Is the flat on bottom foundation rock a must?

[CincyReefer07]

Just wondering how many of you do and or don’t use the foundation rock that is cut perfectly flat on the bottom to use as a bottom layer to stack your scape up on top of. In my 29 gallon and 75 gallon I never did, and at the time I did those never knew of that rock in the first place. I’m going to be doing my 310 gallon with ocean direct live sand and had people say I need to buy foundation rock to build my scape off of

What are your guys opinions of the need to use the foundation rock? Obviously there aren’t really any wrong answers. It’s a 310 planet aquarium I’m doing the aquascape in. Attached is a picture of my tank and a first attempt at trying to decide how I want the scape to look for my mixed reef

 

[blaxsun]

I never did with mine, either. I just have 3 large slabs of Marco shelf rock that form the core of my aquascape, and the I have various islands (etc.) just resting in the sand bed.

 

[Crabby48]

My thought on flat bottom rock is don’t use it if not needed. Makes it hard for cleanup crew to get under it so I think it’s a great place for waste to settle. I try and keep rock off the bottom.

 

[Mr.OK]

little off topic, did you build that stand, its looks sharp, or did you buy it from somewhere.....

 

[SashimiTurtle]

Ive never used the flat rocks. The last couple tanks I've used Caribsea Shapes. I place my rock first and make sure it's stable, then fill sand in around it. Sand shifts and id rather not have my rock sitting on something that can erode out from under it. Like building a house without a solid foundation.

 

[CincyReefer07]

little off topic, did you build that stand, its looks sharp, or did you buy it from somewhere.....

Thanks! I built it. Made it out of 2x6’s and 4x4’s mostly, the doors were are pieces of frosted acrylic from Home Depot screwed into the backside of the door trim. If you click on my build thread icon near my name it’ll take you to my build thread where I should have several pics of it when I was in the process of building it.

 

[bnord]

Ditto on hte stand -
i use flatbottom when i have it and the build calls for it but also have plenty of examples where pistol shrimp, jawfish etc have appreciated a base rock with room to move under it. So use it if you got it - your scape looks very fish friendly. - like it

 

[Waters]

I use flat bottom rocks only when the scape is using a lot of "branches" or overhangs that need a solid foundation (like a lot of the NSA scapes). My current build has three small flat bottom rocks, but those are the only points that touch the bottom.

 

[Koh23]

Used it, simply because i have it...

Not necessary, all u need if few flat points that rock stay stable and dont sway....