Can You Build a Habitat Based Aquascape Like This One? - How To HNSA Saltwater and Reef Aquariums

[@shabbir78]

This is exactly the kind of video we need, proper in-depth and a complete guide on how to do things in the best possible way....more videos like this. please.

[@theishkid]

Anyone else wanting to watch him put this together piece by piece for 10 hours?

[@ZebPalmer]

100% would watch. unscripted, little talking, just live stream it.

[@DFAChris]

Absolutely hahaha

[@codyblade7872]

Yeap watched almost the whole thing thus far

[@lisafoster4468]

You kidding? I want to get my hands on the stuff and start my own :3

[@SJ-lc3xz]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@Yup-t6n]

The work dedication and discipline you guys have put into this video just has me blow away. You guys truly care in this hobby. Just amazing thank you.

[@mrmike4228]

Here;s a cool tip, you can use baking soda to chemically accelerate the dollar tree super glu also. It causes a chemical reaction just like the insta set, also it is formable for about that 15 seconds. Also using this method, it fills in the voids better. So basically you apply glue to both surfaces at your attach points, and sprinkle and smash in the baking soda. Careful to not get it too much on hands, the chemical reaction gets hot. I use tools for this process, tooth brush, clay molding tools from dollar tree works. Also this works on wet stone....bonds nearly instantly to nearly full strength. Also I have tried accelerator liquid, I used 4 oz water to 1/4 tsp baking soda...shake it up..and you can brush it on...maybe spray it? havent tried...This also forks for small repairs around the house where things break off and you need to insta bond it.

[@mvhpets]

yep, i use this

[@pjshooter6]

Yup, liquid superglue dripped onto baking soda has an instant chemical reaction that is hard as concrete. Dries almost instantly AND coraline will start growing on the soda glue first.

[@Txjape70]

Truly one of the most helpful BRS TV videos I’ve seen. Thanks so much for the education!

[@TheRobTuber]

This might be one of the best videos in the hobby in the last 5 years. this style aquascape could make us all more successful reefers

[@patrickcarpenter6258]

What a fantastic video. These are the types of videos that I want.

[@iratoemer9426]

GREAT vid. Also, your style of speech in this one is MILES better than your previous videos (like 52 weeks of reefing) in which you're speaking loud and a mile a minute. GREAT improvement. Thanks.

[@joeyalonso9798]

Would totally be down for an extended video of the complete process!

[@gabrielrinkes7698]

I am very thankful for Ryan and Randy creating videos about Aquascaping. I’ll try and upload the video of what I’m working on for my 55 gallon tank from Petco. This is my first tank that I’m working on for reefing. Beginner Reefer.

[@giannisquillace9068]

This is easily the finest quality content I've seen on here in a long while. Congrats!

[@wittleMermaid13]

This is incredible. The details, education, step-by-step, show of materials needed. So helpful for a newbie. My initial thought was I would just stack and maybe epoxy some reef rock together. Now I've gained a whole new appreciation for the sheer amount of thought and work that is put into this. The foresight for constructing for habitat and flow. And that structure looks amazing can I buy it as is??? Science and Art!

[@mayaboone5756]

I'm literally DROOLING. So excited to do this for my own 180 gallon that I'm planning to build!

[@georgecook1374]

Best vid I have seen seen on building a tank. most forget about this section of the hobby and just focus on the assembly of the talk filters and such. my last tank i just tossed the mountain rock in never thinking of doing something like this. Thank you for the inspiration. with that said people If you have kids get them to have fun and build a section. As I can't think of a better bonding fun thing to do with them plus makes them feel part of the hobby. also they get to use their creative parts. I have done this with plant flower beds and 5 years later they remember that they picked and plants the plants. :D Looking forward to doing this on my new tank.

[@TheHerm14]

Nice to see a somewhat of a sneak peak of what you may be putting in your future tank build..Great aquascape...

