So, it occurred to me as I was struggling to remove the old coralline from this tank that for lack of less appropriate, but more fitting language, will be problematic.
I've never done a scape on a tank this size, or with nearly as much rock. Looking at having about 200-230lbs of rock, give or take, but here's where my problems start, from what I believe will be least to most problematic. Looking for possible tips, suggestions or solutions to how I may go about this project. Odds are it will also be just me working on this thing alone.
I need a ladder to access the top of the tank. Between the stand and tank itself, the top is just over 6 feet. For various reasons I can't do a lower stand.
The space between the ceiling and top of the tank is 23".
The tank is 30" deep, from the top I can barely touch the bottom of the tank with a fully outstretched arm.
The tank is braced around the edge and two middle braces, leaving me three 14x24" openings to work through. This by far seems like it would be the biggest hurdle to tackle.
Beyond that, what about aquascaping with live rock? I'll be using about a 50/50 mix of live and dry. I intend to do most of the work before I add the saltwater, just to make it a little easier, but am concerned with the time it may take, killing all the bugs and other critters living in the rock.
Sticking rocks together. I'm thinking epoxy this time. I don't trust the rocks not to shift over time, and as mentioned, it will be a huge pain to do any overhauls should there be a collapse. What's a good one to use?
What about sand? I'm using about 80lbs of black sand. Should I place the base rocks and then add the sand around it, or place the rocks on top of the sand? In my current tank, I did the latter, but I have since read that it's not recommended to do it that way. I'm guessing detritus buildup/stability issues?
My intention is to also build an aquascape that is more so fish friendly than visually pleasing. Maximizing caves and hiding holes as many of my planned fish are cave dwellers. Potentially including a couple pvc pipes for my eel.
I've never done a scape on a tank this size, or with nearly as much rock. Looking at having about 200-230lbs of rock, give or take, but here's where my problems start, from what I believe will be least to most problematic. Looking for possible tips, suggestions or solutions to how I may go about this project. Odds are it will also be just me working on this thing alone.
I need a ladder to access the top of the tank. Between the stand and tank itself, the top is just over 6 feet. For various reasons I can't do a lower stand.
The space between the ceiling and top of the tank is 23".
The tank is 30" deep, from the top I can barely touch the bottom of the tank with a fully outstretched arm.
The tank is braced around the edge and two middle braces, leaving me three 14x24" openings to work through. This by far seems like it would be the biggest hurdle to tackle.
Beyond that, what about aquascaping with live rock? I'll be using about a 50/50 mix of live and dry. I intend to do most of the work before I add the saltwater, just to make it a little easier, but am concerned with the time it may take, killing all the bugs and other critters living in the rock.
Sticking rocks together. I'm thinking epoxy this time. I don't trust the rocks not to shift over time, and as mentioned, it will be a huge pain to do any overhauls should there be a collapse. What's a good one to use?
What about sand? I'm using about 80lbs of black sand. Should I place the base rocks and then add the sand around it, or place the rocks on top of the sand? In my current tank, I did the latter, but I have since read that it's not recommended to do it that way. I'm guessing detritus buildup/stability issues?
My intention is to also build an aquascape that is more so fish friendly than visually pleasing. Maximizing caves and hiding holes as many of my planned fish are cave dwellers. Potentially including a couple pvc pipes for my eel.