Layout help

[hopperjl16]

Ok originally I really liked my layout with my 2 live rocks in my biocube 29. I was told by the LFS that should keep things spaced apart and away from the tank wall so I could thoroughly clean the tank. Here's a pic of what I have now (front and side view):

There's a good few inches on all sides of each rock. But as I'm browsing pics of biocubes, it seems like most people have their rock stacked towards the back creating multiple levels and caves with "free space" in front of the rock. Is it more beneficial to have it that way? Definitely seems like it would give me more options for coral placement and caves for my critters to hide. And it's definitely more aesthetically pleasing. But I'm not going to be able to clean around the rock well. Should I push these rocks back and add a couple more to create more of a "wall" with caves in the back? If so how do you all clean around them?

Thanks!

 

[Humblefish]

I would put a rock on top, create a bridge in-between the two rocks.

 

[melypr1985]

^^^ good idea. I'm a fan of bridges in aquascapes. Remember too, that you will buy corals that have rock attached to them as well and can build up a little with those. In a small tank like this, it's easy to end up with a lot of rock and not much room. Of course that's if you dont just buy frags with plugs like I tend to do

 

[hopperjl16]

A bridge was kinda what I was thinking too, along with pushing the rocks back to the wall. Do u guys just not clean in the tight spaces between the rocks?

 

[Chrisfish]

A bridge will look nice. I use a turkey baster to blow off the rock when I am getting ready to do my water changes, that really helps. Your tank is looking really nice.

 

[hopperjl16]

Another silly question, do you "glue" the rocks together to make a bridge or just wedge them in a formation that's stable?

 

[redfishbluefish]

Here are your options....and my opinion.

1. Thorite concrete. Works great, but very pricey, expecially for just a few pieces of rock. If you were doing a large tank rock work, this might be your choice.

2. Epoxy putty. For the few pieces, I believe this is a great option. I use Rectorseal that you can find at your local HD for about $4 (for 2 oz). But any epoxy putty would work.

I use to use Oatey epoxy....you got twice as much....but HD in my area no longer carries it. You can also buy epoxy putty at your LFS....but mucho bucks. If you're an Amazon nut (like me), check them out too.

3. Plastic rods - for extra strength. This last option is to help hold the piece and add extra strength. It could be used with the concrete or epoxy option. You can purchase plastic rod, but I simply use plastic clothes hangers...we have so many and my wife doesn't even know one or two are missing. I simply cut these into 2 - 3 inch lengths. Using a masonary bit...I use a 3/8 bit, which it too big, but the fit doesn't have to be tight....drill a hole in each of the two pieces of rock you wish to join. Use the rod to align and hold the pieces together. Put a little epoxy in the holes if you wish, and use more on the adjoining surfaces to hold it together.

Don't be concerned about the dark grey look of the epoxy and the whitish to light grey rock. Coralline algae will cover this, and in a couple months, it won't be noticeable.

Hope this helps.

EDIT TO ADD:

Just found the 4 oz Rectorseal on Amazon for $6.....HERE. If you have Prime, this is a deal!

 

[dewboy1127]

I wouldn't put them against the wall you want to allow flow all around your corals and rock work to keep everything free n clean of debri and have no dead spots for flow in tank ...your intial setup is nice and once corals are placed and grow i think would find that works out ver nicely ...best of luck to you