How to NSA Aquascape: A step by step negative space guide for your reef tank

How to NSA Aquascape: A step by step negative space guide for your reef tank - Marco Reef Saver Rock

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BRStv - Saltwater Aquariums & Reef Tanks

4 жыл бұрын

You won't believe the aquascaping possibilities you can create with just a little extra time and effort and a handful of supplies! An amazing reef tank aquascape like this is attainable and with a handful of MarcoRocks Reef Saver rock, a hammer, chisel and some superglue and mortar...Ryan shows you how he did it!
#BRStv
Some of the gear Ryan used to make this NSAquascape. This will help get you started on your own!
➡ MarcoRocks Reef Saver : brs.li/BRS_MarcoReefSaver_Rock
➡ MarcoRocks Medium Foundation : brs.li/BRS_MarcoRock_MedFounda...
➡ MarcoRocks Large Foundation : brs.li/BRS_MarcoRock_LrgFounda...
➡ MarcoRocks Grey Mortar : brs.li/BRS_MarcoRock_MortarGrey
➡ BRS Extra Thick Super Glue Gel : brs.li/BRS_ExtraThick_SuperGlu...
➡ BRS InstaSet Super Glue Accelerator : brs.li/BRS_InstaSet_Accelerator
Follow Ryan's 360 build and the Negative Space Aquascape that started it all!
➡ / brstvguy
Community Links!
➡ #AskBRStv Facebook Group : brs.li/AskBRStv_Facebook
➡ BRS R2R Sponsor Page : brs.li/BRS_R2R_Sponsor
Legal Stuff
The content contained in this video is general information on the topic and should not be relied upon as your sole source of information or safety advice for this project or topic. Each product or situation is different and has its own concerns related to successful completion and safety that must be fully researched by the individual considering the project or product.
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.

Пікірлер: 481

@BRStv 4 жыл бұрын

Are you ready to stop stacking rocks and finally make reef aquarium aquascape you can be proud of? Today we show you how!

@jamesweil3470 4 жыл бұрын

I think you could do it a little faster by using a pastry bag to pipe the mortar in to the joints, just like tuck pointing brick and using wooden sculpting tools for clay, to push the mortar into the joint.

@hkn2718 4 жыл бұрын

Ryan you’re a talented aquascape artist! I want to hire you to do my aquascape my brother! How much do you charge per hr?

@hkn2718 4 жыл бұрын

jdamommio you’re a genius:)

@thomasprussack2860 3 жыл бұрын

i really think once coralline algae grows over the rock, it would hide any ugly that might look ugly now

@xcoverx2525 3 жыл бұрын

What type of sand is that ?

@tm_ipod9142 3 жыл бұрын

Found a good trick when using the cement, have the consistency a little on the wet side and use a chief piping/ pastries bag and you can fill the joints and gaps way more cleaner and less mess and waist of the cement

@gunpowder97 3 жыл бұрын

There are bags for cement, grout bags, I’m a mason I use them every day. Might work better.

@NinjaSushi2 2 жыл бұрын

@@gunpowder97 nice

@magalimckay4685 2 жыл бұрын

Oh awesome! That's genius. Thanks for sharing!

@shanereich8944 4 жыл бұрын

honestly why haven't I thought of this before.. this is literally the best kind of scape you can put in a fish tank, no rocks falling, no more walking past, going hmm I dont like that rock there, and move that one and 6 hours later all the corals are in a bucket and you are rescaping the whole tank! I will never go back to a pile of rocks again, there is SOOO much you can do with this type of scape! awsome stuff!!! dam good idea!

@captivebredcanada 4 жыл бұрын

As a die hard live rock fan, I never expected to spend an hour of my Monday watching this aquascaping video, but glad I did. It looks great!

@BRStv 4 жыл бұрын

thanks for watching :)

@xballer1989 3 жыл бұрын

Perfect tool for putting the mortar in the joints is called a tuck pointer. Dad was a Mason for 20+ years and I was watching you put it in the joints going "damn a tuck pointer would be perfection for that!" Awesome stuff!

@AliKharl 2 ай бұрын

fabulous work! by teaching us you created a master piece... we would really loved to see how it looks like now a days...

@skincrx 3 жыл бұрын

You guys are the only realistic and blunt in this hobby that doesn’t bullshit unlike other money hungry and fame hungry people out here in the hobby. The only KZfaq channel I subscribe to. 😂😁

@navada718 3 жыл бұрын

I'm currently replicating this aquascape build, I found that crushing some pieces of marcorock, with a motar and Pestle into a fine powder, works better than the sand as a adhesive once the glue is added. I also placed the marcorock powder in a squeeze bottle with a nozzle. This made it much easier to apply in small crevasses. Thanks for the content. I would have never attempted this if it wasn't for this video, considering this is my 1st reefbuild. Thanks.

