Bare Bottom: Plastic "Legs" for Live Rock

[madadium]

I'm wondering if anyone can help me find a product: I remember watching a video a while back where somebody used epoxy to attach small plastic (or silicone) "nubs" to the bottom of their live rock to protect and slightly elevated it above the bottom glass. This also prevents detritus buildup underneath.

Anyone know what they might have used? I'm hoping to do the same thing when I convert to bare bottom after a move this summer.

Starboard is not an option because my Biocube has a curved front panel and I won't be able to get the panel flush against the front side.

Thanks!

 

[Flippers4pups]

Bump

 

[JoshH]

You could simply purchase an acrylic rod and slice the "Feet" off it with a miter saw. Would be super easy to do as long as you have the tools

 

[Katrina71]

Check out @Ron Reefman 's thread. He has an elevated scape.

 

[Ron Reefman]

@madadium , I used pvc pipe for legs and egg crate for 'platforms' to keep my rock off the bottom. I did use a small amount of rubble or small rocks at the bottom to hide the front edge of the platform.

You can see the entire process in my old build thread here: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/ron-reefmans-50g-cube.409412/#post-4856266
It was mostly just a slope for the rocks to sit on.

In my new build (still in the works) I'm doing a much more serious platform design. This one is 3 sided instead of 100% side to side like the old one. And the top layer of the platform is removable so I can pull it out and easily get things that may end up getting dropped under the rocks and egg crate platform. This was a big issue with the old design. I did a quick 'sample' rockscape in a dry tank to see the look. You can see as far as I've gotten here: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/ron-reefmans-new-90g-build.636706/#post-6344998

But I think you are looking for a cleaner look with just 'feet' under the bottom rocks, right?

I'd consider drilling small holes in the bottom of the rocks and inserting fiberglass or plastic rods that can be cut short and set the rock up off the glass bottom. I used clear adjuster rods from mini blinds that people hang in their windows. They are strong enough and easy to cut.

I'd like to see what you end up doing. And if you have any questions, just ask here or send my a PM.

 

[madadium]

Thanks so much for your info @Ron Reefman , lots of information to work with there. Based on your pictures your method looks great.

I came up with another idea last night.. I have used AquaMaxx Reef Welder plastic before and found that it didn't stick my liverock together as rigid as I wanted it too. However I think that as a base to balance rocks on it will work wonderfully. It will mold to the shape of the rock on one side and create a flat base against the glass on the other. If I can support each bottom rock with a big enough mass I can hold it ~0.5" off the glass without worrying about glass damage or detritus buildup. Coralline growth or rubble can hide the visible glue-looking legs.

I'm planning this for this summer after a move so I will update here with whatever I decide!

 

[BeejReef]

Thanks so much for your info @Ron Reefman , lots of information to work with there. Based on your pictures your method looks great.

I came up with another idea last night.. I have used AquaMaxx Reef Welder plastic before and found that it didn't stick my liverock together as rigid as I wanted it too. However I think that as a base to balance rocks on it will work wonderfully. It will mold to the shape of the rock on one side and create a flat base against the glass on the other. If I can support each bottom rock with a big enough mass I can hold it ~0.5" off the glass without worrying about glass damage or detritus buildup. Coralline growth or rubble can hide the visible glue-looking legs.

I'm planning this for this summer after a move so I will update here with whatever I decide!

Cool idea!