Rockscape Against Back Wall?

DugJ · 02/01/2008, 07:57 PM

I've had my rock stacked in the center of my 125 every since I started my reef 5 years ago. Main reason being to keep the back glass clean. I'm now thinking of switching to stacking it atop a PVC frame against the back wall. I'm thinking this will give me more foreground room and the illusion of having more rock than I do. Any disadvantages to doing this other than keeping the back wall clean?

Twz · 02/01/2008, 08:16 PM

it is possible to scratch the tank with the rock
but i have done this with both of my tanks and planning on doing it on my new 125 and new 65

scotmc · 02/01/2008, 08:54 PM

I like the idea all keep all sides of my glass clean.

DugJ · 02/01/2008, 10:14 PM

Is it common to scratch the back wall with the rock? Or is it more of a falling rock issue?

sruiz · 02/01/2008, 10:20 PM

I used to keep it my rock in the middle too, but i did it to keep my water circulations going all around. If your tank is a divider i guess you might want to keep your glass clean but if its against the wall no one can see it anyways.
Anyways i just recently changed my newest tank and moved all the rock against the back wall. Looks really good I was able to arrange my rock tighter together allowing more light to hit the surface of my rock making my tank look brighter.
I would say go for it, but like they said before me be careful not to scratch your tank.

xraydoc · 02/01/2008, 10:32 PM

The only downside I could see would be flow restriction, I wouldnt be worried about the glass as your not going to see it. There may be isolated pockets where detritus could collect and potentially present a nutrient problem, not exactly sure how to circumvent that issue but I would bet that it is not impossible.

FishTruck · 02/01/2008, 11:36 PM

Here is what I am trying. The eggcrate creates a border between rock and acrylic to help prevent stratches. The rock is loosley placed and filled in with foam. Foam is then covered with epoxy and aragonite to prevent UV degredation.

Each holds Tunzes in the top which will hopefully suck water along the back wall through the holes to prevent detritus build up... while totall hiding the tunzes and cords. ALso, the rocks are suspended off the substrate to make occasional vacuuming etc... possible if detritus seems to be collecting. I painted the eggcrate with krylon fusion.

Corner rock from side to show tunze box. Tunze can be dropped in and out from top for easy replacement / maint. From the front, this is not visible.

moo0o · 02/02/2008, 03:04 AM

the only reason i don't like my rockscape against the wall is flow and the crap that might build up under the rock against the wall =)

02/01/2008, 07:57 PM	#1
DugJ Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 65	Rockscape Against Back Wall? I've had my rock stacked in the center of my 125 every since I started my reef 5 years ago. Main reason being to keep the back glass clean. I'm now thinking of switching to stacking it atop a PVC frame against the back wall. I'm thinking this will give me more foreground room and the illusion of having more rock than I do. Any disadvantages to doing this other than keeping the back wall clean?

02/01/2008, 10:20 PM	#5
sruiz Reef'R Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Searching... Posts: 1,381	I used to keep it my rock in the middle too, but i did it to keep my water circulations going all around. If your tank is a divider i guess you might want to keep your glass clean but if its against the wall no one can see it anyways. Anyways i just recently changed my newest tank and moved all the rock against the back wall. Looks really good I was able to arrange my rock tighter together allowing more light to hit the surface of my rock making my tank look brighter. I would say go for it, but like they said before me be careful not to scratch your tank. __________________ Don't forget your water change.

02/01/2008, 10:32 PM	#6
xraydoc Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 201	The only downside I could see would be flow restriction, I wouldnt be worried about the glass as your not going to see it. There may be isolated pockets where detritus could collect and potentially present a nutrient problem, not exactly sure how to circumvent that issue but I would bet that it is not impossible. __________________ "If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water." ~Loren Eiseley

02/01/2008, 08:16 PM	#2
Twz Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Edmonton Posts: 628	it is possible to scratch the tank with the rock but i have done this with both of my tanks and planning on doing it on my new 125 and new 65

02/01/2008, 08:54 PM	#3
scotmc Moved On Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Maryland Posts: 765	I like the idea all keep all sides of my glass clean.

02/01/2008, 10:14 PM	#4
DugJ Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 65	Is it common to scratch the back wall with the rock? Or is it more of a falling rock issue?

02/01/2008, 11:36 PM	#7
FishTruck Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Downers Grove, IL Posts: 805	Here is what I am trying. The eggcrate creates a border between rock and acrylic to help prevent stratches. The rock is loosley placed and filled in with foam. Foam is then covered with epoxy and aragonite to prevent UV degredation. Each holds Tunzes in the top which will hopefully suck water along the back wall through the holes to prevent detritus build up... while totall hiding the tunzes and cords. ALso, the rocks are suspended off the substrate to make occasional vacuuming etc... possible if detritus seems to be collecting. I painted the eggcrate with krylon fusion. Corner rock from side to show tunze box. Tunze can be dropped in and out from top for easy replacement / maint. From the front, this is not visible.

02/02/2008, 03:04 AM	#8
moo0o Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: SJ,CA Posts: 1,694	the only reason i don't like my rockscape against the wall is flow and the crap that might build up under the rock against the wall =)