@Drone-Pilot Күн бұрын

Standard superglue and use the dust from breaking up the rock, it actually makes a harder surface than the rock, bad part was when I broke mine to reshape it because I didn’t like the shape I first made it broke elsewhere and the joint did not break, I had a really hard time with small chisels and a lot of time to remove the glued crumble away, the great part is that the colour of the joint is correct from the get go, it’s secure immediately. I use to use the same method when building aircraft models, we use to use micro beads and superglue to fill joints, it was so solid you could drill it. I enjoyed this video because your ideas are great in making branches everywhere, inspiration was sought and found so I thank you so much as I am soon going to embark on a new scape, but it will never be epoxy, cement etc, it will only ever be superglue and the dust from breaking the rocks as I never want it to fail

@LloydReyneke 7 ай бұрын

Man has some serious talent, looks incredible, looking forward to giving this a try.

@tammyfletcher7114 3 жыл бұрын

WOW Ryan!!! You did an an amazing job on that beautiful piece of art! I can hardly wait to sea it in your tank! Thanks so much for taking the time to share that with all your reefing friends. This was by far one of the best videos you’ve ever done! You totally reef rock! 🐬

@markhull1366 4 жыл бұрын

Ryan, this is the most informative video on aquascaping ever! One thing I like is that there's really no "right or wrong". It also greatly expands aquarium keeping as a true hobby. Hobbies are supposed to take up time. LOTS of time. Too often we're caught up in the "instant gratification/I want it now" mentality. Great Job!

@BRStv 4 жыл бұрын

this was one of the most "hobby" things about this hobby I have ever done :)

@AaronMccombsADM 3 жыл бұрын

Just finished my first attempt with this technique. Thx BRS! Your tips on point. I can confirm gloves really help you with the mortar application. The coffee stir sticks also help you with hard to reach places and intricate work. Spraying the rock with water before applying the mortar is also important. I had a couple instances where the mortar started to crack before it dried. I think this was mainly due to too large of gaps between the rocks I was attempting to connect. Adding small rubble pieces and gl ue to bridge the gap before putting the mortar solved this issue. Lastly, my tips for success are to save all the dust and tiny rubble from chiseling the rock. If you Make your mortar the thick peanut butter consistency apply then immediately spray it with a quick mist of water, it will thin out a bit on the surface. you can then sprinkle on the dry rock dust and tiny pieces and hand press them all in. Do this and you can skip all of the pretty up steps Ryan showed. The sand and rubble will cover up the gray perfectly. Hope this helps

@reefnrod7159 4 жыл бұрын

KZfaq recommended the old aquascapes videos from 8 years ago after I watched this. Things sure have come some way since gluing big chunks of rock into a massive arch lol

@BRStv 4 жыл бұрын

hahaha

@Litrocks13 4 жыл бұрын

Wow what a beautiful structure you created Ryan, you must be so proud. When I was watching the final go around I was thinking...what a great playground for all the sea life that will be in there, as well as being a natural looking work of art. ❤️

@bobthomas3214 4 жыл бұрын

You know how you just see something and you can just tell immediately that it’s better? This is that. Beautiful!!

@BRStv 4 жыл бұрын

@TexasRanchu 3 жыл бұрын

Ryan, ur an entrepreneur, reefer, influenceer, and artist. Im now impressed :)

@davidhorizon8401 3 жыл бұрын

Couldn't you use the little pieces of the rock that were left from breaking it up to hide the mortar? Small chunks would give it texture and the color would be perfect.

@thejurydoctor6097 2 жыл бұрын

Yes and they work great as frag plugs too for a most natural scape! Also great for “islands” for more invasive corals (looking at you Xenia and GSP’s)

@alexjohansson328 4 жыл бұрын

Your dedication to the art dumbfounds me. - Tell your CFO there isn't another place I buy reef gear from. Reef every day brother!

@elephunktheband Жыл бұрын

Can’t believe I’m light years behind the release of this video but I gotta say that is one quality masterpiece!! I’m actually getting ready to embark on creating my 1st NSA aquascape for my 1st saltwater tank (120 gal) so I hope it turns out at least half as good as yours my dude!! Seriously luving those aesthetics!!💯💯

@MrKeithHoward 3 жыл бұрын

The best reef structure tutorial I have seen so far - excellent 👌 👏. A big thank you from the Rock of Gibraltar 🇬🇮 on the other side of the pond.

