Rock advice for aquascape

jgvergo · Mar 1, 2016

I am building my first reef tank and I need advice on selecting rocks. I know I want dry live rock. I am willing to go through a longer start up in order to avoid unwanted hitchhikers. My tank is 85 gallons, 24 inches x 48 inches x 17 inches (tall). The attached picture is what I'd like to achieve in the aquascape. I'd like recommendations on the type(s) and amount of rock you think I will need to achieve this effect. Thanks in advance!

Lowstorm · Mar 1, 2016

To get something like that you will be looking for shelf rock. I got marco rock myself and am waiting through the cycle. Honestly, I got enough grungy stuff from ipsf and that got my cycle going really nicely.

jgvergo · Mar 1, 2016

Lowstorm said:
To get something like that you will be looking for shelf rock. I got marco rock myself and am waiting through the cycle. Honestly, I got enough grungy stuff from ipsf and that got my cycle going really nicely.

A LFS owner suggested a combination of Pukani (for the base) and Tonga (for the shelves). Did you use all shelf? Also, what is IPFS?

Lowstorm · Mar 1, 2016

I didn't do shelves at all in mine, my rocks are all round. I just know whats needed for that look, heh
Ipsf is indo pacific sea farms. Great for people that need the bugs n stuff in thier tanks.

lyrical · Mar 1, 2016

You can also check out Real Reef Rock for another alternative if you are looking for nice shelf pieces. Google it for lots of info. I personally used Tonga shelf rock for mine but I only have smaller pieces of it.

jsker · Mar 1, 2016

That is going to be a sweet setup! I like the clean look of the whole setup.

jgvergo · Mar 11, 2016

I went with Bulk Reef Supply. Since I've never done this before, I don't have a great basis for comparison, but the rocks look completely awesome to me! I got 100 lbs., 1/2 Pukani and 1/2 Tonga shelf.

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Lowstorm · Mar 11, 2016

You got the right stuff for the look you want.

Chezted · Mar 11, 2016

You will need to use acrylic or nylon rods and cement to make those shelves stable. I use portland cement, but depending on how much you use, you will have to cure it to stabilize the ph. Marco rocks make a more expensive option that I've heard works well. This guy shows the basics
https://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=J-_peMIS-ow. Have fun!