[@Saltydog547]

Thanks for taking the time to do this long video. Really detail and good explanation

[@mirandagerson6897]

This was SO helpful! Am now much better educated on how to build a fish friendly aquascape. Thanks for sharing all your knowledge and expertise:)

[@deanfielding4411]

I’ve done this after following your videos last year. My tank is approaching 1 year old. It’s been overall an amazing success. I should really add a video of it for you guys to see. I used dry rock, bare bottom, NSA design with AI prime lights and a Triton Method built sump and fuge with AI Fuge light. I’ve got sps corals, Anacropora, Setosa, Montipora, Duncan’s, Zoas, GSP etc. I also added some ‘shelves’ stuck on the sides of the tank which are really effective too. Thanks guys!

[@Danzig1387]

Wish you would upload a video of that! Sounds really cool.

[@markherrmann5592]

Great scape Ryan. I always find that habitat based scapes are great for fish and corals, offering the best of all scape types. I have worked mostly with real coral rock accumulated over the years from ex research, some purchased and from tank shut downs for a similar effect. I never use flat base rock though. I use normal pieces to form the base. I balance them by making small feet with epoxy putty to get the base pieces level and secure. This allows sand under the base rock forming extra habitat for gobbies, wrasses and burrowing invertebrates. It also allows me to adjust the base angle precisely by adjusting the foot height and means there is less buried rock. I also use a ceramic disc in a 5 inch angle grider to remove high spots on the base or improve the surface contact in difficult joins. Easy and precise trimming and discs are cheap if you already have a grinder.

[@PalmettoCoralCo.]

What a fantastic and educational video. Would love to see the 8 hour build!

[@nim6us]

So much great information in this video! Thank you for putting in the time and then sharing. 👍

[@estrangeibanez3051]

I'm excited to build my very first reef. Just received my dry rocks today. Thanks BRS they looked great. I'm surprised they're not in pieces 😂. I feel bad for my discus tank. Gonna have to donate'em back to my local supplier.

[@darrenthefish8976]

Amazing video really appreciated the detail and time taken to explain your thinking!! Thank you 👍

[@nathangiffin5421]

Now that’s a well done video! Appreciate the informative tips like using a rock to stamp the seams as well as using the rock dust to cover the epoxy and glue. Great editing on this video as it flowed with set up and direction to materials and amount of materials needed. Informative from start to finish. Great video Ryan and BRS team.

[@6.0Mike]

Amazing information and very inspirational !!!! Thank you for taking the time to show us this concept.

[@deanpollmann1579]

Outstanding and relaxing to watch. 🐠

[@frankieg3933]

Thank you so much for this video! My first saltwater tank and super excited to get going on this!

[@liviumac222]

Excelent video guys. I also tried something like this on my last tank, i.e. used shelves instead of boulders. But your result is at another level. Will definitely give this a try on my next build.

[@steph8227]

So nice! Good job, very creative and finally 3 wonderful pieces for aquascape!

[@c3dpo]

Awesome work and video showing it!!! Tip for smaller tanked reefers like myself: Use tiers and spirals from back to front. this way you get different light zones for different corals, and if spiraled correctly, little shading as higher rocks are at back, lower at front. i have 4 tiers 👌

[@KelzCasa]

Man, this is very inspiring for my first reef setup. I think the only thing I would add is an arch or two across the three pieces, only glued on one side, and resting on the other.

[@matthewbrstv38]

This was masterful...

[@MikeLemming]

Wow. Well done guys! I should be taking a stab at this in the next couple of weeks. Wish me luck!

[@artistic_spaz3724]

I revamped my aqascape because of one your previous videos and I loved the whole process and end result. I want a larger tank just so I can do it all again! Mind you, I found it tricky because I used existing wet rock and new dry rock together.

[@ileanaAV2008]

How did you find working with the wet rock. I currently got a lot of used wet live rock and I'm wondering how this relates to that?

[@artistic_spaz3724]

@I V it was doable. It's certainly much easier with dry rock though. Just have lots glue and epoxy on hand and be patient. You may have to do smaller sections and attach them all together after they have set

[@maj301]

I have seen these in my local LSF and thought they were over priced... But after watching this and learning what goes into it and the cost the pre made ones are worth the price..

[@BRStv]

At first, it might just look like rocks, but it's really an art form 😀

[@keithstie]

Oh, contraire, I can see where you're going with this bases, and I say they look amazing!!! Makes me jealous in not putting a bigger tank together!

