Aqua scaping Q

Esh1 · 12/01/2017, 11:17 PM

Looking around at different video's and photos of peoples tanks, I've noticed a lot of people have their live rock pushed up against the back glass, or at least it appears like it is. It could very likely be a mature tank with coral growth that appears this way. Either way, are there any issues with putting live rock against the back glass? Seems like something you wouldn't want resting against.

In past tanks and my current setup (90gl), I've left enough space between the rock wall and back glass to increase the water circulation, provide space to give fish to swim through, places to hide, as well as easier access in case I drop anything working in the tank.

In my previous tank, I only had the return pump to rely on for water flow, so having the back wall open made sense. Now that I can afford it, Ive enough controllable water flow through Vortechs to stir the tank quite well. Dead spots seem like they are becoming a thing of the past.

The challenge I've always had with keeping the back wall open, is that as I've put in enough live rock (120+ some lbs in my case), its taking up a significant amount of space and seems to take up a lot of the workable area. So aesthetically and for the tank setup overall, theres less space for me to aqua scape.

So if the water flow is there, and if it is safe to place rock closer to the back glass, if not up against it, any other reason why this wouldn't make sense?

Appreciate all advice! I think this is a good documented case of how when someones only slightly over 1 month in and the, I need a bigger tank itch starts.

-Eric

oldhead · 12/02/2017, 04:01 AM

Definitely not a good idea. I try to keep at least 2" away front and sides and more in front mainly for depth perception. Cramming it on the glass would just impede water flow, not necessarily hurt the glass if the rock was stable.

Denbf58 · 12/02/2017, 05:41 AM

I to feel it is better leave room on all sides of the rock to glass . if you feel the amount of rock is over crowding the tank put some in the sump

12/01/2017, 11:17 PM	#1
Esh1 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Posts: 70	Aqua scaping Q Looking around at different video's and photos of peoples tanks, I've noticed a lot of people have their live rock pushed up against the back glass, or at least it appears like it is. It could very likely be a mature tank with coral growth that appears this way. Either way, are there any issues with putting live rock against the back glass? Seems like something you wouldn't want resting against. In past tanks and my current setup (90gl), I've left enough space between the rock wall and back glass to increase the water circulation, provide space to give fish to swim through, places to hide, as well as easier access in case I drop anything working in the tank. In my previous tank, I only had the return pump to rely on for water flow, so having the back wall open made sense. Now that I can afford it, Ive enough controllable water flow through Vortechs to stir the tank quite well. Dead spots seem like they are becoming a thing of the past. The challenge I've always had with keeping the back wall open, is that as I've put in enough live rock (120+ some lbs in my case), its taking up a significant amount of space and seems to take up a lot of the workable area. So aesthetically and for the tank setup overall, theres less space for me to aqua scape. So if the water flow is there, and if it is safe to place rock closer to the back glass, if not up against it, any other reason why this wouldn't make sense? Appreciate all advice! I think this is a good documented case of how when someones only slightly over 1 month in and the, I need a bigger tank itch starts. -Eric

12/02/2017, 05:41 AM	#3
Denbf58 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: selden N.Y. Posts: 885	I to feel it is better leave room on all sides of the rock to glass . if you feel the amount of rock is over crowding the tank put some in the sump __________________ Life is good Current Tank Info: 75gal reef ready koralia 3, 30g sump, 4b 48" t5s lighting, 29g reef with breeding pair clowns 55g reef 55g freshwater

12/02/2017, 04:01 AM	#2
oldhead Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: New Jersey Posts: 527	Definitely not a good idea. I try to keep at least 2" away front and sides and more in front mainly for depth perception. Cramming it on the glass would just impede water flow, not necessarily hurt the glass if the rock was stable.