Rock Wall

LFCBVB · Feb 17, 2020

I always hear about people referring to the rock wall as the common go-to aquas-cape design. I also hear often that this is bad as it can cause dead spots and algae build up in places harder to get to for cleaning.

Is it really that bad?

Bryce M. · Feb 17, 2020

I can see how it can, never tried it but I assume some spots would get no flow unless you had a small pump in that spot helping

Waters · Feb 21, 2020

If you can get a lot of flow behind it, it is fine. The issues is that the wall sits against (or very close to) the back glass which allows a build up of detritus, leftover food, etc.

MattDaReefer · Feb 21, 2020

I have built my aqua- scape starting about the middle of the tank and built it up and back as I built. End result was kinda of a ridge type with plent of openings for flow and fishes alike. There are several spots where the lights can actually be seen thru the rocks. Also a good cleaner grew will help keep uneaten foods at bay.

bjc451 · Feb 21, 2020

Same rocks, same tank. 1st time I had a rock wall that went up high in the tank. 2nd time I did open islands and not as tall. I am able to get a magnet all the way around and can siphon my entire sand bed except for where the rocks sit

Reef-junky · Feb 21, 2020

First what do you mean by rock wall? If you are talking about a 3D rock wall then it’s fine. A lot of people have used them. If your talking about just piling rock close to the back of the tank then that’s a problem.