Adding Live Rock

[newsalt]

I'll be adding LR to my new 50g tank. When I set up my 15g high tank, I put the Aragonite in first and then put the LR on top of that, pushing it into the sand slightly to anchor it. Now that I'm setting up the 50g, I wanted to know if what I did is ok. I've read different things about this subject. Some say add the rock to bare bottom (right on the glass) and add sand around it. Others say to install 1" PVC pipe cut slightly longer that the depth of the sand and set the rock on that. Yet others say to do it like I did on my 15g, which is wedge it into the sand. Which way is best?

[fidojoe]

I'd put the rock on the sand. Like you did on the 15. If you rearange your rock, you're essentially doing the same thing. I completely rearange my rock probably once every other month.

[Maxx]

I dont think there is a way to do it right...or actually a better way of saying that might be, I don't think there is only one way to do it. Just beaware of all the limitations you're working with.
Laying down the sand, and then the rock....
easiest eay to do it, downside is that by wedging your rock down into the sand you're compacting the sand in that area, and will reduce the overall area that can be used for bio filtration as it wont allow critters, (worms primarily) to move in that area.
Rock down first, then sand......same thing, just harder. Now you need to hold the rock in position, then layer sand down. This will compact itself eventually w/ the same situation.
PVC support/stand for rock.....allows the largest surface area for bio filtration, really forces you to be creative w/ your rockwork/aquascaping...limits the ability to re-scape/redecorate later....
So its all a trade off....find out which set of circumstances you're willing to live w/ and go from there.
HTH,
Nick

[Tosh_Auer]

The way you did it in your 15high is the way im doing it.

[BoomerD]

If you put the rock in first, then add the sand, you will eliminate the problem of burrowing fish toppling the rockwork, but maybe that's not a problem in your tank anyway...depends on your stocking plans. Others like the pvc stands or racks to keep the rock from moving. It's all up to you. Most of us won't tell you "You gotta do this, or You gottta do that", but will just give advice based on OUR experiences or mistakes...