@kylepagel9360 2 жыл бұрын

Anybody else feel their butt clench up watching him swing that hammer so close to the 160? Braver man than I

@BRStv 2 жыл бұрын

😆 *no tanks were harmed in the making of this video

@rafaelvilla2750 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome piece!!! Ready to start my first saltwater tank and was just going to stack rock but this totally changed my mind making my own masterpiece just like you did. Great job!!!!! Can’t wait to see it in color...

@in2reefing583 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome scape, certainly makes good sense for good water flow throughout the tank.

@revo1336 4 жыл бұрын

Well worth the time and effort for my 75g. Gives something awesome to look at from the start of cycling. No need to rush into adding livestock.

@KarnivorousKeyz 4 жыл бұрын

Perfect timing! I'm moving in a few days and want to reconstruct my rockscape. I'm gonna try this but introduce it into the tank piece by piece.

@tomthebomb3189 4 жыл бұрын

This scape is amazing for ppl that wanna keep rays in reef tanks

@dustindefoore972 3 жыл бұрын

I’m planning my first reef tank, and I’m definitely going to try this. This is exactly the type of thing I want. Just a thought...In theory, it looks like you should be able to take a piece of spare coral and texturize the mortar by either stamping or rolling across it, while it’s wet.

@thamjunyan6992 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks BRS, have always wanted to do a Negative Space Aquascape, and this video is by far the most detailed and informative.

@BRStv 4 жыл бұрын

thanks, it's been fun.

@maceysdaddy5150 4 жыл бұрын

Looks amazing. I really like what you have done. Adding some intentional design to our aquascapes is going to be really exciting. More endless possibilities. Thanks Ryan & team!

@BRStv 4 жыл бұрын

excited to see where this goes.

@jerrislittlereef4023 4 жыл бұрын

This is a fantastic video on aqua scaping. Thanks BRS, you guys are great reefing educators. I'm going to become a dedicated customer.

@BRStv 4 жыл бұрын

@doncheko6866 2 жыл бұрын

You are awesome bro, you have walked me thru my whole reefing adventure.. from noob to not so noob.. lol 😂 but listening has saved me lots of headaches.. thank you very much..

@hkn2718 4 жыл бұрын

Love this. Will get Marco rocks and do NSA like Ryan!!!

@dinosreef4626 4 жыл бұрын

Loved the video great step by step instructions I will be trying this technique for my next tank which I'll be getting very soon

@MrShishi 4 жыл бұрын

This is impressive! Good stuff Ryan

@wadehowarth4355 4 жыл бұрын

Very cool aquascape I'm setting up a new 125 this winter and the rock scape is always my favorite part can't wait to try this and you are awfully brave Ryan swinging hammers and busting rock right by the running aquarium lol

@27vangoo 4 жыл бұрын

the mad zoa's are now wanting me to re-scape my tanks... In 6 to 8 months its going to look amazing, hope we get to see an update!! Great job Ryan!!

@reginaldbarnes6304 11 ай бұрын

This is a most excellent tutorial and video. Had to remove all the rock from my 1000 gallon tank, was going to restack the rocks, this video made me slam the brakes! Will do similar. Thank you.

@FriendM2010 3 жыл бұрын

Dude, looks great and patience of Jobe to make this excellent video 👍👍👍

@heatherneff1268 2 жыл бұрын

That is awesome!!! I love this video! I’m doing tons of research and going to start a saltwater tank. I’m gonna do this!

@danswanson2172 4 жыл бұрын

Tip when doing mortar. Get a pastry bag or cake decorating bag with large tip. Load bag up and squirt it into the joints And wear plastic gloves when doing mortar. The thicker mortar will not stick to gloves

@piratemonkeyreefing386 4 жыл бұрын

That’s what I did with mine! The piping bags where a godsend and you can clip the tip to whatever size works best for you

@jerrislittlereef4023 4 жыл бұрын

I was thinking about doing the same thing, thanks for reassuring me that this will work.

@wadehowarth4355 4 жыл бұрын

Don't even need a pastry bag a regular plastic bag would probably work just as well

@danswanson2172 4 жыл бұрын

@@wadehowarth4355 The plastic bags rip and the whole gets really wide. But you could just gonna go through a couple more baggies

@wienersupreme1433 3 жыл бұрын

How long does the mortar stay good in the bag?

@houndar1 4 жыл бұрын

Very Cool!! Had to send this to my wife as she the more Artsy one.... Seems like something she'd love to do.

@lindseybrooks5810 3 жыл бұрын

I've been wanting this look for years !

