Week 11: Simple Ways to Create the Perfect Aquascape. | 52 Weeks of Reefing

This week we're working on creating the most visually appealing aquascape for our #BRS160. We have a few tips for coming up with the best lay out, ensuring you have a sturdy 'scape, as well as some ideas for customizing your rock.
In this episode you will learn:
- How to use the rule of thirds in your tank
- Which types of rock are good for drilling / customizing
- What epoxies we like best
Legal Stuff
The purpose and content of this video is to provide general information regarding the products and their applications as presented in the video. Aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents disclaim all express or implied warranties, in any way, related to the products and their application as presented in this video, make no representation or warranty regarding the products and the application as presented in this video and shall not be liable for any direct or indirect losses or damages of any type, including but not limited to punitive damages, or from personal injury or death resulting from or in any manner related to the video, and the products in and contents of the video. The viewer expressly agrees that aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents shall not be liable for any damages or losses related to the products in and content of the video and hereby agrees to hold the foregoing harmless from any such losses or damages.

[@WeThePeople408]

Great tips and well thought out presentation. Thanks for enlightening the reefing community with these instructional vids; I like how it's education centric without pushing products on us. I'll stay tuned! Well done!

[@beanzchump2655]

hey

[@romainfavier5414]

Ryan I love this series, every Friday I cant wait to get home and watch them. Keep up the great work!

[@briansfishtanks]

The scape turned out nice. Good work!

[@zacjordan1845]

Looking forward to the next 41 weeks! Thanks for all the valuable information in the past years. It's been a tremendous help!!

[@danschargers211]

Love that 2 island look in tanks good job!

[@reedcardon6663]

I like how that rock looks. The way you arranged it looks really natural.

[@rtardbox]

another brilliant video... just awesome!

[@jrturtle-xf2lp]

i've got a real challenge ahead of me. my tank's gonna be viewed from three different sides. and i want it to look good from all three!

[@sibm8791]

Great Video as always. Literally I can't wait for Week 12. Many thanks to Team BRS

[@petrolover]

Wow - that rock looks great in the tank. Will use this on my next build for sure. Very impressed

[@DoubleA815]

I can already tell this tank is going to be awesome!!! Can't wait for next weeks video

[@muckcityog8985]

as always, very informative. THANKS GUYS!

[@marcdaniel1]

Loving these videos! So nice to find such comprehensive info. Really helping me with my tank build. Thanks

[@juntistik]

Quality video, I wish we had someone like this for planted tanks...

[@divinegod4281]

BRS you guys are awesome. Very helpful.

[@TheMass33]

Fish and Reptiles is all I need. Great video. You guys make this easy to follow. Thumbs up

[@grantv2313]

This is still a fantastic video. Great info. Looking to get back in and appreciate the tips. I love these rock options.

[@deepblue5939]

Really nice love the rock choice.

[@pjfreak99]

Thanks again. Love these! In looking at the scape you chose, I can't help but think how awesome it would be to create a narrow ridge connecting the two main islands....

[@menkalos]

Wow. Another video that I wish I had seen 6 months ago when I started up my tank. Thanks again for great information. If/when I ever tear down the current aquascape and replace, this will be my goto source for getting it started right.

[@menkalos]

+BulkReefSupplyCom How do you do that with an established aquarium? I envision getting the rock laid out on the floor outside of the aquarium, doing all the drilling and rough assembly there, then putting it in a 55 gallon trash barrel with saltwater, heater, and bacteria starter chems for a couple months. Then taking the old rock out, after dislodging all the coral from it, putting in the new rock as designed, and then moving the corals onto their new home. Is that about the way of it? Any better way to do it?

[@TraveLingoWorldwide]

great job guys!!! love your videos!

[@williamjhitchcock]

Great video!

[@Kanetoad007]

Good video and great scape. I'm just at this point with my first marine tank. This helps a lot! 👍

[@DevI-vl7gp]

You don't need to get gel. You can use regular superglue and use it to soak cotton balls to make really stable joints with a ton of surface area adhesion. Glue crushed stone to hide any obvious connections.

[@Sysgen]

I am really enjoying this series. I am looking at getting back into saltwater aquariums after being away for 20+ years. Wow, have things changed! I had thought of going FOLR but watching these videos I am starting to think perhaps a reef tank is doable. Thanks for putting the time into making these videos! I am looking forward to finishing this series.