[@simoneottolini8289]

Nice work!!! Tanks

[@justasimpleengineer96]

Great video! Tons of info. I’d love it if you could list out all the items you used in the description.

[@paullinn1405]

Thanks for the great content!!!

[@reconnaissance7372]

When I started Reefing, I impulse bought Texas Holey Rock because it similarly had eroded tunnels and area's life could inhabit. Except it didn't require gluing is probably the biggest pro, I guess the cons of potential silicates and the way large unbroken rocks kill the flow in spots of the tank outweighs the pro's for the majority when it comes to Texas Holy Rock in reefs. I've seen it done, just not often.

[@markstover984]

Well, I found out today that you need to do this in a warm place. I was in my garage and it was only 41 degrees, that thick glue would not set worth beans even with the insta set. I’ll be moving inside for the rest of my build.

[@spseale]

The evolution is super good.

[@leslieseymour4586]

Did I miss it? Did he say how to prepare the rock for use in the tank? I'm assuming he rinsed them off thoroughly after the chiseling created dust, but before puzzling it together. I'm excited to get started. Already added stuff to my BRS shopping cart. Going to get a little at a time. @brstv How would I add to an existing system after complete? Would I need to remove all live stock? If I have rinsed boulders from the beginning, can I just remove my existing live rock and add the new build and start affixing my corals?

[@roberthicks2364]

I ordered a bunch of syringes from Amazon. I didn't bother with acetone. The syringes were so cheap it didn't matter if they needed to be thrown away. Mine was much less ambitious since my tank isn't as big, but this video was a huge help!

[@fishstuff4388]

What I absolutely love is that he is sitting on an upside down salt bucket.

[@dereks3207]

Id love to see how you guys approach a cube tank with HNSA. its a challenge for sure, and i think a lot of people (myself included) would love to see your approach.

[@BRStv]

For a cube tank, I would suggest looking at just one of these three structures. The tank this is going in is 6" long, so if you think about it, each structure could easily be a main aquascape in a 2" x 2" reef tank

[@shoja7264]

Crazy Amazing Video!!!!

[@Mattcarr3]

Just ordered 5 base pieces and 70 pounds of rock. Going to see what I can come up with for my new reefer 350. I'm excited to try something like this as I never liked the rock wall looks but being a zoa guy, I need places to mount corals that using branch rock didn't give me.

[@josephwhitt4719]

CA glue and instaset can get from any hobby shop even hobby lobby has them if this helps anyone 👍 Home Depot has it but it’s a different name used for gluing trim miters together

[@brleong990]

I wish you guys had done this two months ago before I setup my new tank

[@UnilifewithRob]

10.39 perfection 🥰

[@AgressiveBehaviors]

This was an amazing video thank you. What is the total cost of project? It would be nice if you added a link to all the products you suggested on this video or at least a list in the comments below. I'm looking to copy exactly what you did for my new Reefer S 850.

[@joncoke8208]

Great vid as a Newb to the world of marine it blows my mind your vids have helped alot, side note dude wheres my car

[@bramdesmet7675]

Thanks, now i want to redo my aquascape from 4 years ago XD

[@MJWTJM]

Amazing!

[@scottramsdell1105]

So cool!

[@jamesbroderick3660]

What’s your opinion on floating rocks in the reef tank and do you think you guys can make one for a 30 gallon long IM tank

[@AbideinChristSealed]

Look amazing

[@thatsme2557]

Love this

[@Momiggy]

After creating a NSA or HNSA aquascape with dry white marco rock, have you ever painted the rock with a purple colorant? If so do you recommend a product or have any photos videos on the matter. I bet a lot of people have this same question as many likely prefer purple rock as a finished product. Thanks!

[@BRStv]

We haven't done any experimenting with coloring the rock afterwards. In general, the rock will "color up" within 6-12 months anyway, so it's usually not necessary unless you want that purple look from day 1.

[@Momiggy]

@@BRStv if I color mine up after Ill be sure to share a pic or vid. Thanks!

[@BRStv]

People have discussed food coloring

[@andreellis1783]

since it's dry, would you do this before curing? or skipping the cure process all-together?