@marcoherrera3002 4 жыл бұрын

Looks awesome Ryan, I know that feeling of satisfaction when you got done with that aquascape, I have done a few for friends. I guess it’s time for BRS to start selling aquascapes 😉😎

@courtthompson2236 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome video, love work reminds me of fresh water. Beautiful work

@johnny4055 2 жыл бұрын

Beautiful rock work!!

@estrangeibanez3051 3 жыл бұрын

This is really making me want to start into salt water tank. My freshwater aquascape is amazingly thriving. I have a spare halfmoon that I’m thinking to start with. 🙏

@Flornmonk Жыл бұрын

I'm gonna implement my knowledge of bonsai making when I make my first tank! Can't wait.

@Reefkpr1 4 жыл бұрын

Have to admit, I hated it sitting on the build table. Once you showed the 3d video I take it back. I LOVE it!!!!!!!!! Great tips, thanks for sharing!

@BRStv 4 жыл бұрын

yeah, it's really hard to see how cool a three differential object is in a 2d format like video until you light it with hard shadows and move the camera

@Ichirpatbirds 4 жыл бұрын

Yes!!!! Been waiting for this video! Thanks guys!

@petesreef1891 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this Ryan absolutely brilliant 👍👍👍

@benlau747 3 жыл бұрын

So interesting man, its my first saltwater tank and you inspired me a lot ! Gonna buy my rocks this week 😎

@thestrawberryaniahomegarde7228 10 ай бұрын

Such a great informative video. Thank you!

@angrydragon1977 3 жыл бұрын

Safety glasses and flip flops... awesome!!!

@harlanmichael7088 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the very informative video!

@kevinjames1587 2 жыл бұрын

Best video you’ve ever done by far!

@erich8756 4 жыл бұрын

Loved it! But all that safety gear and then wearing sandals... 😉😏 That's you and it makes it real. 👍

@ronderfulaquariums2978 4 жыл бұрын

This tutorial was oh so needed thx for sharing

@TrevorHiller 2 жыл бұрын

I used these methods today to create my third nano aquarium, a Waterbox Peninsula 15 gallon after being out of the hobby for a few years. I'm quite please how it turned out for my first attempt at smashing and re-gluing rocks. THANK YOU FOR THE TIPS!

@rolfwagner601 3 жыл бұрын

"Four Dimensions" .. WHOA!!!! Just having fun. Great video.

@BRStv 3 жыл бұрын

😁

@dominus6224 Жыл бұрын

This looks amazing, unlike my structures. Job well done

@surfersruleall 4 жыл бұрын

I’ve got the reef bug bad but I’m selling my house and renting for a year.... this, plus tossing it in a brute container for 6 months and cycling it is my plan! It’ll be first tank but I’ve got all the time in the world! Super awesome video as usual.

@BRStv 4 жыл бұрын

this is a perfect project to perfect while waiting for the right opperunity :)

@victorgerhardt1504 3 жыл бұрын

Incredible work!

@VictoriaLeeCreates 3 жыл бұрын

I'm following these tips thank u. Setting up my first salt reef

@allanniesen1231 3 жыл бұрын

This is an incredible tutorial.

@basabbiswas 2 жыл бұрын

Great video. Thanks for sharing. The biggest advantage of doing NSA that he forgot to mention here is your'e using less rocks and thereby increasing your water volume. So more room for fish, corals and more room to collect waste etc etc Who doesn't want more water volume ?

@zealous4ya 3 жыл бұрын

I wish this video was out last April when I did my structure. Great tips and tricks. Now I need to setup a new tank!!! Lol

@iwantosavemoney 3 ай бұрын

This is so awesome 👏

@phillipamond3317 3 жыл бұрын

I really wanted to see how you put it in the aquarium. Maybe share some ideas on that and put what you just created in a tank.

@baitball4665 2 жыл бұрын

Yea how did they pick that up lol?

@baitball4665 2 жыл бұрын

Probably broke n they cut that part

@barbaraklapper8712 3 жыл бұрын

Stunning!

@aresares4141 3 жыл бұрын

Looks amazing if I ever start a new reef I will mOsDeF be trying this, that is very interesting, and definitely looks like Artists work, and I enjoy trying to be a Artist lol. Thanks for the great advice video and explaining everything. Great Job. 👍

@TheNitroJoe Жыл бұрын

Well that NSA just rocks. I would like to see the video of putting that in the tank though. Most have supports across the middle, especially acrylic tanks. This is so informative though it boosts my confidence to give it a try. Thanks a lot for sharing!

@lovermansmith9082 4 жыл бұрын

Nice work !

@HotPnoy206 3 жыл бұрын

looks goooood! I will build it like this rocks.

