PVC Pipe for aquascape
- Thread starter Micki
- Start date
polcat_4u
New member
PVC works fine, consider a rack (shelf) out of PVC, drill a bunch of holes in it, then attach it to your return line. Instant flow throughout the aquascape.
Are you putting in a DSB? If so, you could have the rock elevated above the sand. This allows flow under the rock and keeps detritus from building up and helps prevent the possible calcification of the sand under the rock. However, if you only elevate the rock and point high flow returns at it you will get sand storms. A pvc rack with holes gives the best of both worlds.
Since you are going room divider ,make the rack narrow and long, about 4-5" tall. Add sand, then stack the larger pieces on the bottom of the rack and build up from there. Some folks actually drill holes in the rock and plastic tie it to the rack. I've seen some with multiple level shelfs that look pretty good.
Personally I put the large rock on the bottom of the rack and epoxy the smaller pieces as I build up the aquascape. Not all the rocks, just the structural strategic ones.
There is a thread here about an acrylic shelf and it also looks real good.
I'll post some pictures of mine along with that roll out light fixture tonight.
Are you putting in a DSB? If so, you could have the rock elevated above the sand. This allows flow under the rock and keeps detritus from building up and helps prevent the possible calcification of the sand under the rock. However, if you only elevate the rock and point high flow returns at it you will get sand storms. A pvc rack with holes gives the best of both worlds.
Since you are going room divider ,make the rack narrow and long, about 4-5" tall. Add sand, then stack the larger pieces on the bottom of the rack and build up from there. Some folks actually drill holes in the rock and plastic tie it to the rack. I've seen some with multiple level shelfs that look pretty good.
Personally I put the large rock on the bottom of the rack and epoxy the smaller pieces as I build up the aquascape. Not all the rocks, just the structural strategic ones.
There is a thread here about an acrylic shelf and it also looks real good.
I'll post some pictures of mine along with that roll out light fixture tonight.
Toddrtrex
Premium Member
Here is some pics. of the shelf (PVC) that I made on Sunday.
This one is a side view ( have to lean over a little table that has fish stuff on) My LemonPeel and Purple Tang stopped by to have their picture taken.
This shot gives a better view of how the shelf looks, btw this is really the only angle that you can see the PVC.
Lastly this is the front right side of the tank. Where the BTA is is about where the shelf ends. There is one spot where the PVC can be seen. THis should get cover up with coraline soon enough.
This one is a side view ( have to lean over a little table that has fish stuff on) My LemonPeel and Purple Tang stopped by to have their picture taken.
This shot gives a better view of how the shelf looks, btw this is really the only angle that you can see the PVC.
Lastly this is the front right side of the tank. Where the BTA is is about where the shelf ends. There is one spot where the PVC can be seen. THis should get cover up with coraline soon enough.
Toddrtrex
Premium Member
Thanks Micki - overall it turned out better than I expected. The only issue I am having right now is that one of my BTAs has moved a bit to close to my Haddoni, hopefully the BTA will move again ( or I will re-arrange the rock it is attached to ) I had made a "cove" in the rock work for the Haddoni.
Micki
Premium Member
Whoa, a blast from the past!!! I had to figure out what the heck this thread even was! 
My husband ended upi making acrylic stands. I think we have one left in the tank now. The tank will be 1 year old tomorrow! I will be adding some pictures to my 125 thread (clickl on my red house) tomorrow.
My husband ended upi making acrylic stands. I think we have one left in the tank now. The tank will be 1 year old tomorrow! I will be adding some pictures to my 125 thread (clickl on my red house) tomorrow.
rdmpe
New member
You could use a pvc base buried under the sand with a vertical pipe coming up to attach the rock to for stability. I did something like that only my vertical pvc pipes are part of my closed loop.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=6698681#post6698681
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=6698681#post6698681
reelbadfish
New member
Not to change the subject, but does anyone know if it's safe to paint PVC? I would rather not wait fo coralline algae to cover it.
justinzimm
New member
Try using milkcrates that you can buy almost anywhere. Turn them over and cut them to the proper height (and depth). Makes a good shelf.
Justin
Justin
I made PVC racks but I have them on a closed loop powered by a big Sequence 1000. My ethos is to keep the area under the racks free of detritus so I can hav sand in the front.
An example rack:
In action with a sand test. Pump off:
Pump on:
In the tank:
Covered in rock:
Left side:
Still need a bit more rock in there but plan to start stocking in March.
An example rack:
In action with a sand test. Pump off:
Pump on:
In the tank:
Covered in rock:
Left side:
Still need a bit more rock in there but plan to start stocking in March.
Alaskan Reefer
New member
All on PVC racks, and the height varies. There are basically no rocks supporting each other's weight in my reef -- save for a few in the front. Coraline coverage is already starting just 8 weeks in, so it's not such a big deal to just wait.
