Looking for some opinions on PVC rock risers
- Thread starter mike660r
- Start date
imcosmokramer
New member
Hi Mike,
I did this in my reef tank about six years ago. I can't verify if it works(no dead spots) but the logic makes sense. My rocks are not off of the sand bed but just meet the sandbed. I don't think it will hurt if you do this and it does seem to stabilize the rocks that rest on the PVC supports.
Dave
I did this in my reef tank about six years ago. I can't verify if it works(no dead spots) but the logic makes sense. My rocks are not off of the sand bed but just meet the sandbed. I don't think it will hurt if you do this and it does seem to stabilize the rocks that rest on the PVC supports.
Dave
serpentman
part time superhero
I tried to do this with my current system. I have to admit, I lost patience and pulled them. In the long run however, I think its a good idea as it increases the area of aerobic sand layers.
mike660r
New member
I intend to join some of rock with zip ties or nylon rod. I think I can make the base of my rock work a little more stable to sit on the PVC feet that way. I had a really good and open flow design laid out on my garage floor Saturday. I hope I can do it again. My rock has a little odor to it so once it comes in I have to get it in the water ASAP or the house is going to need a lot of poupperi (sp)
jdieck
New member
If you do it use larger diameter PVC than 1", I used 2" and 1-1/2"
The second trick is that they have to be cut square. As it is dificult to do I used couplings rather than cutting pipe but that calls for a deep sand bed to cover them.
The third tip is to use larger live rock for the bottom.
Finally, perforate the sides to prevent stagnation inside and
use three for each rock.
They will be more stable after adding the sand.
The second trick is that they have to be cut square. As it is dificult to do I used couplings rather than cutting pipe but that calls for a deep sand bed to cover them.
The third tip is to use larger live rock for the bottom.
Finally, perforate the sides to prevent stagnation inside and
use three for each rock.
They will be more stable after adding the sand.
mike660r
New member
Hey Eddie,
I see what you are talking about. I have enough large pieces of rock to get the vertical rises without it. I am just concerned about leaving the rock in the sand. I had some nasty black spots under my rock in my 180 when I pulled it out. Plus, the sand seemed to harden up and start to reform like rock. I want to keep that from happening again. I think I had some other factors such as super high calcium that may have played into the solidifcation of the sand too.
I see what you are talking about. I have enough large pieces of rock to get the vertical rises without it. I am just concerned about leaving the rock in the sand. I had some nasty black spots under my rock in my 180 when I pulled it out. Plus, the sand seemed to harden up and start to reform like rock. I want to keep that from happening again. I think I had some other factors such as super high calcium that may have played into the solidifcation of the sand too.
serpentman
part time superhero
I am having the same issues in my tank. Not sure if its due to calcium/alk issues. I've done some reading on it and it seems the jury is still out. Some have implicated bacteria in the sand which causes localized low pH on each grain of sand that ends up welding them together.
markviiisvt4
New member
I sorta wish i would have done it. I've got 3 gobys and 2 pistol shrimp. I had to adjust my rock 3 times so far to keep things stable. Little suckers can really dig some holes.
