Rocks on Sand Bed?

lanamarks · #1 08/19/2004, 05:55 PM

I'm starting setup on my reef tank. I ordered some dead base rock to start with from Hi-Rocks. My question is: Do you just set it on top of the sand bed, set it on the tank bottom and fill in around it (and lose several inches of rock), or create a platform out of pvc/eggcrate to set the rock off of the sand bed? Advice would be great!

frankdreistein · #2 08/19/2004, 06:05 PM

Its not good when you put it directly on the sand.
eggcrate, acryl or PVC is better, so there can be an exchange of gas and water.
And so no anaerobic areas

lmsrch · #3 08/19/2004, 06:05 PM

ok well i dont set on the bottom cause it could damage glass... i dont set on top of sand cause it can shift fall and break glass lol
so i got an U/G filter plate and set them on there and then burry with sand.

just wish i added sand under the filterplate for more support... but no rocks fall and when fish dig they dont distube it at all

bertoni · #4 08/19/2004, 08:07 PM

I put my live rocks on the sand. It's only a problem if the sand shifts, etc., and causes a collapse, but I'm not worried because I only have one piece that's actually on top of the other (I have small tanks).

Maldivan · #5 08/19/2004, 08:09 PM

some people use egg crate to support thier rocks. I also like you never put rocks on the bottom of the tank for the simple reason that all the water pressure - other lr - and sand on top of it may damage the bottom pane. When i switched from my 55 to the 100 i added about a 1/2 - 3/4 " sand then layed in my rocks on-top of it.Then filled with another 3".Ive got over 150lbs LR in the 100 gal and I doubt the burrowing creatures will cuase a land slide in the future. Or you can just add your sand , then your LR and push the rocks into the sand a good bit insuring that they are seated in place.

Larry Waughon · #6 08/19/2004, 08:27 PM

I put base rock right on glass.than the sand.

lanamarks · #7 08/20/2004, 11:51 AM

thanks! I think I'll try the eggrate shelf approach!

Goby the Gobester · #8 08/22/2004, 10:39 PM

Jeepers, guys,
Seems like eggcrate might be the way to go. Do I use eggcrate from LFS or anywhere (Home Depot?).

AnemicOak · #9 08/22/2004, 11:02 PM

Anyone used Starboard to put it on & then sand on top of that?

lanamarks · #10 08/23/2004, 05:10 PM

I got eggcrate as Home Depot - don't know why it wouldn't work.

H2OLUVSME · #11 08/23/2004, 06:16 PM

i used Maldivan's methos in my 29. i have a pistol in there who has burrows under every rock thats on the bottom. no slides yet! i have about 70-80 pounds in there too. there are pics in my gallery. i also have a 20 that i placed the rocks on the glass before placing the sand in. no problems. i also have a pistol in there but hes not quite the digger my tiger is. my next tank ill set up just like my 29. you loose a little less rock and i feel more comfortable about sliding/adjusting the rock, which brings up a question. do you cover the entire bottom with egg crate?

LT

Maldivan · #12 08/23/2004, 11:57 PM

All the people I know that use eggcrate just cover the portion that they are going to have rocks on. Just seemed to be a tad spendy is the only reason i didnt do it.I found a sheet at HD and it was like $26 ..... I balked for some reason. It can probably be found a lot cheaper I just didnt look any further

AnemicOak · #13 08/24/2004, 12:10 AM

$26

Was it mismarked maybe? It's like $5 for a 2'x4' at the HD I was at tonight.

H2OLUVSME · #14 08/24/2004, 06:56 AM

Quote:

All the people I know that use eggcrate just cover the portion that they are going to have rocks on.

this is why i dindt do it. im notoriuos for rearranging my tanks

. i didnt want to have to move something that was under my sandbed. i wasnt too sure about covering the whole bottom with it, thought that may cause some problem.....allthough i dont know what.

LT

Maldivan · #15 08/24/2004, 11:54 AM

probably was brian- knowing me i probably was looking at the top of the line gold plated stuff.If it was that cheap id just cover the entire bottom of the tank w/it. Better yet roll over to Dr.Rons forum and type in eggcrate and see what appears.Im sure this has been covered there. LOL I was just plain ole lazy and cheap or I woulda done it myself!

Maldivan · #16 08/24/2004, 11:57 AM

heres one for you from Dr.Ron . Put whatever creedence into it you desire. I like what he says and follow his advice to the "T" on all my projects concerning DSB's.

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...light=eggcrate