Saltwater Aquascaping Techniques

A saltwater aquarium not only houses beautiful fish, but it can also be used create underwater scenes reminiscent of ocean reefs. When creating your saltwater aquascape, use ocean rocks or live rock. Not only will these designs add dimension to the aquarium environment, they will also make shelves to display coral and hiding spots for the fish.

  1. Terrace

    • The terrace, also known as the pyramid, is a style of aquascaping that recreates a common feature found in the ocean. Build a broad base of rock to begin. Stack layers on top of this base, with each layer tapering toward the top of the terrace. This style will create an area of sand in the front of the display, where clams, corals and other invertebrates can be displayed.

    Wall

    • A wall is a long aquascaping feature you can place along the back of a tank. Design this display by placing the stones on top of each other, arranging them in a narrow line. Use larger, unattractive rocks as the base and build the wall using more intricate and decorative pieces on top. This design leaves a lot of floor space along the bottom of the tank to feature bottom-dwelling creatures. It can also be used as a decorative shield to hide equipment in the back of the aquarium.

    Amphitheater

    • Create this semi-circle design in your aquarium similarly to how you would create a wall design. However, create the amphitheater feel by curving both ends of the wall inward. Also, taper the curved wall toward the center, increasing its height. This design will create pockets between the rocks and the back of the aquarium, where the fish can hide and feel safe.

    Columns

    • Use rocks to create height in your aquascape design by building columns. Pile rocks on top of each other, starting with the heaviest on the bottom. Stack them as high as the tank will allow, even rising past the surface of the water if you wish. This design is a great way to increase swimming space for fish while still providing them with decorative hiding spots.

    Bridge

    • Create a one-of-a-kind decoration in your aquarium by building a bridge out of rocks. Begin by stacking rocks into two short columns. Place a long, flat rock across the two columns to create the bridge. Make additional layers on top of the bridge with more columns and flat rocks.

    Building Tips

    • When creating aquascapes, it's important to create secure structures. The last thing you'd want to happen is to have your rock feature collapse. To ensure everything stays in place, use aquarium glue to adhere the rocks, following the manufacturer's directions carefully. You can also attach rocks by stringing them together with plastic ties and threaded nylon rods.