Live Rock Placement

[bbehring]

I have a new tank start up and wondering if I should place my rock first then my sand? Will have a 4" DSB. I was thinking to build a PVC platform structure grid to support the rock up off the tank bottom about 3 1/2" to 4" so that the sand could come fully underneath. Is this a good idea? Just looking for general advice

 

[Krish]

I was always taught to put in the rock first then pour in the sand around it to prevent you from having areas underneath your rock that you'd never be able to get to to vaccum where detritus will settle, rott and degrade water quality, but I think most people do it the other way around or when dealing with a dsb (which I'm not too sure if 4 inches is considered a dsb...I think it is a bit deeper, but don't quote me on that). Your idea on building a platform is a great one (if you like the look) because it prevents these zones from forming as well as it allows for better circulation. Just my 2 cents worth...Good luck!

 

[wrightme43]

A couple of thoughts on this.
IF the rock is placed and then the sand, the rock will end up with large anarobic parts buried under the sand.
If the sand is placed and then the rock, SOMETIMES, the rock will cause a anarobic portion in the sand bed under it.
If the PVC frame is used and you drill holes in the pvc so that water can flow into and out of it, In my OPINION you have the best chance of avoiding anarobic areas and will be happy.

 

[bbehring]

thanks, krish75 and wrightme43, do you think if I use the pvc frame, I should build it just high enough to be above the sand? or keep it maybe 1/2" lower than the top of the sand? Also should I use 1/8" eggcreate layer ontop of the PVC to help support the rock?

 

[Krish]

IMO, if you are going to use the pvc frame to elevate the rocks, then I'd do just that and take it above the sand slighty so flow can get pass underneath them. The eggcrate is also another great idea as it will provide you with more support. I'll see if I can find a thread for you where pvc and egg crate was used to give you some ideas. I think I know where to find it so give me a few

 

[wrightme43]

I agree with Krish. I would build it so that the eggcrate was just barely below the surface of the sand. Just to hide it. Then as a added benifit, you could toss in one or two pistolshimp/goby pairs and have the super coolest sandbed. They build insanely cool tunnels in the sand bed. And you wouldnt have to worry about a live rock collapse because it would be uneffected by the pisolshimps burrowing. Thats what I would do if I ever decided to do another sand bed.

 

[Krish]

Hmm...Can't seem to find it now for some reason, but I will keep checking, but in any event, here's another thread that touched on the same questions you are having to give you a bit more feedback


http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=279&highlight=pvc+frame

 

[Krish]

Here you go...See if this gives you any ideas by how Kate did her platforms in post#3. Really neat idea and there are a few more threads here where people have used pvc plumbing to raise their rockwork

http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17550

 

[Elmo18]

Just a FYI...for any DSB...please pour sand first...before adding rock..

Best,
Ilham

 

[Grey Legion]

When using the eggcrate to support LR, can that cause problems with fish/inverts that like to dig/tunnel ??

 

[wrightme43]

As long as there are areas where it doesnt cover they will just act like its a piece of rock or other thing they cant dig under or bury themselves in.

 

[Krish]

Just a FYI...for any DSB...please pour sand first...before adding rock..

Best,
Ilham

Definately...I mentioned that as well in my first post here that sand goes in first when doing a dsb

 

[Grey Legion]

I have a sand substrate, about 1-2 inches deep. I was planning on adding more LR soon. I was intending to brush the sand away from the area's I want the LR to go and then lightly brush it back..

I think that would be good ??

Thoughts ??

 

[Krish]

That should be fine...In any event, people rest their rocks right on the sand without any problems all the time according to the link I posted in post#7, so...

 

[shallowreef]

The only time i would but my rocks on the glass bottom instead of on the sand is if i had a shark or a fish that digs caves. They may dig to far under a rock and cause it to fall on them and crush them.

 

[bbehring]

Thanks all for the great thoughts/insights here, especially you Krish75 for the added links. All great stuff/reading. I'll keep you posted on my progress/decisions. I'll be wet testing the system this weekend (fingers crossed). I plan to pick up my sand tomorrow. Hope to get the LR around the 1st to 2nd week of December.

 

[Krish]

Sounds great!!! Good luck and post some pics!

 

[bbehring]

I was planning to stock with a watchman golby and pistal shimp as well as a jawfish. I've read a bit about some providing capped pvc burried in the sand, near the head of rock outcroppings for the fish to utilize. Does this work. Wondering if they will actually use or likely to find their own spot and dig? This is the main reason why I didn't want to place my rock ontop of the sand with out the pvc platform.

 

[Krish]

Hmm...Never kept any of them so couldn't say what they require although I know goby's like sand. I'm sure someone else will chime in

 

[bbehring]

Thanks krish75. Hopefully some one else may have experience with this method?