Aqua-Scaping Tips

szidls · Jun 19, 2004

Hey, How about some discussion on aqua-scaping. Specifically on rock work design, tips & secrets. There has been several reefs going together on the site lately. Maybe a good subject to kick around? What are the essential items involved? Glue, zip ties, drill, snorkle, fins? What type of rock is easier or more difficult to work with? Hope to get everyone's two bits worth........
Scott

plumber_bob · Jun 19, 2004

I've always enjoyed working with Vavua (Deep Water Tonga) and Marshall Island. They are really easy to stack and 99% of the time they don't need glue or zip ties to hold them together. I also believe in setting up the rock and not adding anything for awhile. This will allow you to rearrange the rock if you don't like your current setup. Also, I've found most people are unhappy with one big wall of rocks. Mix it up, have one side of the tank slop down and the other do something else. Make it look like a reef. Just in my oppinion.
Bobby

Montanarocknreefer · Jun 21, 2004

When builting your reef, you want the heavier and larger LR on the bottom for stability and support..

You want as few contact points on each rock as you stack them for more space for better water circulation.

With a BB set up you want it lifted up off the bottom for water circulation and if using sand I would put the LR in first and put the sand in after.

RockyHeap · Jun 21, 2004

Intermix shelf rock and branching tonga rock for large open caves.

Use the tonga long rod branching rock for horizontal "bridge" members then stack flat shelf on top.

Never just dump lump and clump. yuck yuck yuck.

NaH2O · Jun 21, 2004

Since I just went thru this task myself....my best advice is to look at as many tank pictures as you can. That way you can decide on a look you like, and base your structure on that. I agree that larger pieces on the bottom are great for stability. I do want to mention that I used zip ties in order to prevent avalanches that would scratch up the acrylic, and to create some cool caverns. Also, don't be afraid to bust up the rock work with a chisel, in order to make the shape you are looking for. I also worked with the tank dry - it made it a lot easier. Once the rock was in place....time for a fill up.

mojoreef · Jun 21, 2004

Nikki this sounds like it should be the topic of the week in the general forum. If you got a moment why dont you start it up???

Scott, with out a dought the most valuable tool for aquascaping is something called the bundler. you can get it at one of those As see on tv shops. It uses electrical ties, but the neat thing is that you can make them with this unit so they can be any size and go through anything you want.

Mike