Aquascaping Live Rocks? Too much space? Too close to the glass?

AquaWave523 · 07/08/2009, 07:16 AM

I know it's a personal preference...but I found myself wondering if we need to give the fish some space at the back? I just dont want to find myself trying to watch the fish through the rocks if they decide to camp at the back of the rocks since its as much space as the front...so maybe it's better to move all the rocks towards the back of the glass?

What's everyone's thoughts?

sedor · 07/08/2009, 07:20 AM

I like space at the back because you can get back there to clean and you won't end up with nitrate problems because of buildup after a while.

thegrun · 07/08/2009, 07:26 AM

I have always set rocks against the back wall of my tanks. As long as there are open spaces for the water to flow through, there should not be any issues. I would say the flow is less back there than the rest of the tank, but I haven't had any problems. Most of the fish seem to sleep back there at night, it could be the reduced flow or just a better hiding place, but they all come out front during the day.

Indymann99 · 07/08/2009, 08:17 AM

Giving your fish a place to "hide" (behind the rocks) will greatly reduce stress. I find as well that the fish sleep behind the rocks and come out during the day.

Rock on the left is stacked and leaned against the back wall, the Rock on the right has about 4" of space to the back wall.

http://s300.photobucket.com/albums/n...nkvid52009.flv

AquaWave523 · 07/08/2009, 11:01 AM

Indymann99, VERYYYYYY NICE TANK!

07/08/2009, 07:16 AM	#1
AquaWave523 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 911	Aquascaping Live Rocks? Too much space? Too close to the glass? I know it's a personal preference...but I found myself wondering if we need to give the fish some space at the back? I just dont want to find myself trying to watch the fish through the rocks if they decide to camp at the back of the rocks since its as much space as the front...so maybe it's better to move all the rocks towards the back of the glass? What's everyone's thoughts?

07/08/2009, 07:20 AM	#2
sedor Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 4,689	I like space at the back because you can get back there to clean and you won't end up with nitrate problems because of buildup after a while. __________________ Ryan

07/08/2009, 08:17 AM	#4
Indymann99 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 2,447	Giving your fish a place to "hide" (behind the rocks) will greatly reduce stress. I find as well that the fish sleep behind the rocks and come out during the day. Rock on the left is stacked and leaned against the back wall, the Rock on the right has about 4" of space to the back wall. http://s300.photobucket.com/albums/n...nkvid52009.flv __________________ 120g DT 100lbs LR / 200 lbs LS, 45g fuge, VectraM1 Return, Herbie drain, 4x RW-8, 2x AI Hydra 26 w AWM, ASM G2, Apex controller, Apex BoB w floats ATO

07/08/2009, 11:01 AM	#5
AquaWave523 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 911	Indymann99, VERYYYYYY NICE TANK! __________________ "Take your time...going slow always works out best. There's no rush in this hobby" Yes that is a memo Current Tank Info: 175 gal Oceanic bowfront w/ 55 gal sump refugium, MSX 200 protein skimmer,Digital Aquatics Controller, Coralife Aqualight (three 250 watt Metal Halides, dual 96 watt cf, triple moon leds)

07/08/2009, 07:26 AM	#3
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	I have always set rocks against the back wall of my tanks. As long as there are open spaces for the water to flow through, there should not be any issues. I would say the flow is less back there than the rest of the tank, but I haven't had any problems. Most of the fish seem to sleep back there at night, it could be the reduced flow or just a better hiding place, but they all come out front during the day.