[DEE]

Hey all,

Okay after a year of research I've taken the plunge. My 55 gallon finally has saltwater in it. Okay here's my question - I just bought some base rock and I'm going to be ordering my live rock as soon as my temp and salt levels are stable. Can I place the base rock directly on the bottom of the tank or do I need to use pvc to elevate it. I'll be using about 4 inches of southdown (this tank will be a strictly fish and liverock - no corals ). I'm worried about dead spots. What does everyone suggest?

~DEE~

[This message has been edited by DEE (edited 05-31-2001).]

[Rin]

Ditto on the use of supports. It'll also keep the sand underneath the rocks open for good microfauna developement.

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-Todd
'There're only 3 types of people in the world: Those who can count and those who can't'

[Bughead]

When I increased the sandbed in my existing tank, and added more rock, I placed it on PVC. I'm glad I did. It is much more stable, and the base rocks don't sink into the sand.

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If it's broke, don't fix it---hide it.

[tomt]

I agree with the use of pvc pipping to hold the rock.Over time the rocks will dig down into the DSB, especially with critters who dig! jawfish too-wow they can dig! Good Luck

[DEE]

Thanks all I guess I'll be going with the pvc. I've read so many different opinions I just wanted to make sure. Okay so I'm going to place the supports in then the sand? - then the rock? Or do I place the rock then the sand?

~DEE~

[This message has been edited by DEE (edited 06-01-2001).]

[tendar]

place the sand in first the pvc stands and then the rock. You will more than likly have to move some of the pvc around to get the rocks to sit the way you want. The sna d forst to help keep the pvc stable.

[brown trout]

pvc is a great idea, but beware of all the deadspots it will create. Water will sit stagnant inside the pipes unless you rig a powerhead to run through there. This might save you some headache in the future. Good luck.

[BLUESMAN]

Something I did to all 4 of my tanks was to use 2" PVC x 4" high spaced about 6"apart and used zip ties to attach to eggcrate(light reflectors).I drilled 6-1/2" holes in each one of the PVC legs.BLUESMAN

[organicreefer]

the only reason to use pvc would be to elevate the rock structure above the sand or to raise youre live rock that you dont want to bury thats why you use base rock myself i used all live rock and place it on the bottom then added sand i would lay the base add sand and then add live rock to cure