lucifuge Posted January 1, 2011 Share Posted January 1, 2011 hi all, I'm re-birthing my large 6ft tank (6ftx2ftx2ft). I've already got the gravel substrate in and want have a stacking of rocks in the background. These may eventually climb to half the tanks height and be quite wide. The rocks will be largish; 10cm-20cm in size. My question is this; should I underlay some sort of base material (sheeting) to distribute the downward pressure of the rocks, but more importantly, minimise the rocks from graduating downwards underneath the substrate and resting on the glass? My high level thought is to lay a 20cm wide x 6ft wide strong sheeting of appropriate material. It will eventually be covered by the building of layers of rocks, but this is in interests of long term safety of the tank. As an aside, what sort of downward pressure is associated with a wall of rocks in such an aquarium? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Link2Hell Posted January 1, 2011 Share Posted January 1, 2011 I found that the white egg crate lighting diffuser to be good for this but the answer for a large scale rock project like this is Yes Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lucifuge Posted January 1, 2011 Author Share Posted January 1, 2011 I found that the white egg crate lighting diffuser to be good for this but the answer for a large scale rock project like this is Yes Chris awesome, I don't suppose you or anyone else knows where to source this in ACT? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pilly Posted January 1, 2011 Share Posted January 1, 2011 A finer substrate like beach sand will also help protect the glass as it cushions the sharp edges. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aquaholic Posted January 1, 2011 Share Posted January 1, 2011 awesome, I don't suppose you or anyone else knows where to source this in ACT? Uniflex (Aust) Pty. Ltd. 12 Lyell St Fyshwick ACT 2609 Phone: (02) 6239 2932 Fax: (02) 6239 2940 http://www.westaflex.com.au/_pdfs/diffusio...crate_Cores.pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Link2Hell Posted January 1, 2011 Share Posted January 1, 2011 you could start here yellow pages - elect wholesalers - act Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lucifuge Posted January 1, 2011 Author Share Posted January 1, 2011 brilliant! thanks for the sources. ..........now, to source some rocks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lucifuge Posted January 3, 2011 Author Share Posted January 3, 2011 came across an alternative approach and wanted to run it past you guys. Bunnings sells the classic DIY metal shelving. It's white and I'm guessing enamel coated, pained white in any event. The length and width are perfect for me, can you see this being an issue in the tank? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whytri Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 coated or not i think having metal under water is not good idea. best bet is use egg crate or even bread crate, just cut the outside off using a jigsaw or other appropriate tool and your set, distributes the weight out. No matter which you go just make sure you stack the rocks up carefully having rock crumble down, whether or not you have shelving or eggcrate there is still a chance of damage to the tank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CThompson Posted January 8, 2011 Share Posted January 8, 2011 What’s to stop gravel getting between egg crate and glass? With rocks on top of egg crate all weight will be directed to a little point where the gravel is wedged. Is this a problem? Is it a problem with rocks sitting directly on glass? With tank dry, use aquarium safe silicone and lay some cable worms where you want the rocks to go. Once dry put rocks on that directly, or perhaps put the egg crate on the dried worms. Problem with egg crate also is with cichlids that dig, the ugly white lattice can be potentially exposed – not a good look. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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