aquascaping against side of tank...

[rocknut]

I have seen a lot of pictures that have rockwork starting at the side of the tank near the top water level, and gradually dropping off towards the center of the tank. I would guess that they are using some sort of "reef rack" system to boost up the rock, and help with water circulation. I was looking to do something like this in my new tank, but want to make sure that I do it right. I'm worried that by having the rock resting against the side glass, I would be creating some real dead spots as far as circulation goes. I will use a reef rack, and figure that I can still have quite a bit of water movement behind and thru the structure, but want to make sure that I'm not missing anything. Has anyone setup their aquascaping like this? I guess its no different than stacking it against the back, I just haven't ever done that before either...
Thanks, Rocky

 

[liquid]

The Modern Coral Reef Aquarium vol 1 has rock setup exactly like this (rack). Pretty interesting reading.

Shane

 

[rocknut]

Actually, it was the picture from that book, and Michael Palleta's book that gave me the idea. The only thing that I can come up with is maybe running the sump return line behind the mound and trying to push extra flow from the behind and bellow up thru the rock work, to try and eliminate dead spots. It just seemed like a good idea because I won't be able to see the tank from the left side or the back, so no point leaving the left side open. Any more suggestions for avoiding flow problems with the rock stacked against the side? Thanks!

 

[liquid]

Sounds like you've got your bases covered. If you do use your return line to push flow thru the back of your rockwork, make sure to drill a siphon relief hole just at the water surface in case your return pump goes out. Last thing you want to do is to have your tank drain due to your return line being so deep into your tank.

Shane

 

[rocknut]

Shane,
Good call...I knew that I was missing something! With my current setup, I have the return right bellow the surface so I don't have any trouble with back siphon. If I do this, do I just drill a hole just underneath the surface, (so the siphon breaks if the level should drop)? Should be obvious, but want to be 100% sure. Thanks again!
Rocky

 

[liquid]

You got it. I'd start out with a small hole right under the surface of the water and start some testing by turning the pump off and watching how the siphon acts. Keep increasing the hole size until the siphon does break.

Shane

 

[rocknut]

Thanks again! Rocky

 

[Expos Forever]

You got it. I'd start out with a small hole right under the surface of the water and start some testing by turning the pump off and watching how the siphon acts. Keep increasing the hole size until the siphon does break.

Shane

Be generous when making your hole, if that's all that's that keeping your entire tank from draining into your sump. Algae growth, a piece of nori, a snail, etc... can plug it just enough to cause it to fail when you actually need it months down the road. I would also test it regularly for this reason as well.

 

[packman9111]

When I made an auto FW top off, I put the hole right above the water line (I didn't want any back flow and the pump wasn't strong enough to pump anything out the hole). Problem is, I didn't make the hole big enough for enough air to get in the hose to break the siphon. It siphon some to the FW bucket, then the pump would turn on - went all night before I realized it. The blue damsel I was trying to catch didn't make it!

Rick