[@mjscrubs9506]

Nice.. Made mine with the pointers you gave..

[@TheGentlemanDragon]

I love this channel thanks for all the helpful videos, just set up my 1st 12 gallon reef tank :D

[@TheGentlemanDragon]

hopefully will upload some pics or video once ive got my 1st fish :) p.s. would you recommend the red fire shrimp for a nano reef?

[@frankmedrano35]

Thanks for asking Ryan, I'm new on this hobby and it's not easy. My tank is 5 month old and Is 180 gallon over a 30 Gallon sump, 300 pound of live rocks half and half ( dry and wet), 240 pound of live sand, DC700 skimmer, carbon reactor and GFO reactor. Four medium size fish, 10 different corrals that still alive but very weak. Food only feed them once a day, sometime spectrum Thera + pellets, or flake, brine shrimp and LRS Reef Frnzy.. For the corrals I have carbohydrate, vitamin(twice a week), marine snow or green/brown phytoplankton or Reef-Rouds Polyp Lap. I appreciate your help. Best regards

[@PRIMEAquarismo]

Obrigado pelos vídeos!

[@aaronthoj2000]

MasterEmaco Acryl A660 and MasterEmaco T1060 Cement Mortar are the best blend for bonding live rocks of any sorts. Will not affect your parameters etc. Great products from MasterEmaco!

[@christophshultz6316]

Love that you steer people away from the wall design, the fact that the look is a bit boring its also not acceptable for fish IMO. They will live longer happier lives with different focal points, caves and holes. Wall design usually leads to fights, territorial issues and the fish want constant feeding since thats all they have to look forward too.

[@pobladofranciscopaz271]

Love your videos, i hope to get a reef tank soon, you are getting me into the hobby, but still need to save some more, hope you get combo kits with larger tanks as you have with the 20 gallon nuvo fusion

[@pobladofranciscopaz271]

+BulkReefSupplyCom hope you do at least do up to 50 gallons, i think it would bring new reefers, thanks and have a nice day.

[@LordBonesaw]

Maybe 6 years old but just use a canister filter

[@swank1975]

Safety glasses when shaping rock

[@jenniferahough4983]

Cable ties are what I used to secure rocks together. Put the seals to back and no-one ever sees it. Easier to cut and move rocks if needed in the future.

[@xyzautocouk]

I would love it if you guys did a video podcast! - please please please!!!

[@shadyderbas]

Awesome vid guys i wish we had BRS is australia.

[@glorialove4883]

+BulkReefSupplyCo

[@Hasans01]

Very informative. I wish you had shown some other examples with the same rocks. Nevertheless, anxiously waiting to see how guys progress with this tank. 👍

[@LordBonesaw]

Don’t think you understand what anxious means if you were waiting anxiously for a fish video…..

[@cbrphx600]

This series is awesome. I wish I could binge watch it but alas I have to wait till next week for the sand haha. Thank you very much Ryan for these videos. Is their an approximate time that we can expect the vertex testing equipment videos?

[@gruetoo1]

I know I am here a bit late..... One thing I love to do to add stability is to make landscape on something flat. MarinePure Ceramic Biomedia Plate is a perfect Base for all your aquascaping Ideals. I make a template outside the tank. then arrange until it looks right to me. Then attach bottom rocks to the MarinePure Ceramic Biomedia Plate. Not all people have that very nice barrier you have in your tanks. And using a flat rock you have less to worry about landslides. The edges can be sanded or chiseled for a more natural look. Anyway great Videos.

[@jnava121]

the marine pure is very brittle and will chip off if moved around alot or hit with live rock

[@gruetoo1]

Isn't that part of the point? Once you have your rocks the way you wish You glue into place and it doesn't move again. Yet allows for some (Not a great amount) Of water to flow under your display. Yes, the porous nature of the substrate is a bit soft and easily damaged if not careful. This also is what makes it a great base for your display. Before finding this I used the light diffuser to lift the rock off the glass base. So this was a major upgrade for me. Just my 1.76 Cents.

