Rock in the sand or not?

[Djmike]

I've seen videos where some put their rock on a sand bed while others say its preferred to have it on the bottom of the tank and then fill in around the sand for a better seat? Is there a right/wrong way to do this or is it personal preference?
Mike

 

[njtiger aquariums]

I don't think there really a "right way" and "wrong way" of doing this. I put my rocks ontop of my sand and have not had an issue yet. Do note if you put rocks on the sand bed make sure they are stable cause fish could dig under them causing them to fall. That is a pro for putting rocks on the bottom of the tank and putting sand around it.

 

[Jimbo662]

yes, if you're going to have any type of fish that burrows or digs put the rocks on the glass or something like egg crate. regardless it's always a good idea to do that because the sand could shift from even snails moving around and cause an avalanche.

 

[reef_junkie]

I like the Styrofoam method. My tank is as follows:
Tank bottom, 1.5" Styrofoam, rock, sand layer. No matter how much anything burrows my rock will remain where I originally set it.

 

[Pruett-nc]

Rock on glass doesn't sound very good . Me personally I have my rock on the sand but I wiggled it a little to seat it . If you go the rock near the glass bottom do put and egg crate or cushion so as the rock is not grinding on glass .

 

[DracoKat]

I have my rocks on a flat sheet flourescent light cover under the sand to prevent it from sliding around and protect the glass a bit. Sand around the rocks. I didn't want any burrowing fish to get under the rocks and causing a rockslide

 

[Steve Tobias]

I never heard of Styrofoam? how long has it been in the tank?

 

[reef_junkie]

I never heard of Styrofoam? how long has it been in the tank?

8 months but it's an old technique. Definitely not a new idea at all.

 

[sawdonkey]

I go right on the glass...always have, no issues. I think that even if you set your rocks on the sand, they will eventually end up on the glass. Plus, I like to use a powerhead to blow the sand/detritus out from under my rocks now and then.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I have my rocks on a flat sheet flourescent light cover under the sand to prevent it from sliding around and protect the glass a bit. Sand around the rocks. I didn't want any burrowing fish to get under the rocks and causing a rockslide

I like this method. Egg crate works too. Mainly because I personall believe a sand bed should be a true DSB or shallow enough to clean and vacuume. Esp for less experienced reefers. Really a little cleaning goes a long way.
Me I am a DSB guy and yea my rocks are on the sand. And yea I went DSB because I had dirty sand probs.

 

[Starwar]

yes, if you're going to have any type of fish that burrows or digs put the rocks on the glass or something like egg crate. regardless it's always a good idea to do that because the sand could shift from even snails moving around and cause an avalanche.

Totally agree with putting the rocks on the glass or eggcrate. I have a Niger Trigger, and made the mistake of putting the rocks on the sand bed. Only took a week before he had tunneled under every rock and made it highly unstable.