Can You Build a Habitat Based Aquascape Like This One? - How To HNSA Saltwater and Reef Aquariums
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- Опубликовано: 5 сен 2024
- Forget everything you thought you knew about reef tank aquascaping and learn how to instead make a habitat! Today, Ryan is walking us through how to create the pinnacle of saltwater aquarium aquascaping: the habitat negative space aquascape (HNSA). Join us as Ryan walks you through how to make this amazing habitat for your fish and coral. It truly is a work of art!
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Anyone else wanting to watch him put this together piece by piece for 10 hours?
100% would watch. unscripted, little talking, just live stream it.
Absolutely hahaha
Yeap watched almost the whole thing thus far
You kidding? I want to get my hands on the stuff and start my own :3
😂😂😂😂😂
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.
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.
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
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.
yep, i use this
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.
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.
Would totally be down for an extended video of the complete process!
Truly one of the most helpful BRS TV videos I’ve seen. Thanks so much for the education!
What a fantastic video. These are the types of videos that I want.
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.
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!
Wish you would upload a video of that! Sounds really cool.
Thanks for taking the time to do this long video. Really detail and good explanation
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.
I'm literally DROOLING. So excited to do this for my own 180 gallon that I'm planning to build!
This is easily the finest quality content I've seen on here in a long while. Congrats!
Nice to see a somewhat of a sneak peak of what you may be putting in your future tank build..Great aquascape...
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.
What a fantastic and educational video. Would love to see the 8 hour build!
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.
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..
At first, it might just look like rocks, but it's really an art form 😀
Amazing video really appreciated the detail and time taken to explain your thinking!! Thank you 👍
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:)
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.
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?
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.
So much great information in this video! Thank you for putting in the time and then sharing. 👍
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.
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
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.
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 👌
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.
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.
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?
@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
Amazing information and very inspirational !!!! Thank you for taking the time to show us this concept.
So nice! Good job, very creative and finally 3 wonderful pieces for aquascape!
This was masterful...
Outstanding and relaxing to watch. 🐠
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!
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.
Thank you so much for this video! My first saltwater tank and super excited to get going on this!
Wow. Well done guys! I should be taking a stab at this in the next couple of weeks. Wish me luck!
Great video! Tons of info. I’d love it if you could list out all the items you used in the description.
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!
I wish you guys had done this two months ago before I setup my new tank
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.
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
10.39 perfection 🥰
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
The evolution is super good.
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.
What I absolutely love is that he is sitting on an upside down salt bucket.
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.
Nice work!!! Tanks
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
Thanks for the great content!!!
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.
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.
Crazy Amazing Video!!!!
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
Thanks, now i want to redo my aquascape from 4 years ago XD
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!
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.
@@BRStv if I color mine up after Ill be sure to share a pic or vid. Thanks!
People have discussed food coloring
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.
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.
Do you have tips for working with wet rock instead of dry? I already bought some wet rock someone had in a previous tank.
Many have live rock now in a reef tank with corals attached that might want to do some re-work. Any suggestions?
Why is the Marco cement not being used?
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!
Acrylic tank owners with two small openings on their 55g remember test fitting at frequent intervals.
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.
So cool!
Amazing!
Probably going to look better in the tank than the 3D panaramic visuals.
since it's dry, would you do this before curing? or skipping the cure process all-together?
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
Look amazing
So good! #HNSA
Has anyone tried this with caribsea south sea base rock? I’m in Canada and marcorock is not as readily available
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
Or...use quality live rock and have a bunch of biodiversity and esthetics on day one
@@JDPyrotechnics this is a video about making an aquascape from dry rock. If we were using live rock would we be watching this video?
Love this
Is there a video where you talk about your thoughts on aqua scaping a nano?
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.
Surely you can push small pieces of rock into the epoxy to help hide and strengthen it too
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?
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.
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?
I prefer the HPSA
love it
I have a acrylic aquarium with a 7' wide opening /So suggestions and a 55 gallon. Also no coral ,just fish.
You need some pvc built. In so blenny as well as others can find a food home
Epoxy vs. Marco mortar?
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.
Some epoxy is a bit easier to work with than others, but ultimately, any reef safe epoxy will work.
can I break apart existing live rock boulders for the same effect?
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
How do you cure it afterwards?
You mentioned you had done this for an 18” scape already. Is there any video of this?
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
This video would have been 100x better had you actually shown some of the process of putting together the scape. Going from foundation to nearly complete makes me feel like I've been robbed. I was just like, wait where is the building??? I got a lot of it, to be fair, but I would have happily watched a time lapse or real time!
They're almost identical Ryan... haha
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.
Possible but that is a
Multiple year journey in many cases. Depends on when you want the fish.
Really wanted to see some of the work he was doing when he skipped to 90% done
Is all this rock marco rock? What's the name of all the other rock u used to build up the structure. Thanks
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
what rock did he use? plz help
Looks like a modern rock wall.
Which glue did you guys use for the super-thin? I notice you don't sell that type...need to find it.
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
@@BRStv Thank you!
amazon instant ocean epoxy for half the price as you are going to cover the epoxy anyway color doesn't matter. Super glue you maybe stuck with getting from BRS.
So what is the approf cost of this setup
Would someone please help me understand? Are you then "planting" live corals upon this rock? Why is live rock not being used? Is this for a FISH only tank? TY
That's exactly right; we'd be mounting corals to the rock after the fact. The term "live rock" can be a confusing one because the rock itself isn't live. The live part is all of the life on the rock. In most cases, we're talking about the good bacteria that processes ammonia. Dry rock, like the rock Ryan used in this video, will eventually become "live rock" when the cycle of the new aquarium is complete.
I’m planning on doing bare bottom tank. Do I need to place anything under foundation rocks to protect the glass?
Negative, perfectly flat and stable. Have had rock directly on glass for years no issue
Directly on the glass is usually best 😀