[@jnava121]

Michael M i wouldnt put live rock on it the weight alone it would crack in half but whatever you like . i have the 4 inch and 2 smaller ones. the spheres are harder though

[@jnava121]

BulkReefSupplyCom i like the gravel with the other media in your hydroponic frag tank though i may use some of that

[@gruetoo1]

Yes, there can and will be cracking and chipping of the block. The edges I taper so that it is hidden by the sand base. I see this as added area for bacteria to grow. Areas that crack I just glue back together. This under the rock work does become a low oxygen low flow area. As with all things in this hobby we have our own ideals. One thing I did notice when I moved my tank is that the bacteria under this area and on the glass was very dark in color. After a few days all levels were back to normal No Ni NO AM. I know in future all my tanks will receive Marine Pure on the glass with sand covering it. Can you have too much rockworks?

[@fadifanous]

Good vid, I personally didn't like the rock work on the left though

[@chrisd925]

Can I two part epoxy or super glue smaller rocks right to the glass, not just the bottom for stability but maybe smaller pieces of rock on the sides and back?

[@chrisd4650]

BulkReefSupplyCom ok I’m going to try it while dry, have a shipment coming from you today :) .... to the tank bottom for stability and just small pieces to the side for corals later maybe.... thanks for response

[@TheUntamedrose]

Question, what size and type of drill bit do I need? wanting to try the rod method with a fiberglass marker rods.

[@AJ-yv6dt]

for making the structure of the Rocks do you do that before you cure it or after? also can you mix different types of rocks together or she just stick with one type?

[@eve7568]

Does anybody know where I can find those purple rocks for my cichlid tank?

[@ozielcantu4333]

Do you recommend setting up the rock before throwing in the sand and water or sand first then the rock

[@ozzyheather9242]

In a 2 foot deep tank, using Kessil A360W lights, how close could I place my rocks to the surface? I am planning on a mixed reef where coral is the main thing not fish. Thanks very much.

[@auroralampron3534]

Yay, Im part of ten percent XD

[@auroralampron3534]

XD

[@brandonezdoofenshmirtz2916]

Thats pretty sad

[@jacksonaraujo9835]

muito bom

[@leongorani5121]

Can you use that brs extra thick Jurassic gel alone to bond two pieces of rock together? Would you need to use a putty with that gel too or is that not needed?

[@FFKiwi1]

wow what do you have in there for lighting?

[@frankmedrano35]

Hi Ryan, I love your video but not sure if is a little late for me to fix my tank. I have 180 tank not sure what happen with it because dark algae are all away in my rocks and my skimmer smell to bag. all component seem to be okay except the ammonia that is Little high (0.7)

[@frankmedrano35]

How often should I do the maintenance and what percent ? Regards

[@karennation3580]

How would I aquascape large pieces of live rock? I have some cool caribe sea life rock that is live so I know I cant let it dry so I will have to do it in the tank. Will that color putty work or superglue?

[@dakkas1235]

Quick question: When aquascaping the rock did you leave any space behind the structure? Does it matter if the rock is positioned on the back tank wall instead of centered? Will it cause higher nutrients since there is less water flow.

[@beej1254]

Just curious how much that piece of Pukani on the table weighs vs the couple reef saver on the table.

[@aaronr336]

would 5 pieces of pukani be enough for a 10 gallon tank?

[@Rimetea]

Did you use live rock?

[@wazzawar19]

can I ask what kind of rod and where can I get them and can I use without glue when I put the rod in

[@cplcouture]

You had to remove the water for the aquascaping? Was the tank cycling?

[@koddy887]

Ryan, is BRS glue appropriated for aquascaping, you know, bigger pieces of rock beside just coral plugs?? Just one year ago I bought the Aqua Forest PolyGlue when I started my reef aquarium and now the rock art is literally breaking down. Now since I'm upgrading to a bigger tank I wanna do the art work perfectly. By other hand, how much PaleoBond Jurassic glue would I need for aquascaping 35 pounds or rock??

[@greggiob]

Dos it work with Sanzibar rocks?

[@georgearias7336]

Ryan, is it possible to water boil or bake 10 pounds of Pukani rock for getting rid of all the organic matter??

[@mattyfresh9214]

Can I use the same silicone I sealed my overflow with on the Rock aqua scape?

[@BRStv]

Unfotunately, silicone doesn't work well for bonding rocks together. We'd suggest an epoxy or superglue depending on the scape you're trying to achieve. If you're using super glue, we highly recommend picking up some of the instaset so that you don't have to wait for any try time.

