Rocks First, or Sand First

[PaulPerger]

I am going to be setting up my first SW tank in the near future and I have been watching several videos and looking at many tanks for inspiration etc...

I have had many FW tanks in the past and have always layed my substrate first, but that is because plants need something to go into. The one time I put a large piece of driftwood I put it in first because it had an ugly slate stand that I covered with substrate.

It seems to me be much more logical to place rockwork first and then the sand, but I have seen many videos where rocks were added after the sand, and where sand was actually used to "place" a rock as desired. This seems to me to be a recipe for a potential collapse of the rock structure.

Is there a reason to put sand down first? Or is it purely a personal preference for some folks? Are there advantages to sand first that I am unaware of? I believe stability is an argument for rocks first, but maybe I am completely wrong... Someone please educate me!!

 

[James M]

It’s mostly personal preference but it is safer to put rock then sand. If you placed the rock on top of the sand and there was a shift the rockwork could have a possibility of collapsing

 

[s.katyarmal]

Short answer is rock first.

 

[Waters]

I really don't think it matters either way. I have set tanks up both ways......the only reason people say rock first is for stability but if you build your structure correctly, it won't matter. How about this......rock first, and sand not at all !

 

[cracker]

I usually use a pedestal of sorts to lift my rock above the sand anyway .So rock 1st.

 

[Idoc]

Rock first for the exact reasons you list.

 

[MrsBugmaster]

yep, rock first. Sand burrowing creatures can cause rock to fall or collapse if rock is sitting on the sand

 

[PaulPerger]

Well... Rock First it is going to be! I figured it was best and honestly I have been shocked to see videos showing sand going in first, but since I did, I figured I would ask.

yep, rock first. Sand burrowing creatures can cause rock to fall or collapse if rock is sitting on the sand

Just saw your signature line... I am sorry for your loss, but very grateful for your child's service.

 

[MrsBugmaster]

Just saw your signature line... I am sorry for your loss, but very grateful for your child's service.[/QUOTE]

Thank you

 

[Westernks reefer]

Yea definitely you rock first I know a guy who put sand first and his diamond watchmen goby made the rock work collapse if your glueing the rocks together where there is no concern for toppling over I don’t think it would matter