Rock leaning on glass

Deezill · Jul 24, 2019

Hello R2R,
I have a question. Do you guys let your live rock or whatever type of rock you use for scapping lean or lay on the back glass? Or any part of the glass for that matter?
I am trying to see how I am going to do my new aquascape. My second question is can someone link me a site where I can find the acrylic rods to hold the rock together?
Thanks you guys are awesome.

SPR1968 · Jul 24, 2019

I have some that leans or touches the rear glass, which won’t move, but the sides and front are all clear so you can clean around them.

I also keep the rear glass clean, but there are parts I can’t reach and you can’t really notice because it’s hidden.

My live rock is just locked together without support, infact most isn’t glued apart from a high bit that made me a little nervous. The bottom was locked into place with sand around it and is straight onto the glass.

Deezill · Jul 24, 2019

So let me ask. Does leaning rock on glass cause algae?

Waters · Jul 25, 2019

It doesn't cause algae, but it makes it more difficult to keep it nice looking. There are a couple of reasons I keep my rock away from the glass....not being able to keep the glass clean and water movement around the entire rock structure.

Paul B · Jul 25, 2019

I do not, but only because I want the fish swimming back there, it won't hurt anything.

Deezill · Jul 25, 2019

Waters said:
It doesn't cause algae, but it makes it more difficult to keep it nice looking. There are a couple of reasons I keep my rock away from the glass....not being able to keep the glass clean and water movement around the entire rock structure.

This was the scale tipper for me. Thanks. I know now I don't want any of my scape leaning on the glass. water movement is very important to me.

Deezill · Jul 25, 2019

Paul B said:
I do not, but only because I want the fish swimming back there, it won't hurt anything.

I like the idea of fish being able to swim behind the rocks also. THanks you for the reminder

hart24601 · Jul 25, 2019

I used to stack rock against the rear glass when I was starting out, however now I avoid it. I find the waterflow is much better around the tank with less detritus that I can't reach plus extra swimming space. Of course if someone likes that look you can sure make it work, but it seems when you see the rock stacked against the glass it's generally someone’s early aquascaping in the hobby.

Fish Fan · Jul 29, 2019

hart24601 said:
I used to stack rock against the rear glass when I was starting out, however now I avoid it. I find the waterflow is much better around the tank with less detritus that I can't reach plus extra swimming space. Of course if someone likes that look you can sure make it work, but it seems when you see the rock stacked against the glass it's generally someone’s early aquascaping in the hobby.

Hi! I'm sorry to interject, but would you say that this advice holds true for smaller nano aquariums as well? Specifically, I'm trying to 'scape an IM Nuvo Fusion 10 gallon, and am struggling with whether or not to have the rock touching the back panel at all.

Thank you for your help!

-Fish Fan

hart24601 · Jul 29, 2019

Fish Fan said:
Hi! I'm sorry to interject, but would you say that this advice holds true for smaller nano aquariums as well? Specifically, I'm trying to 'scape an IM Nuvo Fusion 10 gallon, and am struggling with whether or not to have the rock touching the back panel at all.

Thank you for your help!

-Fish Fan

I have had a few nano and even pico tanks and imo it’s even more important there because detritus builds up and impacts those little tanks a lot and flow is an issue so being out from the rock helps.