[@reefingmedic7537]

This is probably a stupid question, but do you design the aquascape and pre drill and then cure or cure and then design it? Or with dry rock does it really not matter all that much?

[@2005RavenR6]

Hey guys I see this is an old video but I see you still answer comments here, I'm working on my first fowlr tank, finally got to the part of putting rock in, building an aquascape and putting in water.. my question is I've used 3 sticks of aquastick epoxy, and the smell is still really strong in the water 3 days later? I've put off cycling the tank untill the smell subsides, is it normal for it to smell for a few days?

[@BRStv]

Some two part epoxy does have a little bit of a pungent smell. If it gives you piece of mind, you could certainly do a water change to try to remove some of the smell. That said, the epoxy is reef safe and won't have a negative impact on your livestock. Just keep an eye on your skimmer if you're running one as some epoxy brands can make it overflow for the first couple of days.

[@emadhassan5298]

جميل

[@CreepyMonkeyHeadGame]

does the (BRS Reef Saver Aquarium Dry Live Rock)be shipped to Canada?

[@CreepyMonkeyHeadGame]

okay thanks because I was looking at the pukani Rock but then I saw it didn't ship to Canada my second choice was the Reef Saver rock how much should I get for a 65 gallon aquarium? also planning to get the trigger systems Emerald 34 sump :)

[@jamesc.5173]

I'm brand new to the saltwater world and really want to begin work on a reef tank. I have kept up and maintenance with a 90 gallon freshwater cichlid tank for about 6 years and it has done really well so I am not a complete beginner to the aquarium world. my question is, for someone like myself would you recommend a smaller tank or a larger one? I feel like a smaller tank would be easier... but my ultimate goal for now is to have about a 5 to 6 hundred gallon reef tank (bigger is always better as they say lol). but should I get a smaller one and work up to that big of a tank?

[@jamesc.5173]

Are you saying to use the 40 as a sump for my 90 gallon? Or just use the 40 gallon as the tank?

[@jamesc.5173]

+BulkReefSupplyCom alright. Thanks for your feedback! I really appreciate it!

[@bruceduco3630]

Is the Reef Rock 2.1 discontinued? If so, what would be a good comparable dry rock that comes in the purple color?

[@BRStv]

It is indeed discontinued. One of our favorites as of late is the Real Reef rock. It's got a very natural purple color, so your tank doesn't look as "new" when you first set it up. We've been using it in many tanks around the BRS office and it's a great choice.

[@gabesreef]

👍

[@ThePyrotechnic23]

Where can I buy dry pukani? I cant seem to find it online

[@saml8119]

I’ve read many mixed feelings on using fiberglass in the tank. Some people say it leaches toxins into the water. I’m assuming you guys have had no issues so far though?

[@tizbrin]

where can I find the large tube of super glue gel??

[@BRStv]

Here is a link to all of our super glue options that we stock on our website 🙂 www.bulkreefsupply.com/saltwater-aquarium-fragging-supplies/super-glue-epoxies.html

[@T2Lee2]

How many pounds of rock should I put in a 20 gallon nano tank?

[@TheShmeebitdog]

I’ve looked on your website multiple times and am not able to find pukani for sale only reef saver and reef saver 2.0

[@BRStv]

At this time, Pukani rock is no longer available. Due to laws in the areas that it was previously collected, it can no longer be collected for export.

[@tsurro8086]

Nice video, the structure on the left is great, a little bland in the right, u guys can do better!! Lol

[@Adalwolf144]

what did u call the rock near the end of the video plz x

[@Adalwolf144]

+BulkReefSupplyCom do u deliver in the uk yet

[@jorgehernandez1294]

my tank is getting yellow stuff on the corners were the silicon is, what can i do to prevent it?

[@jorgehernandez1294]

+BulkReefSupplyCom its only affecting the silicon, it is not one the glass, sand, or live rocks. its seems like it started appearing when i started adding MicroBacter7 and Reef Biofuel. could this be why?.

[@jorgehernandez1294]

+BulkReefSupplyCom i wish i could show you a pic, but i dont think i can post one here.

[@jorgehernandez1294]

+BulkReefSupplyCom thanks, you guys replied to me on facebook. it came of with just my finger, at leasr most of it . but its slowy going away. thanks

[@frankmedrano35]

They were high but then I started dozing with vodka as a friend recommended, nitrites is now not detectable and phosphate is on 10 but something still not right because glass still getting some green algae and skimmer still getting a lot of dirty and unforgivable smell.

