Rock placement

[breaktime]

I have 2 42 lb and a72 lb Holey rock. What's the best way to place the rocks in the tank? On top of sand, on the glass? 2 42lb pieces will be standing on end, the largest  will be  on its widest and longest side. Any tips will be much appreciated.

[linuxrulesusa]

Be careful about placing on sand because they can shift if sand is removed from under them.

Some people use egg crate/light diffuser because of concerns about rock pushing on a small point of glass, or because of concerns about glass shifting, but I've never done that.  I have switched to mostly plastic/fake rocks now though because they're easier to move. 

Between the two options you gave, I'd set the rock on the glass, and make sure it does not move with reasonable pressure.

[Marty]

I'd recommend putting it on the glass.  If it has sharp points, you could put slate underneath it as well to prevent a blowout.

[breaktime]

I'd recommend putting it on the glass.  If it has sharp points, you could put slate underneath it as well to prevent a blowout.

I like that idea of using slate, I also read or heard of people using foam??

[four_by_ken]

Just to add my 2 cents...

When ever I rearrange, I always try to move gravel and sand away.  I have seen some pretty big shifts with the way the fish move rock and sand around.

Just had a rock fall over in my 150 gallon (sand substrate) and hit the glass.  Nothing more than a reminder to me that this can happen... luckily.  Never had anything shift in this tank before.

[Ron]

IMO, try to avoid placing rocks directly on the glass, especially if the bottom is tempered glass.

I use lighting diffuser personally. When placing the rock, especially larger ones, make sure they are well seated through the substrate.

I'd recommend putting it on the glass.  If it has sharp points, you could put slate underneath it as well to prevent a blowout.

I like that idea of using slate, I also read or heard of people using foam??

Foam would work assuming it was non-toxic, but pieces might break off over time and float about the tank. More likely you've heard about people putting foam under their tank, between the tank and the stand, to help it self-level slightly and remove any imperfections in the stands surface.

[breaktime]

Just to add my 2 cents...

When ever I rearrange, I always try to move gravel and sand away.  I have seen some pretty big shifts with the way the fish move rock and sand around.

Just had a rock fall over in my 150 gallon (sand substrate) and hit the glass.  Nothing more than a reminder to me that this can happen... luckily.  Never had anything shift in this tank before.

Im using a sand substrate as well in my 125 also. The last thing i need is the fish dislodging a rock and it tipping over. Are you placing heavy rocks directly on the glass then?

[four_by_ken]

Not really right on the glass.  Still leaving a layer of sand as "buffer" room.  But for sure I dig down in the sand and make sure the rocks are stable.

That all being said... one that I never would have thought would move... was tipped over the other way and leaning on the front glass the other day.

Luckily it was a smaller piece that did this.  But it was a good reminder for me.

[breaktime]

IMO, try to avoid placing rocks directly on the glass, especially if the bottom is tempered glass.

I use lighting diffuser personally. When placing the rock, especially larger ones, make sure they are well seated through the substrate.

Any special maintenance using the lighting diffuser when cleaning the tank ? Or do you leave everything in placing and work around it?

[breaktime]

Not really right on the glass.  Still leaving a layer of sand as "buffer" room.  But for sure I dig down in the sand and make sure the rocks are stable.

That all being said... one that I never would have thought would move... was tipped over the other way and leaning on the front glass the other day.

Luckily it was a smaller piece that did this.  But it was a good reminder for me.

just curious why not the lighting diffuser?

[breaktime]

Just a thought I may have some plexaglass laying around. I could  cut 3  4 inch squares  and make sure the 3 points making contact has a square underneath.

[four_by_ken]

Not really right on the glass.  Still leaving a layer of sand as "buffer" room.  But for sure I dig down in the sand and make sure the rocks are stable.

That all being said... one that I never would have thought would move... was tipped over the other way and leaning on the front glass the other day.

Luckily it was a smaller piece that did this.  But it was a good reminder for me.

just curious why not the lighting diffuser?

I dont like how it looks when the fish dig down to it.

[Steve]

I'm with the directly on the glass crowd myself for just the reason ken said. Said sifting fish will uncover parts of it and it looks unsightly then IMO. Your not going to hurt the glass but placing heavy rocks on it. Only way you're going to damage the bottom glass is by dropping a heavy rock on it and with 42 & 72 lb rocks the light diffuser is a moot point if you drop one of those in there

[breaktime]

I can flip the rocks over and grind down flat surfaces so there isnt  a point, to distribute the weight better.

[four_by_ken]

I can flip the rocks over and grind down flat surfaces so there isnt  a point, to distribute the weight better.

The only problem with that is then you are stuck with that rock in that orientation.

I like to change my tanks up from time to time and move things around a lot.