Substrate or Rock - Which comes first?

[jdm01]

I am setting up my 90 gallon. I just about have all the plumbing connected. I am getting ready to add water. I have heard it is best to at least get the base rock down and then add the substrate. I am told this keeps the fish from digging underneath the rock and destabilizing the structure. True or False?

 

[jdm01]

Re: Substrate or Rock - Which comes first?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6956684#post6956684 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jdm01
I am setting up my 90 gallon. I just about have all the plumbing connected. I am getting ready to add water. I have heard it is best to at least get the base rock down and then add the substrate. I am told this keeps the fish from digging underneath the rock and destabilizing the structure. True or False?

 

[doox00]

I added the substrate first (only did a shallow bed, about 1.5") I then added water (not all the way full as the rock will take up some room) then I finally added the rock.

 

[stewie24]

It depends if the rock us cured or uncured. If it it uncured, you might want to think about putting the rocks in the tank bare bottomed while it cycles. When the cycle is over, take the rocks out, do a large water change, add the sand, then put the rocks back in.
The barebottom helps you suck the crap that dies/falls of the rocks better.
If the rock is cycled and ready to go, then by all means, put some base rock down first, then sand, then the rest of the rocks.

Stewie

 

[mikenpam]

I would place the rock in first and then add the substrate for the reason you mentioned.

 

[Alaskan Reefer]

Generally I'd say the rock needs to be on the bottom or on stands of some type that are on the bottom.