What first sand or rock

[Palluk33]

What do you think is better place the rock on sand or glass?

 

[d2mini]

Sand first, then place your rock. But push/twist your rock down into the sand so it makes contact with the glass.
This way it will be stable and not shift later on.

 

[andyg1960]

Well, I place the rock first, if it’s against the glass it obviously can’t shift downward, then sand that will hold it in place. No issues in many years.

 

[Justfebreezeit]

When I used sand I did rock first as well.

 

[Pntbll687]

I would get get some egg crate and cut calls pieces that the rock can sit on, then sand. This way you don't scratch the glass with the right or sand.

And you want have a problem with any sand sifting critters

 

[lapin]

Rock then very very well rinsed sand

 

[Billdogg]

Rock should ALWAYS go first. Even if you push the rocks down into the sand there is no guarantee that they are actually on the glass. Any burrowing fish/snails/worms/whatever would then be able to get underneath and potentially cause a rockfall.

 

[MrObscura]

I think rock first, they're less likely to shift then.

But unless you specifically need sand for certain animals... Have you concerned bare bottom? I never thought I'd go that route but now I' don't even miss sand, it's so much easier. And bare glass is just more room for corals.

 

[Palluk33]

Looks like rock first have most votes [emoji106]

 

[PirateDan]

I put rock in first. Epoxy all rock together and then add sand. Unlike others i took 2in pvc pipe with funnel on the end poor dry sand threw pipe into tank full of water very little dust in water cleared up within 1-2 hours.

 

[Palluk33]

I think rock first, they'll less likely to shift then.

But unless you specifically need sand for certain animals... Have you concerned bare bottom? I never thought I'd go that route but now I' don't even miss sand, it's so much easier. And bare glass is just more room for corals.

My last tank have bare bottom and I love it, but i want some wrasses and they need sand I’m still debating

 

[MrObscura]

I've heard about people having success by doing just a small section of sand for wrasses.

I like wrasses so I thought if I ever do a bigger tank I'd maybe create a tray of sand surrounded by rock with corals on it so it blends in as part of the scape.

 

[d2mini]

If I was starting with dry rock and sand (i forget people do that), then I can see starting with rock first. Scaping before adding water.
But since I always start my tanks with TBS rock and sand... sand first. Always.

- There is no chance of it toppling/shifting if placed correctly like I said.
- Rock walls against the back glass are not a good idea, poor flow.
- Egg crate... never use it. No point. Just another place for detritus to collect and not allow CUC to sift through it.