I'm posting this thread regarding an LR support structure that I built inside my 90 gallon. I've found sketchy info on it in various threads, so hopefully this thread can add a more comprehensive approach that others can follow without too much additional research.
BACKGROUND:
I built the structure to support the 100 lbs of LR in my 90 gallon to guard against rock slides and to increase circulation. Although only a monthly old, I'm seeing huge benefits already:
- It created a much bigger rock wall -- covering most of the view to the back of the tank
- It created more spaces, caves, and maintained lots of open swimming area
- I have excellent circulation and water movement through, around, and behind the rocks
- Much less risk of falling rock, which was a problem with my natural stacking of rocks before
- Overall -- it looks much better that the natural stack / structure I had before
I wasn't concerned about getting rock of the DSB, but that kind of happened anyway. The structure is about 30 inches long and 18 inches tall. I don't have complete coverage of the pipe yet, but I've got 90%. Once the corraline algae grows over it, it won't be as obvious. See my photo gallery.
HERE'S WHAT I DID:
SUPPLIES: 12' of 1/2" PVC pipe, various 'T' and 'L' 1/2" PVC fittings, 4 or more 2" PVC coupling fittings, PVC primer and cement, a bag of 6 inch plastic ties, a masonry drill bit that will make holes big enought to pass the ties through, and a regular 3/8" drill bit. All this stuff will probably cost you $25 at Home Depot. You will need more or less pipe based on the size of your tank and design of your structure.
DESIGN THE STRUCTURE: Mine has a bottom and mid-level shelf with a tall back. And vertical supports. See my gallery. I used the larger PVC couplings to set in the DSB and rest the structure on it for increased stability. Don't make it so big that you can't fit it into the tank -- beware the top frame of the tank!! Consider designing multiple, smaller structures.
BUILD IT: Measure, cut (almost any saw will do with PVC), and assemble to your specs. I recommend you assemble once without glue just to make sure everything is fitting together as planned. After gluing I let mine sit overnight just to be sure the cement had cured properly. Drill a bunch of holes in it so that it will sink and so that you have plenty of places for the ties -- the holes will better for securing the rock rather than just looping the ties around the pipe.
INSTALL IT: Set the completed structure(s) in the tank on top of the large PVC couplings that are stabilized by the DSB. Start attaching LR -- try to find natural holes in the LR or drill holes with the masonry drill bit. Arrange and set the rock trying to conceal as much of the structure as possible. Attach with the plastic ties -- pull tight and trim excess. Some LR may sit firmly on top of the shelves without ties.
CIRCULATION: Consider putting a powerhead behind the structure or inside of it to maximize circulation. You could also install a power head that pumps directly into the pipe. This will circulate water through the pipes and out the various holds to increase water circulation further.
My project is only 1 month old, so I can't attest to it's long-term viability. But I'm obviously very pleased with it.
BACKGROUND:
I built the structure to support the 100 lbs of LR in my 90 gallon to guard against rock slides and to increase circulation. Although only a monthly old, I'm seeing huge benefits already:
- It created a much bigger rock wall -- covering most of the view to the back of the tank
- It created more spaces, caves, and maintained lots of open swimming area
- I have excellent circulation and water movement through, around, and behind the rocks
- Much less risk of falling rock, which was a problem with my natural stacking of rocks before
- Overall -- it looks much better that the natural stack / structure I had before
I wasn't concerned about getting rock of the DSB, but that kind of happened anyway. The structure is about 30 inches long and 18 inches tall. I don't have complete coverage of the pipe yet, but I've got 90%. Once the corraline algae grows over it, it won't be as obvious. See my photo gallery.
HERE'S WHAT I DID:
SUPPLIES: 12' of 1/2" PVC pipe, various 'T' and 'L' 1/2" PVC fittings, 4 or more 2" PVC coupling fittings, PVC primer and cement, a bag of 6 inch plastic ties, a masonry drill bit that will make holes big enought to pass the ties through, and a regular 3/8" drill bit. All this stuff will probably cost you $25 at Home Depot. You will need more or less pipe based on the size of your tank and design of your structure.
DESIGN THE STRUCTURE: Mine has a bottom and mid-level shelf with a tall back. And vertical supports. See my gallery. I used the larger PVC couplings to set in the DSB and rest the structure on it for increased stability. Don't make it so big that you can't fit it into the tank -- beware the top frame of the tank!! Consider designing multiple, smaller structures.
BUILD IT: Measure, cut (almost any saw will do with PVC), and assemble to your specs. I recommend you assemble once without glue just to make sure everything is fitting together as planned. After gluing I let mine sit overnight just to be sure the cement had cured properly. Drill a bunch of holes in it so that it will sink and so that you have plenty of places for the ties -- the holes will better for securing the rock rather than just looping the ties around the pipe.
INSTALL IT: Set the completed structure(s) in the tank on top of the large PVC couplings that are stabilized by the DSB. Start attaching LR -- try to find natural holes in the LR or drill holes with the masonry drill bit. Arrange and set the rock trying to conceal as much of the structure as possible. Attach with the plastic ties -- pull tight and trim excess. Some LR may sit firmly on top of the shelves without ties.
CIRCULATION: Consider putting a powerhead behind the structure or inside of it to maximize circulation. You could also install a power head that pumps directly into the pipe. This will circulate water through the pipes and out the various holds to increase water circulation further.
My project is only 1 month old, so I can't attest to it's long-term viability. But I'm obviously very pleased with it.
