Aquascaping with 1/2" pvc

Recliner · 04/29/2013, 12:59 PM

I'm going to re-aquascape my tall 150 gal tank and get rid of my solid rock wall. I'm going to change it to a more open scape with 2 islands (1 bigger 1 smaller) for the islands I was going to drill the rock and use 1/2" PVC structures to add stability.
Do I cap the ends of the PVC or leave them open? If they're open they'll fill with sand and I'm worried about nitrates. Does it really matter, or am I putting too much though/worry about it?

goreef170 · 04/29/2013, 01:35 PM

Good question ! Not to much thought at all....
I would say cap the ends. Very easy to do and cheap.

Recliner · 04/29/2013, 02:03 PM

So cap them so they're full of air and just let the rock anchor them to the bottom

bazeball05 · 04/29/2013, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Recliner

So cap them so they're full of air and just let the rock anchor them to the bottom

You could just drill a couple tiny holes in the pipes if you are worried about the air!

d-man · 04/29/2013, 02:57 PM

Cap then drill a few holes as posted above. Also zip tip to an egg crate base for more base surface area.

Recliner · 04/29/2013, 03:10 PM

I have the structures built and the ends capped that will be under sand. Im going to be using a 7/8" bit to drill through the rock but if i capped those i would need to use a 1.25" bit and i dont want to have to run to the store and drop $40 to get another bit. The PVC that runs vertically that I will slide the rock over will have to be left open. They will be capped with my live rock I guess.
Im thinking that since they'll be planted in the top piece of rock there shouldn't be much that gets in there besides the saltwater they fill up with.
Is my thinking right?

Justdrew · 04/30/2013, 09:09 AM

Use a plug instead of a cap.

04/29/2013, 12:59 PM	#1
Recliner Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 289	Aquascaping with 1/2" pvc I'm going to re-aquascape my tall 150 gal tank and get rid of my solid rock wall. I'm going to change it to a more open scape with 2 islands (1 bigger 1 smaller) for the islands I was going to drill the rock and use 1/2" PVC structures to add stability. Do I cap the ends of the PVC or leave them open? If they're open they'll fill with sand and I'm worried about nitrates. Does it really matter, or am I putting too much though/worry about it?

04/29/2013, 01:35 PM	#2
goreef170 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Rancho Belago, Calif. Posts: 735	Good question ! Not to much thought at all.... I would say cap the ends. Very easy to do and cheap. __________________ 250 gallon Advanced Acrylic, 103 gal sump, MTC - MVX 34" Skimmer, with Jebao DCT 12,000, 4-Kessil 360 we, 2-MP40 QD. 57W. Aqua UV, 1/4 Arctica chiller, 3 dosing pumps,phos, charcoal reactors

04/30/2013, 09:09 AM	#7
Justdrew Dad with Triplets! Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 583	Use a plug instead of a cap. __________________ "As Far As You Know!" -Fletch Current Tank Info: 40 Breeder, 2X Radion XR15W, Vortech MP40 & MP10, Simplicity Aquatics 240DC Skimmer, Apex Controlled

04/29/2013, 02:03 PM	#3
Recliner Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 289	So cap them so they're full of air and just let the rock anchor them to the bottom

04/29/2013, 02:57 PM	#5
d-man Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: San Diego, ca Posts: 2,732	Cap then drill a few holes as posted above. Also zip tip to an egg crate base for more base surface area.

04/29/2013, 03:10 PM	#6
Recliner Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 289	I have the structures built and the ends capped that will be under sand. Im going to be using a 7/8" bit to drill through the rock but if i capped those i would need to use a 1.25" bit and i dont want to have to run to the store and drop $40 to get another bit. The PVC that runs vertically that I will slide the rock over will have to be left open. They will be capped with my live rock I guess. Im thinking that since they'll be planted in the top piece of rock there shouldn't be much that gets in there besides the saltwater they fill up with. Is my thinking right?