Critique my rockwork
- Thread starter DrgRcr
- Start date
I don't have cichlids but I do like. I don't know if you have already but I heard you should get some aquarium silicone and use it to glue all the spots on the rocks that touch. You don't want a cichlid to be digging in the sand and make a rock topple over on it, or worse onto the side of the tank and crack it open.
nice. thats alot of rocks. makes a ton of caves so its perfect. just make sure it dont fall over cuz that would be bad.
Gorgeous tank, stand and hood! :y220e:
Lots of rock work for your Mbuna – they will love that. Just from an atheistic stand point, all the rocks on the right look to be about the same size and shape. I’d mix in some different sizes and shapes. I am a closet geologist and enjoy looking for interesting rocks - most major cities have several stone companies with bin after bin of every rock imaginable and every shape and size too. Not a big deal though, just personal taste.
As mentioned, a little bit of silicone is a good idea (you don’t have to silicone all of the rocks together – maybe several groupings). That will also help when you decide to do major maintenance and pull rocks out to vacuum).
Back painted black – I like. FX5 & AC110 – I like.
Looks like a big tank: a 125 or a 180??? Is it all brand spanking new?
Overall, a very sweet setup, congrats, you must be very excited.
Lots of rock work for your Mbuna – they will love that. Just from an atheistic stand point, all the rocks on the right look to be about the same size and shape. I’d mix in some different sizes and shapes. I am a closet geologist and enjoy looking for interesting rocks - most major cities have several stone companies with bin after bin of every rock imaginable and every shape and size too. Not a big deal though, just personal taste.
As mentioned, a little bit of silicone is a good idea (you don’t have to silicone all of the rocks together – maybe several groupings). That will also help when you decide to do major maintenance and pull rocks out to vacuum).
Back painted black – I like. FX5 & AC110 – I like.
Looks like a big tank: a 125 or a 180??? Is it all brand spanking new?
Overall, a very sweet setup, congrats, you must be very excited.
I think it would look better with one or the other rock styles, or a mix of both in each pile. I like that you have two uneven piles, but I think you could stack them differently to maximize the amount of caves. Piling some of the round rocks behind some of the slate caves to block the back sides off would make for caves that are defendable. Whatever you decide to do it will look great filled with Mbuna.
I agree with Afro, even though it looks good, I'd mix the rock up a little to break up the "pattern" on either side, but it's your tank, if you like it then who cares 
i agree, it looks unatural with flat rocks on one side and roundish on the other, mix em together
Thanks. Austin, the lights are 3' T5 fixtures(2) w/dual 21w 3500k bulbs from HD. I know the spectrum is wrong but I will use them for now until I can get something in the 6500k range.
Razzo, I actually did go to a local stone supply and I had gotten what I think was some different slates(brown gray green) but the brown and gray seemed almost too flat. Almost man made, so I questioned if it was what I thought and didn't use it. Yes it is all brand new, 125g AGA, DIY Oak stand and canopy.... Build thread is here http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=199351
Everyone else, I will mix the rocks(Again!) and repost. As far as silicone, is it totally necessary? I've been careful to try to position rocks so they are steady, but is that still a bad idea?
Razzo, I actually did go to a local stone supply and I had gotten what I think was some different slates(brown gray green) but the brown and gray seemed almost too flat. Almost man made, so I questioned if it was what I thought and didn't use it. Yes it is all brand new, 125g AGA, DIY Oak stand and canopy.... Build thread is here http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=199351
Everyone else, I will mix the rocks(Again!) and repost. As far as silicone, is it totally necessary? I've been careful to try to position rocks so they are steady, but is that still a bad idea?