[@dusk1947]

Why is it: the ocean is "deep" going down on the y-axis, but my tank (which seeks to replicate the ocean) is "deep" moving horizontal on the z-axis? Shouldn't tanks be long, wide, & deep? Just thinking out loud... And I know that not just you guys. so many shops use deep in a weird way. Your aquascape really do look amazing.

[@lauraholmes9353]

Its due to how humans view things. We viewed the ocean from above so deep is down. An aquarium has glass walls and we look at it from the front, so deep is front to back. Same way a pond is deep downwards, and we don't usually have glass panels on the side of a pond.

[@ileanaAV2008]

Do you have tips for working with wet rock instead of dry? I already bought some wet rock someone had in a previous tank.

[@sunnygoold9449]

So good! #HNSA

[@RogueKomatiite]

These just look amazing. I bought a bunch of marco rock when I was preparing to set up a saltwater tank and then was gifted a 55g tank from a friend leaving the hobby. It came with a bunch of established live rock. Would there be any way to mix the rocks in any way? Even if I couldn't really incorporate the current rock, is trying to replace an existing tank's aquascape with an HNSA setup just too disruptive to the ecosystem to be worth attempting?

[@BRStv]

You're definitely going to be disrupting the tank's biological filtration if you remove any established rocks and replace with clean Marco Rock. While it can certainly be done, I would suggest doing so with caution, especially if your tank is moderately to heavily stocked with fish.

[@ileanaAV2008]

I am starting a new Marin tank and have inherited some established wet rock, no fish yet and I am currently curing my rock. Any tips for creating what you have made here?

[@codyblade7872]

Absolutely brilliant learnt alot thank you very much 🙏 please be honest is it of great concern to use these name brand marine epoxy? Whats different about it to other epoxy in its same class because I have seen and used epoxy that looks exactly like that.

[@BRStv]

Some epoxy is a bit easier to work with than others, but ultimately, any reef safe epoxy will work.

[@reeftank1234]

Many have live rock now in a reef tank with corals attached that might want to do some re-work. Any suggestions?

[@christopherk763]

I hope you dont mind, but I summarized the transcript of this fantastic video using AI: Here's a summarized bullet point guideline based on the transcription: - **HNSA Concept**: Creating a habitat for fish and corals that allows for flow and reduces disease. - **Steps to Create HNSA**: - **Step 1: Gathering the Right Tools**: Use Marco rock (1.5-2 pounds per gallon), chisel, heavy mallet, safety glasses, cardboard for collecting rock bits, flat foundation pieces of Marco rock, super glue gel, insta set, gloves, stone-gray epoxy, syringes for precise glue application, and a strainer for sand powder. - **Step 2: Building Structure**: - Focus on habitat creation while maintaining aesthetics. - Break Marco rock into irregular shapes to form structure with open space. - Aim for a blend of small and large pieces for varied habitats. - Keep SPS coral structures below 50% tank height, LPs/softy tanks up to 70%. - **Step 3: Strengthening Structure**: Reinforce with epoxy to ensure durability and mobility. The structure should be strong enough to lift out of the tank. - **Step 4: Finishing Touches**: Make the structure look seamless and natural before placing in the tank. Cover glue and epoxy with rock dust for a natural appearance. - **Additional Tips**: - Use heavy foundation pieces for stability. - Avoid creating bridges in the structure; focus on overhangs and coves. - Consider fish types when designing habitats. - Ensure flow can move around and through the structure. - Avoid parallel lines and right angles for a natural look. ### What to Avoid/Not Do: - Don't overlook safety measures like wearing gloves and safety glasses. - Avoid using only round boulders; aim for irregular shapes. - Be cautious not to overuse glue; aim for thin layers. - Avoid creating a structure that's too heavy or immobile. - Don't rush the process; take breaks for fresh perspectives. - Avoid leaving the structure unfinished; covering up the glue and epoxy is crucial for aesthetics. - Don't ignore the importance of structural integrity; ensure the structure can withstand weight and movement. - Avoid making the structure too dense; ensure proper flow and space for fish movement.

