Aquascaping Help

[aqualady]

Does anyone have ideas for live rock aquascaping? I have seen lots about using PVC, Acrylic dowels, egg crate & zip ties etc. I have seen lots of nice set-ups, all completed with fishies swimming around, but I am a visual learner. I'm looking for diagrams, photos etc. that show the actual process step-by-step. Who can help me? I have the general idea, but I need visuals!

[Dentoid]

[goldenmean]

Scott where can I get some of those??
Diver's Den???

[rmlevasseur]

I don't think anyone is happy with their aquascaping until they've tried and failed a few times. Scaping is a very personal preferance, and it takes a while to get the knack for it.

For me, you have to scape in accordance with your tank. While the "rock wall" may look great in a big tank, it doesnt work in a nano. You also have to take they type of rock you purchased into consideration as well. I wouldn't scape a tonga branch tank the same way I would with something chunkier.

When scaping, waterflow around the rock is extremely important. You want to minimize dead spots where gunk can collect. Some people take this concept to the extreme and use rock risers or actually drill their rock to make columns - anything to maximize water flow. Whether you like the aesthetic of the final result is completely up to you.

Another major thing to remember is that whatever you do, it has to be relatively solid. It doesnt have to be the Great Wall or anything, as over time the rocks does tend to fuse a little, but you don't want anything that can be toppled easily by crabs and/or snails. What I did on my last setup really worked well. First I filled the tank with water. Then I cut eggcrate to fully cover the bottom of the tank. I then placed the foundation rock on the eggcrate and built up from there. When I had it the way I liked I then added my sand, partially burying the foundation rock. Then when the water cleared I made small adjustments from there.

Keep in mind that while rock risers, drilled rock and zip ties can be used to create some cool things, you will be far less able to make adjustments once you start getting corals to place on the rock.

[aqualady]

Thanks Robert! That helps. I think I might be putting way too much thought into this. I tend to do that!

[framerguy]

Here is a drawing I did of an idea for mounting rocks to a pvc rack. It's not my idea though, wish it was!

[naperenterprise]

Rock tree... Cool idea!

[fishnu]

I am in the process of putting a tank together. I am using egg crate on the bottom and a pvc frame to support/tie to the rock, and allow circulation underneath. I have even been thinking about connecting this frame to my return and circulating water up from the bottom as well as from the top, but with all the right angles I am worried I would cut 90% of my flow. .

[RyanG]

Aqualady check out this link its for planted tanks but the philisophies definately translate to rock. Check out his aquascape analysis on the right side bar it will should give you some ideas.

Aquatic Eden: Cheap Scapes: Tips for Budget Aquascaping - Freshwater Planted Aquarium Blog

[SJS]

Look at lots of pictures and decide which style works for your taste and the type of livestock you want to have. If you will be adding various corals you will need some level places for them or some overhangs for lower light needs, also keep in mind the types of fish you would like to have, some like open areas for swimming, some need hiding places etc... there are rock walls, islands, center walls etc.. once you have an idea of what style you like and need for your tank then you can start stacking!! My rock wall is just stacked like a puzzle, I wiggled and pushed each rock to make sure each one was stable, that's my method. Good scaping!