Does this setup sound like it will work? I’m planning to build three aquascape structures—two larger ones and a third that forms an arch starting at the bottom and leaning into one of the larger structures. At each point where the rock touches the tank bottom, I’ll drill a hole and insert a PETG base plate with an upright rod.
Once everything is aligned in the tank, I’ll remove the structures, leaving the base plates in place. I’ll then fill the bottom of the tank with sand, covering the plates entirely. After that, I can slide the rock structures back onto the rods. This should provide stability, allow for easy removal and repositioning, and keep the rock elevated so it doesn’t sit directly on the glass.
Does anyone see any potential issues with this approach?
Note - the last picture is an idea of the two larger structures, they’re not done by any means to be clear. Oh and the cap on the right structure will not be glued down, at least that is the plan. This way I can take it off and easily access inside if I don’t want to take it out. That may become difficult with coral on there eventually, but in that case I could just remove the structure as planned anyways. I’m also considering making the base plates a little wider for some of the larger rocks.

Once everything is aligned in the tank, I’ll remove the structures, leaving the base plates in place. I’ll then fill the bottom of the tank with sand, covering the plates entirely. After that, I can slide the rock structures back onto the rods. This should provide stability, allow for easy removal and repositioning, and keep the rock elevated so it doesn’t sit directly on the glass.
Does anyone see any potential issues with this approach?
Note - the last picture is an idea of the two larger structures, they’re not done by any means to be clear. Oh and the cap on the right structure will not be glued down, at least that is the plan. This way I can take it off and easily access inside if I don’t want to take it out. That may become difficult with coral on there eventually, but in that case I could just remove the structure as planned anyways. I’m also considering making the base plates a little wider for some of the larger rocks.
