Aquascaping with massive rock help

[arking_mark]

Looking from some help. I saved a massive rock from my old 180 AGA and have some questions as I'm looking to use in in my new 525xl build.

In my old tank it was flat and raised up on some rocks.

One concern I have, is that by angling this rock, I am concerned that if it ever fell back...it would crack my tank. I have Marco 400 cement and plenty of rock to attach to the back of it to stabilize. As I'm planning a deep sanded, how do I raise the whole structure safely without ruining the anesthetics?

I really like the NSA look and was planning a lot of negative space for the remainder of the tank. Maybe with bases as shown below. All thoughts and advice appreciated.

 

[BackToTheReef]

How much other dry rock do have? If you lay it on it's side like the 2nd photo you could actually camo it pretty well with the other rock you have laying there. Effectively using it as a base for a taller structure.

 

[arking_mark]

I was thinking of featuring that rock due to its size.

 

[Tired]

I like it how it is in the first pic. Just support it really well.

 

[arking_mark]

I have more then enough rock not to use the massive one. I could also break up the rock as well.

 

[arking_mark]

So I was planning on cementing rock to the back of it. Its a super dense rock and weighs a ton. Not like the regular reef rock. I also want to raise is so it looks like its more sitting on the sand bed then burried.

 

[arking_mark]

Also, with the steep angles, I'm worried that I've wasted a lot of good coral space.

 

[arking_mark]

What about using:

"Marco's Foundation Reef Saver Rock is the perfect base to any desirable aquascape. Each piece of foundation rock is cut flat on one side for stable placement and an architecturally sound aquascape"

Maybe two large pieces?

 

[arking_mark]

Those pieces will add like 20lbs...I'm guessing the whole structure will be 100lbs. Too crazy?

 

[DSEKULA]

Just use a flat rock to make a base for it roughly the depth of ypur sand bed. Ypu can also make it into a coral surface by placing a blob of emarco on it and then laying plastic wrap over the emarco and pressing in a frag plug (diy plug holes). They wont be as tight as ones you drill but with a little superglue they work fine. Or drill some plug holes but with a dense rock its a pain.

 

[arking_mark]

@TJDSEKULA Love the DIY plug idea. I'll have to think about the anesthetics.

Any worries about the weight?

 

[DSEKULA]

@TJDSEKULA Love the DIY plug idea. I'll have to think about the anesthetics.

Any worries about the weight?

The weight in what way? The weight on the floor or house? The full tank will weigh about 1,200lbs in water weight and probably about 350 dry tank weight, for a 1,550 lb total. If 100lbs of rock puts you over support wise you should be adding supports to begin with.
If you mean having the tank bottom glass support it i dont see issues, the tank is built for much higher water load but i do recommend being very careful placing said rock, if you drop it a impact point load could absolutely crack the bottom.
The other part i have no experience with is the things i hear about the rs tanks failing with poor stand construction. If your comfortable they fixed this (i honestly have no clue) then no worries. If they didnt id worry about the weight in general on that stand. I assume your referring to a rs 525xl at least.

 

[arking_mark]

I was thinking weight on the tank bottom where the rock makes contact. With a flat rock its distributed...

 

[Weasel1960]

Personally I like the second one but you should make sure you don’t get an air pocket inside at the high point, that will make it even more unstable. A rock or 2 in the back on the leaning side is a good plan cemented in. You may have to play with placement to get the best “3-point stance”.

 

[arking_mark]

I have a couple of those marco flat base rocks coming and will see what how that might work.

I guess the bigger question is whether a large rock like that combined with negative space aquascaping will look good.

 

[Weasel1960]

I think your plan for the big rock looks fine. I think adding to the other side a bit (not much, follow rule of thirds) would help. Check out video on Bulk Reef Supply website about negative space aquascaping

 

[arking_mark]

Oh yeah. I plan to have a lot more after the rock...but not a rock wall. More of the NSA look.

 

[arking_mark]

Ok. I'm not sure I can make this work. The Marco base rock with a flat bottom came in. I got a large and a medium. I definitely couldn't make it work with the large. The medium seems to fit but I will end up with an unstable structure. So I need more rock to prop it up.

Without additional rock, this thing weighs 58lbs. Once the other rock is attached, we are talking over 80lbs. Just the logistics of moving and placing such a heavy peice seems like it may not be worth the effort.

Any advice on making this work?

 

[arking_mark]

Really looking for some constructive feedback. Long story short, I was able to mount the large rock. Here is what I came up with...

 

[arking_mark]

Well...moved things around a little and here is the final... I'm not sure I achieved that NSA I was going for, but like where it ended up going.