How should I set up my live Rock in Tank?

Question

How should i set up my live rocks in my tank. Is there a special structure or basic plan i should follow for the best results?

Answer 1

You should try and provide the maximum space between the pieces of live rock so that water can flow through it easily. Even though "we" like to see all the cool organisms on it and provide places for the fish to hide or swim through, keep in mind that the purpose for using it is to provide a biological filter. The bacteria that live on the rock are what convert the ammonia and nitrite to nitrate so the organisms you keep have better water quality, so you want to keep as much of the rock surface as possible open to the water.

Wgat you want as an end result isn't a solid pile like stacked bricks but an open support, like a pile of marbles - each marble is supported by those beneath it, yet there are "holes" along all sides. I try to think in terms of threes - each rock is supported by three points from below, and becomes one of three supports for any rocks above it. Using "threes" gives you the most stable support - any more or less and a piece is likely to "wobble" if weight is put on it in the wrong place.

You can start by placing pieces on the bottom, or use three small tubes of PVC to raise it off the bottom: http://saltaquarium.about.com/od/liverockberlinsetups/qt/qt_raiserocksup.htm This gives and sand sifters or burrowers extra space, but you don't want to put the rock on top of the sand - if anything digs in the substrate under the rock, it could shift and the whole pile topple. So make sure your base is stable before adding more layers. It takes some trial and error to make pieces fit so you get the "best sides" where you can see them, and have each piece fit with the others around it.

Also keep in mind cleaning. You can rest pieces against the glass, but then cleaning around them might be impossible. Consider if you'll be able to live with algae that will grow on the back and sides of the tank near (or under) pieces of rock where you'll be able to see it. If you want the glass to be clean, you might want to keep the rock away from the glass and make a semicircular arrangement about 2" in from the glass.

There are not strict "arrangements" though. Just keep in mind flow and stability. There's an epoxy (http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem.aspx?idproduct=AS4711 ) you can buy to secure pieces together if needed, but don't connect too many pieces - at some point you may decide to move to another tank size, or may need to catch a fish for isolation or medical treatment, and have to move the rocks around!

Some examples of rock designs: http://saltaquarium.about.com/od/liverockberlinsetups/qt/qt_raiserocksup.htm
http://www.ratemyfishtank.com/enlarge.php/4479
http://www.ratemyfishtank.com/enlarge.php/10380

Answer 2

it depends mostly on the number and kinds of fish and coral (if any) you should have a nook each fish and a shelf for each coral. lots of fish enjoy caves (squirrelfish, certain damsels, cardinals, etc,) so little over hanging area are good to have and some tunnel under rocks (gobies, jawfish, firefish, etc,) so put the on the bottom glass then add the sand to make sure the rock doesn't fall buring burrowing. and still other fish are just open water fish that will just swim wherever (clowns, tangs, damsels, etc,)
just add alot of variety and nooks and crannies for fish to set up territories.

Answer 3

The approximate quantity of liverock you will opt for is 1lb according to gallon, so approximately 75lbs of liverock (and that i say that on the least) filtration for a saltwater tank isn't as neccesary, yet you opt for water circulation, as you do no longer opt for any ineffective spots on your tank (as which will reason your rock to die). so which you prefer to take a place in some good powerjets for that. As for a clam you opt for severe intensity halide lights for something like that. commonplace flourscent lights or screw in bulbs won't artwork. paying for: hydrometer, salt, liverock, powerjets, lights, heater, etc...

Answer 4

I dont think theres any right way or wrong way just the way you like it! :] Whatever suits you is fine for your fishes!! Good luck with your tank and live rock setting up :]

Answer 5

in a saltwater tank???
Make sure there is lots of holes for water to flow through.
Other than that, set it up the way it looks best to you.