck out of my glass got rid of it also, that’s why I suggested no sand, good luck with that!!

[@ReeferGil]

I'm still playing with the flow, but my sand is getting blown around. Bare spots after a few days. I think I'm figuring it all out though. Thanks Surro!

[@SCReefer]

The Aquascape looks awesome! A lot of flat surface for corals. I should of did something like that instead of 3 islands.

[@ReeferGil]

Three islands looks awesome, It seems to have less surface for corals, but it can also just be an illusion without actually measuring. Three islands give more room for fish too.

[@Jonyace]

I like how it turned out. Should have plenty of surfaces for coral.

[@ReeferGil]

Yeah, should look nice when its all grown out... in 3 years, lol.

[@natalbreefing5934]

The only thing I could think would be, when placing the larger base rocks down, try push them deep into the sand to prevent things from being able to burrow under them and cause an “avalanche”. It’s unlikely I guess but prevention is better than cure. 👍🏾👍🏾

[@ReeferGil]

All over that one Natal, did exactly that. Thanks for watching and posting sir!

[@natalbreefing5934]

ReeferGil thanks for documenting this so clearly. Your patience is unbelievable. 👍🏾👍🏾

[@ScottM]

Great video Gil and the scape looks awesome. I have found that this part of building a new tank is the one I love and hate the most because as rewarding as it is in the end it is the most frustrating at times. I do love the island look with the valley in the middle. My 2 recommendations is maybe bring it a little higher and I have found utilizing shelf rocks gives a great spot to put corals on and gives areas to place corals that don't like a lot of light. That's just a tip not a critique though. I am looking forward to seeing water in the tank. All the best.

[@ReeferGil]

Hey Scott, so higher as in putting down an overhanging shelve piece?

[@ScottM]

ReeferGil no just a little more height so you have somewhere to put high light corals if you get them and the shelf anywhere so you can shade lower light coral.

[@ReeferGil]

There are a couple of areas that will be shadowed over time with some tabling corals. I'm going to add some height to one of the two islands though, I really like that idea!

[@ScottM]

ReeferGil cool can't wait to see it.

[@eddieray8240]

The problem with sand under the rock. Is the water or critters can dig under the rocks and cause the structures to move and become unstable. Maybe okay with a very thin layer of sand. But with any real thickness to the sand you could have issues.

[@UTUBESTEVED]

Looks great love your videos but if I may give you my two cents on the scape it’s advisable to keep your bottom base rocks touching the bottom to a minimum for this reason is to avoid detritus build up you want to have them up and keep as much water flow ha possible underneath try not to create a large stack of rocks together creating what seems to be a island instead try to raise the structure of the floor with 2-3 base rocks and try to create swim thru for the fish good look

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks for sharing Steve!

[@meiersreefs188]

Scape Looks Really good man, The only thing I might try to Add is some Tonga Branch under the rock to lift it off the sand bed a little for less surface area touching the sand bed and helping with removal of Detritus so it doesn't settle under the Rocks. Just a thought. All in All though it looks really good.

[@jeremyriforgiate]

Meier'sReefs i agree. You might get a lot of detritus build up under the structure. Also, if a little critter digs at the sand under the structure, it could send everything toppling down

[@ReeferGil]

Lots of great ideas on how to scape a tank, these suggestions will serve anyone researching this well.

[@ReeferGil]

I really doubt this is going to topple down, I built it with a foundation that would aw you. 😃

[@meiersreefs188]

Ya I agree plus using the Cement will hold it as well. I wouldn't worry about it falling over

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks Meier', the foundation is really sturdy. A few grains of sand shifting isn't going to hurt.

[@The_reel_archer]

Looks great! I would like to see how that reef welder looks on your rocks!

[@ReeferGil]

You'll probably get some shots of it on the next one. It's not pretty against bleached white rock.

[@Grantdaryn]

Looks good, the island on the right looks like it has a lot of rocks and could be a problem down the road looks good tho

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks Grant!

[@justforkiks29]

Love the videos! Great build series. But imo substrate under the rock is bad for two reasons. One if the sand erodes under the rock (Fiji pink is pretty fine and flows easily in moderate flow. My flow will move reef grade caribsea if I'm not careful) there is a potential for rock shifting and rock slides, yours maybe not so much since you bonded your rocks but others might not. And second the nitrate trap it will eventually create will pop up at a later date due to no access to substrate for cleaning.

[@ReeferGil]

I think you'd get detritus in any crevasse it can fit into where there isn't much flow. Hopeful the dual gyre pumps can prevent some of this. The rocks I used for the foundation are pretty big and have a good footing deep into the sandbed, so HOPEFULLY no shifting issues. Time will tell. Thanks for sharing and taking the time to post!