[@mrberlinmethod1492]

Instead of smashing the smaller rocks to dust why not just use them as fragplugs? Looks alot more natural and will be easier to bond (with epoxy and superglue) to the scape when they are grown out in the fragtank. Just my 2c

[@christophernunez6802]

Acrylic tank owners with two small openings on their 55g remember test fitting at frequent intervals.

[@atfinthehouse8631]

Probably going to look better in the tank than the 3D panaramic visuals.

[@gianniformica8235]

Wondering if mixing the "rock dust" with the epoxy would change the color/consistency of the epoxy so it matched the rock.? I know this can be done with wood dust, saw dust, to cover seams in furniture repair/manufacturing. This would cut out the step involving the application of the rock dust over the seams using glue.

[@davidrichard451]

love it

[@dewaynehess3314]

I like that and it’s freakin sweet. But my issue with something that big and heavy is getting it into the tank….SAFELY lol.

[@lisafoster4468]

Which glue did you guys use for the super-thin? I notice you don't sell that type...need to find it.

[@BRStv]

Here is a link to the general bonding glue. It's a water-like super glue that Ryan uses in this video. www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-general-bonding-super-glue-bulk-reef-supply.html

[@lisafoster4468]

@@BRStv Thank you!

[@georgecook1374]

Side thought it would be great to add a link to this one of how it looks today since it has been like a year :D

[@kiswanson]

Now we just need a good way to treat the aquascape to give it that purple coralline algae like appearance on day one, like the carib sea life rock. It really makes things look better initially and hides the diatoms and other less softly things of the early stages of the aquarium better than white Rock. I don't know why such a product isn't available for people making their own aquascapes from dry rock

[@JDPyrotechnics]

Or...use quality live rock and have a bunch of biodiversity and esthetics on day one

[@kiswanson]

@@JDPyrotechnics this is a video about making an aquascape from dry rock. If we were using live rock would we be watching this video?

[@Schmeggma.]

Is there a video where you talk about your thoughts on aqua scaping a nano?

[@BRStv]

We don't have a nano-specific HNSA aquascape video, but all of the same principles apply. Just keep the smaller proportions in mind while creating your scape.

[@erickbostrom4049]

can I break apart existing live rock boulders for the same effect?

[@maxmorter503]

What about with somebody's wet good live rock can I make some small ones with it and keep it somewhat moist to do similar to your small ones place them around to promote good bacterial growth. I'm about to start my 1st and I'm going with a 180 once I check my floor in my open closet from under amd see what way it's running for homes structural and add supports if I need to strengthen joints (what I assume I'll have to do but I'm a carpenter and a hillbilly and enjoy it) I found a 180 with stand (houses a couple Oscar's I'll get a 75 for in a different room) I'm gonna move to colorful friendly reef tank I'd love some coral videos on knowing what corals are what as i cant find one to explain the types amd uses for each and such. Also just a basic video on just making an active colorful mixed tank I scuba dive amd have some fish bio schooling geared toward salmon hatchery stuff so I can understand a lot but it's hard to find a single good source or 2 of info

[@sayurasem]

I’m planning on doing bare bottom tank. Do I need to place anything under foundation rocks to protect the glass?

[@AJ-bi6ns]

Negative, perfectly flat and stable. Have had rock directly on glass for years no issue

[@BRStv]

Directly on the glass is usually best 😀

[@aquaticnstuff7666]

They're almost identical Ryan... haha

[@edmontonsmainman]

Has anyone tried this with caribsea south sea base rock? I’m in Canada and marcorock is not as readily available

[@gearbudget]

You mentioned you had done this for an 18” scape already. Is there any video of this?

[@BRStv]

Ryan posted some of those videos on his Facebook page a while back. Here is a link if you wanted to check it out! facebook.com/watch/112921157119384/2686698131617589

[@Wubblr]

I’d like to make ones of these and take all my rock out of my 38g barebottom and swap for this structure. Tank is 4 months old, have some large corals from past tanks in it and 3 fish. Any issues with swapping a full aquascape on a tank already up and running ?

[@BRStv]

You're definitely going to be disturbing the tank from an ammonia processing stand point. If you decide to completely swap aquascapes, definitely add in some bottled bacteria like Dr. Tim's one and only or Microbacter 7 to help with that. Also keep some freshly made saltwater on hand just in case the ammonia builds up and you need to do a water change.