[@dax2321]

What's the name of that first rock you're working with

[@ericbultez874]

I need to redo my aquascape, how long can the rocks be out of water before the good bacteria will die?

[@BRStv]

Erring on the side of caution, maybe it's best to keep them wet as best you can. I typically try to re-wet after 30mins or so if I need to work on my aquascape.

[@ericbultez874]

Bulk Reef Supply what would be your best glue for this way of scaping?

[@ericbultez874]

Bulk Reef Supply what would be your best glue for this way of scaping? Something that will stick to those wet rocks.

[@petercarter1741]

Return pump from a 20 gallon sump to a 50 gallon display? Anyone

[@frankmedrano35]

Three weeks ago, I'm planing to change over tomorrow again. What are you think?

[@nileshkapurkar1123]

7.33 this rock is natural ?

[@andrewsamazingreef5630]

Can u chisel a piece of reef saver rock

[@stefgzswag]

Can someone tell me what that blueish color rock is on table. Maybe it’s purple sorry I’m color blind

[@stefgzswag]

BulkReefSupplyCom thank you

[@moussamouhanna6742]

what are the dimensions of the tank?

[@damright8759]

Can the super glue used to join the rocks once dried up and installed into a saltwater fish tank contaminate the water and in danger the life of the fish?

[@BRStv]

Super glue is completely reef safe. We use it all the time on not only rock work, but also for gluing corals to rocks and frag plugs 🙂

[@damright8759]

@@BRStv I did not ask you about any reef's. I was asking you if the super glue you are telling people to use does it contaminate the saltwater in the fish tank or not?

[@BRStv]

@@damright8759 Sorry about the confusion of terms there. Typically when hobbyists refer to "reef safe" that includes all living things in the saltwater tank including corals, fish, inverts, etc.... Since 99.99% of reefers/saltwater hobbyists have used superglue in their tanks for decades without ill effects to our pets, it's pretty safe to say that superglue will not contaminate the saltwater tank. :)

[@fishfreak9380]

What is the best way to get the clearest water there can be?

[@fishfreak9380]

littlesatsuma Thanks!

[@bryson5134]

Sure wish I could afford to spend $700 on the reef rock 2.1. I’ll just have to settle with the reef saver.

[@bryson5134]

BulkReefSupplyCom thank you! That’s great news! Do you know how long it generally takes to color?

[@thelegendarystupidloss1661]

capaz de la sierra

[@voltaarllc1755]

Why was the Pukani rock retired?

[@BRStv]

Due to shipping bans from the location it was sourced. This may change in the future, but for now you are unable to have this rock imported.

[@voltaarllc1755]

Bulk Reef Supply gotcha... thanks for the response!

[@Jeff-ik9zj]

I think i'll stick to freshwater scaping :D

[@Max-kd2gh]

Gaybo that’s what I used to think, but it gets a little boring imo

[@willtj1787]

Olive make cookies

[@RaptorXTUK]

You used fibreglass rods, i thought it was not reef safe, if these these use polyester resin in the rods they are definitely not reef safe.

[@oxiac6006]

I can’t do a good job at Aqua scaping because I’m not very artistic

[@rickhairr9604]

i love this video series... but... the constant talk about the (now unavailable) Pukani, is frustrating. It would be cool to make a week 10 and 11 (and others) update, discussing the latest info that excludes pukani. Maybe even ANY item that is dated, as guys like me (out of the hobby for 20 years and getting back in) are using this series as a virtual bible on how to catch up with the times.

[@BRStv]

Thanks for the feedback. There were definitely more rock options available when this video was filmed. Not all of the 52 weeks info is still 100% relevant, so I could see why an update on some of those things could be valuable

[@rickhairr9604]

@@BRStv yea, if there are substantial differences from a few years ago. I would love to know what those are. appreciate the response!

[@007lamiss]

🪸 🐠 🫧 💖

[@garbermatt2]

Just an FYI for anyone who watched this. Jurassic Gel is kinda the most overpriced useless glue you'll ever buy.

[@leongorani5121]

Matt10187 does it not work?

[@miketin6387]

way too load omg