[@captivebredcanada]

I think it looks good, but as you mentioned in 2-3 years it will be completely covered in coral. In general we worry too much about aquascaping. Most situations end up like yours where you end up adjusting 5 times or more before settling on one. The one constructive criticism comment I have is both your islands are very similar in height. I'm not sure if this is by design or not? Personally I prefer different heights. I'm not suggesting any major adjustments especially if you're happy. You could just plan your coral placement to get different height levels in the tank.

[@ReeferGil]

Okay, I had similar suggestions, but none said why. I totally see your point now. Not sure if the other suggestions of raising the structure were for your reasons, but I like your idea. Might have to consider it. Thank you for the great input!

[@captivebredcanada]

Yeah if you put 2 different acros on both sides and they become huge colonies at the same time, or 4 or however many they are all going to end up roughly the same height. If your islands are different heights then the corals will be different heights and your eyes will wander more in the tank and it will look less uniform. If they start at different heights when they grow in it will look nicer. It's good to have a plan, it's great to have a long term plan but in the end you end up making adjustments over the years and you could do something as simple as have tabling stuff on one side and on the other side have stuff that grows up more. There are some really long decades old threads on reefcentral / reef2reef about aquascaping, rules of 3rd ect. There's a lot of good reading in them but unfortunately ever since photobucket went pay a lot of the old pics no longer work.

[@ReeferGil]

Excellent! I'm going to add a bit of height to one of the structures. I read about the art of dividing the scape into 3rds, just got a bit over the top for me, lol. I didn't want to feel overwhelmed with all these techniques. But the height definitely makes a lot of sense, thanks man!

[@demonslayer8085]

How much sand would I need for a 220gallon tank with a 1-2” bed? Thinking of using pool filtration sand to cut down on costs. Good or bad idea?

[@matthewgordon904]

You can definitely drill reef saver you just need a hammer drill and whatever size sds masonry bit for the hole size you want

[@ReeferGil]

I don't doubt it, I just don't have a hammer drill or masonry bits. Went to plan B instead. Great for those reading the comments to see your suggestion!

[@bronxreeferbrock1750]

Love the scape! The only minor thing i would do is make it about an inch taller.

[@ReeferGil]

The radions should be able to pierce the water depth and cover the corals with some good PAR. Time will tell.

[@atmoz_]

I'm late, since this video is 2 years old. How I'm going to do this (tip by my coral shop) buy a plexiglas on the bottom. You then don't need to worry about scratches or that when it falls it damages the floor.

[@ReeferGil]

Yes, that's a great idea, one I wish I adopted. I post daily on Instagram if you're interested.

[@lamiafamilgia1416]

i heard coralline will not grow on that bonding product and it loosens up eventually?

[@ReeferGil]

I think you're right about it not growing on it. Haven't seen it loosen up yet.

[@luismdeulofeu5771]

Hey your complete build so far it's completely bogus JK ITS FUCKEN amazing keep up the amazing work can't wait to see it fall with corals & fish!! What kind of fish are you planning to go with?

[@ReeferGil]

Haha, thanks Luis. I have a video on my fish wish selection coming out soon.

[@page29r]

I would have just as big of an issue with design selection. Looks great though!

[@ReeferGil]

Haha, like I said, corals will cover it all up in a couple of years.

[@WellDoneBurger]

You have enough sand it shouldnt matter but you want to put the base rock on the glass so that it is stable in case of a shift in the sand. ie goby or wavemakers too strong. not use the sand as a stability method. otherwise looks nice and always like your videos

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks man, great point.

[@BALD8BIL]

Hi man I hope everything is going well with you I have not seen a video in a while

[@ReeferGil]

Thank you very much for checking in man. Yes, I'm still at it. I really need to create an update video at minimal. I am posting everyday on Instagram if you happen to have an account "ReeferGil"

[@BALD8BIL]

@@ReeferGil I don't have Instagram account but I'm on Facebook

[@BALD8BIL]

@@ReeferGil also I'm working on my new 90 gallon aquarium and I like to recheck videos that I save to help me out this build will be a lot better than my old 55 gallon setup

[@beckydigiovanna3314]

👌

[@yoooofufuuu]

👍🍻

[@PRIMEAquarismo]

Like

[@Hartwig870]

Yeah don't place sand first, rock first always. Silicon a thin sheet of ABS plastic to the bottom if you're concerned about the glass, like 1mm. Sure 95% of the time nothing happens, but its not worth the risk for virtually 0 benefit.

[@ReeferGil]

👍

[@aliceholbert1246]

Why did you cure rock, only to take it our of water. That is a big no no.

[@ReeferGil]

LOL, what are you speaking to? What's a big no, no? This system was extremely successful.