[@Wubblr]

@@BRStv with ceramic media in the back of the AIO, should be okay though, right?

[@bmw3842]

I have a acrylic aquarium with a 7' wide opening /So suggestions and a 55 gallon. Also no coral ,just fish.

[@tartarqueen]

How much did the super glue, accelerator, and epoxy cost for a project like this?

[@kallunsheppard2378]

Can you use this method with Live Rock? Or would you want to add that later?

[@BRStv]

Live rock is tough because it takes time to build these structures. Drying live rock out means that the "live" part of the rock becomes dead and defeats the purpose of live rock. That's not to say it couldn't be done. Just messier as you have to keep the rock wet as you work.

[@kallunsheppard2378]

@@BRStv So probably make the habitat out of Dry rock and put live rock in your sump or something would be easier

[@ileanaAV2008]

​@@BRStv do you have any tips for wet live rock? Other than the mess is there anything else we should keep in mind, like different adhesives?

[@reeftank1234]

The amount of rock and the shape on the floor will block flow and trap detritus. We try to get the rock "off" the floor to the extent practical and possible.

[@imghaniff]

Why is the Marco cement not being used?

[@BRStv]

Mainly personal preference. Ryan found that he liked to work with epoxy more. That said, the epoxy method is more expensive, so if budget is a primary concern, the E-Marco cement is still a great choice!

[@JCSReefing]

This is amazing but dang. That is costly even before the rock. 250$ or so on epoxy alone. lol Great video and amazing scape though.

[@BRStv]

Mortar iis a cheaper option for sure.

[@justinstevens3656]

If you're going to stock and maintain a 170G display tank, $250 on epoxy is going to be the least of your problems!

[@ronniekregar3482]

@@justinstevens3656 lol, I was just about to say the same thing.

[@gonefishing5536]

I got a question about this, wouldn't the coral cover and make the habitat spot your trying to make? So nsa scapes would end up being hnsa in the end.

[@BRStv]

Possible but that is a Multiple year journey in many cases. Depends on when you want the fish.

[@Manty29]

Can we get the list for all glue we need ?

[@Yellowzebera]

Is all this rock marco rock? What's the name of all the other rock u used to build up the structure. Thanks

[@BRStv]

Yep! A few foundation pieces, then the rest the standard Reef Saver rock. You can find all of these at the link below. www.bulkreefsupply.com/brands/marco-rocks.html

[@AlexGhostDragonUK]

Surely you can push small pieces of rock into the epoxy to help hide and strengthen it too

[@ILLTEMPEREDRECORDZ]

Idk if I will get a response but I am willing to try. I am getting ready to build a new lagoon tank. It's 4ft by 2ft and only 9inches deep. The thing is I wanna do a nsa scape like a interlocking tunnel system but the kicker is I want the rock to come out of the water in the center with a waterfall going back into the tank. I am looking for ideas and tips

[@BRStv]

I can't say that we've done anything quite like that before, but the good news is that this technique works for rock that'll be submerged or exposed to air. 9 inches tall is a really shallow tank, especially if you'll be adding sand, so try to keep the submerged rock work as low as possible if you are planning to add corals. You can't rush art, so take your time and work small sections at a time. I'm sure it'll come out looking great!

[@shadbonen]

You need some pvc built. In so blenny as well as others can find a food home

[@michaelbaldwin3356]

I prefer the HPSA

[@marcustharonjim814]

Find the guy that uses the thin glue and coral powder to bind the rocks

[@beingnicole3410]

Love, love, love this aquascape creation! I just have 1 question and that is, is it instantly aquarium ready or does it need to be cycled separately and for how long? Keeping in mind that my rocks are already cycled & only taken out of water for a couple of hours for permanent positioning & the addition of epoxy coverage trick I just learned from you.

[@BRStv]

It depends on the rock. If the rock was previously used in an aquarium or ocean, then you'll need to cure the rock structure before adding livestock. The rock Ryan used in this video is dry mined rock, so we won't need to cure this particular structure.