DIY Rocks for new aquascape

[T Diddy]

Nope. The cleaning crew takes care of it for me. The ugly phase can get a little annoying because there is just so much surface area for stuff to grow on, but after that, it’s not a problem

 

[griss]

Do what you like

 

[JCOLE]

Nope. The cleaning crew takes care of it for me. The ugly phase can get a little annoying because there is just so much surface area for stuff to grow on, but after that, it’s not a problem

I couldn't remember. Do you butt your wall up against the glass or do you leave a gap?

 

[JCOLE]

Do what you like

Those are very dangerous words my friend.

 

[T Diddy]

Great question…the first one I did was flush with the glass. The problem is that it won’t be perfect, and you’ll likely have a small gap between the glass and egg crate scaffolding…just small enough for a curious tang/angel (tall skinny fish) to fit in there, and not be able to back out. I’ve lost a few fish like this over the years. Now, I use filter foam/mesh to stuff in the gaps.

 

[shred5]

My opinion is once coals grow in you do not see the rock. People spend to much time working about how their rocks look and not how will the corals sit and grow on them.

That said my rock does not just provide a place to put coral it is part of the denitrification cycle.

 

[JCOLE]

Great question…the first one I did was flush with the glass. The problem is that it won’t be perfect, and you’ll likely have a small gap between the glass and egg crate scaffolding…just small enough for a curious tang/angel (tall skinny fish) to fit in there, and not be able to back out. I’ve lost a few fish like this over the years. Now, I use filter foam/mesh to stuff in the gaps.

Do you silicone the back to the glass or just the tops and bottoms? I wonder if putting silicone around the whole back would help the gaps, etc. I have heard some are against that, as it can be a pain to remove down the road.

 

[JCOLE]

My opinion is once coals grow in you do not see the rock. People spend to much time working about how their rocks look and not how will the corals sit and grow on them.

That said my rock does not just provide a place to put coral it is part of the denitrification cycle.

100% agree. My focus is on the corals and their growth. I wanted a structure that had more of a flat layout to it for the corals to put a good base down. However, I do know a good rock layout can really make the tank, especially when the corals grow in.

 

[T Diddy]

Do you silicone the back to the glass or just the tops and bottoms? I wonder if putting silicone around the whole back would help the gaps, etc. I have heard some are against that, as it can be a pain to remove down the road.

I’ve never bothered with fixing the structure to the glass.

 

[JCOLE]

Round 2 complete. Now off to the Keys for a week. Should be ready to remove when I get back. I think it turned out pretty good.

 

[T Diddy]

Oh yeah, that’s going to be sweet!

 

[griss]

Where in
the Keys are you going?

 

[JCOLE]

Where in the Keys are you going?

Marathon.

 

[griss]

Marathon.

Nice, that’s where I learned to dive in the late 80’s. Have fun.

 

[JCOLE]

Nice, that’s where I learned to dive in the late 80’s. Have fun.

Thanks! That sounds like a great time. We've never been to Marathon. My wife and I went to Key West a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it. Taking the whole family now. Looking forward to it.

 

[T Diddy]

Not sure if you’re driving or flying, but it would be worth a trip to visit kp aquatics in tavernier, fl. They’re only about 45 miles away.

 

[JCOLE]

Not sure if you’re driving or flying, but it would be worth a trip to visit kp aquatics in tavernier, fl. They’re only about 45 miles away.

We are driving and testing my sanity. That is a great idea! I'll see where it's at near us and check it out.

 

[T Diddy]

It’s more of a warehouse than anything…most of Phillipe’s business is online, of course. Tell him Travis sent you

 

[T Diddy]

Plus, he’s right across the street from a Dairy Queen. The snickers Blizzard alone is worth the 45 minute drive

 

[griss]

Damn, I wish I would have known KP allows visits. We went to Key Largo just a couple years ago.