@reefwiz99 4 жыл бұрын

wow a new name for something we did in the early 90's...

@jameymaddox8 3 жыл бұрын

Nice job 👍🏻

@rppvt 4 жыл бұрын

Nice finished look!

@BRStv 4 жыл бұрын

thanks

@Lionfish-Scuba-Fishing-Travel 3 жыл бұрын

Great job! I wish I could do that in my tank.

@ReefDudes 4 жыл бұрын

Love it, great video!

@hardthymes6689 3 жыл бұрын

What a great video man. Really makes me want a salt tank.

@hardthymes6689 3 жыл бұрын

You could maybe use a grout bag for putting the mortar in

@Coastalsoftwash 3 жыл бұрын

It was honestly freaking me out that a piece of rock would shatter the tank behind him!

@danielvo1928 4 жыл бұрын

Hitting the rock next to the tank is not a good idea Ryan...but thank you ....been waiting for this video for a long time 👍👍👍👍

@DailyDose2Inspire 3 жыл бұрын

Great tutorial.

@isaiahfurrow7414 3 жыл бұрын

This video was awesome, I will be doing something kinda like this , but not quite the Negative Space aspect... going to build 2 aquascapes in the near future, but this will help me acieve the c shaped atoll for my 40B and have holes and caves through it like I wanted on the last tank setup but couldn't acomplish... the tanks are a ways from happening, just empty glass boxes right now... but I hope to order some base rock and marco rock soon and get started with the scape...planning more ahead this time so it will hopefully all work out better than last time...

@juslmart 3 жыл бұрын

Talking about wearing safety glasses while hammering a chisel by your sandal-wearing feet was perfect, lol.

@BRStv 3 жыл бұрын

😅

@HWolfe 3 жыл бұрын

I could NEVER be that close to that gorgeous tank you are in front of; I am too clumsy. Now if I owned BRS...no biggie. Great video tho...👌!

@geoffhirschi803 4 жыл бұрын

another technique that will work very well to hide joints is to mix sand into the skim coat mortar, and then coat with sand after that is applied. You can also make a more consistent color and texture by coating all the rock in the skim coat with a coating of sand.

@mikelee35 4 жыл бұрын

You can also use the fine powder and small chunks from breaking the rock in the mortar mix.. then it exactly matches the rock

@Dynamic4it 3 жыл бұрын

goooooooooood job ... amazing

@Mcappo 3 жыл бұрын

Not sure I would be smashing the boulders in front of that tank like that. 😂🤞🏻🙈 Great video and ideas! 💡💡💡

@flipsreef8618 4 жыл бұрын

Amazing video! Well played, guys. I'm going to try something similar on my setup, if the hurricane doesn't do too much damage. (Ugh)

@BRStv 4 жыл бұрын

stay safe

@bretthickman 3 жыл бұрын

I couldn't help but watch those fish jump every time Ryan hammered on those rocks like a bad neighbor at 7am Sunday morning...but great idea even if the fish didn't appreciate it.

@chrisprice8053 Жыл бұрын

WOW you are brave doing that hammering of rock so close to that sweet fish tank. That is a disaster in the making 1 rock shoots off and BOOM broken tank . All in all i did like the vid very helpful

@piratemonkeyreefing386 4 жыл бұрын

Don’t worry to much about dulling a wood chisel an angle grinder or other sharpening tool will get it sharp again in minutes. Angle grinders are also great for making your own foundation rock as well with a little patience.

@ThomasBReef 4 жыл бұрын

Hahaha makes my scape look clunky! Amazing job, Ryan!

@piratemonkeyreefing386 4 жыл бұрын

Yours still looks great dude!

@mvhpets 4 жыл бұрын

haha your aquascape looks like the best aquascape in the world compared to my saltwater tank 😜

@garrycole9187 4 жыл бұрын

I definitely will be doing this if I go to a larger tank because it will take a lot less rock to do a really flowing aquascape.

@joevasquez1776 Жыл бұрын

Sun light works like insta set. Also insta set is sold at some RC hobby car stores for the super glue they use on tires .

@MatthewJHoodStudios 4 жыл бұрын

That pic of the really big tree is the Angel Oak in Johns Island and it's right around the corner from my house =D Also, I will be creating one of these aquascapes when I get the tank back up in my new house. Thanks for the tutorial!

@BRStv 4 жыл бұрын

very cool :)

@peterboccaccio1756 2 жыл бұрын

Well I am about to start building my aqua scape And one thing I'm going to try is something I learned from a ceramics class is to make a slip which is a thin watery mix then put a thick clay consistency mortar to help bond pieces better. Note I'm going to try instead of using tons of super glue