Smiddy's Reef 360 Peninsula

I definitely understand that, one step at a time! It will be exciting to see the fish room come together in the ensuing week. If we weren't dealing with all the coronovirus stuff I would offer my hand to help with rockwork if you needed it!

A few thoughts and things I've found over the years that have helped me, and I hope are at least a little helpful for you (in no particular order).

1. I think deciding what you're going to do for flow first (type/placement of powerheads) is critical. Once you know this you can start to build the rockwork around the flow limitations of a given setup. In the end I think this helps to keep dead spots to a minimum and reduce the need for extra equipment later on.

2. Remember that sclerectinians get BIG. Mature colonies can easily take up a 12" cube of space. Leaving both vertical and horizontal room for growth is key to filling in space and allowing for colonies to mature without having to waste energy competing for room. I think the biggest "mistake" (I put quotations because it truly is preference) I see people make is having their aquascaping too close to the top of the water. Inevitably branching corals reach the top and need to be trimmed extensively to keep from shading others.

3. Keeping rocks away from the glass helps to keep maintenance from being a pain, and corals growing into it or impeding flow further down the aquarium.

4. For me utilizing a good bonding agent helps make intricate 3D structures and keeps any burrowing fish from knocking over stacked structures (E Marcos 400 is supposed to be amazing).

5. To go along with 4. If you're using sand, I suggest placing the rock on the glass first. This will give you peace of mind that it will stay sturdy over the years as corals add weight to them.

6. Don't forget the small guys. Smaller/shy fish and inverts like to have bolt holes to hide in. I think small caves or crevices build specifically for those species helps to keep everyone feeling safe and happy.

Again these are only thoughts/suggestions, and my 2 cents on aquascaping. No matter what you end up doing I know we're all excited to see where it ends up!

I have some acrylic rods on the ready for arches and over hangs.

That was what I did in the tank I have in the library. Just make sure you have plenty of masonry bits as they tend to dull quickly. What type of overflow did you order? I am just curious.

I’m a big fan of FRP! You can have a water fight in there and not worry about the consequences.

Good to see the progress.

Man, that tank looks awesome! The stand is pretty beefy too, could you stand on that ledge around the edge?

ahh that answers 1 of the 3 drains, what're the other two?

My guess: One for automatic water changes and one for large volume water changes when needed?

To add to that I have a stem pipe with a ca that can be removed and added onto later if needed.

there it is. Smart move planning ahead
I originally was going to do AWC even bought the pumps for it, but let the power of internet forums dissuade me from it as I have never tried it for myself.
Everyone has an opinion on the matter, feel like sharing yours?