Newbie Rock Question

[Silverchild23]

Hi all

Sorry, this may sound like a donkey of a question, but when putting rocks into tanks - are there any precautions somebody should take in terms of weight?

I think I've got to grips with everything concerning the physical makeup and their effect on pH / kH etc. but I'm worried about the weight stress on my tank (and yet I see these beautiful rocky tanks all over this forum!).

I have a Juwel Rio 240L on a Juwel Wooden Stand. If I wanted to pile up a few big heavy rocks (safely and stable ofcourse), would the tank take it? Or are there things that need to be done first to stabalise the tank and stop the glass cracking?

(Me = v.paranoid )

 

[Silverchild23]

Hi all

Sorry, this may sound like a donkey of a question, but when putting rocks into tanks - are there any precautions somebody should take in terms of weight?

I think I've got to grips with everything concerning the physical makeup and their effect on pH / kH etc. but I'm worried about the weight stress on my tank (and yet I see these beautiful rocky tanks all over this forum!).

I have a Juwel Rio 240L on a Juwel Wooden Stand. If I wanted to pile up a few big heavy rocks (safely and stable ofcourse), would the tank take it? Or are there things that need to be done first to stabalise the tank and stop the glass cracking?

(Me = v.paranoid )

I just wanted to add - all I really want to find out is whether you need to put anything between the rocks and the glass base of the aquarium, and whether there's a general rule of thumb/limit on how much rock to use

 

[Ketso]

I wouldnt place them directly on the glass. Put some substrate down and then your rocks. The substrate will help spread the weight more evenly on the bottom of the tank and you should be OK.

Just my 2 cents.

DeMonZ

 

[J double R]

definitely don't put unsecured rocks in the bottom of your tank. if the rock is big enough and shifts, it could scratch the glass, weakening it.

 

[Silverchild23]

Ok thanks
So, in general, a tank will take the extra stress/weight of rocks, however heavy, as long as there's plently of substrate to spread the load?

 

[Plecosterone]

I use flourescent lighting plastic eggcrate in the bottom of my convict tank. I put the rocks on it and then add the substrate. It stops the fish from undermining the rocks and having them fall into the sides and create a mess when the tank breaks.

 

[Rbishop]

I use flourescent lighting plastic eggcrate in the bottom of my convict tank. I put the rocks on it and then add the substrate. It stops the fish from undermining the rocks and having them fall into the sides and create a mess when the tank breaks.

\\A very good thing to do...like the insurance factor it gives!

 

[Silverchild23]

sorry, flourescent lighting plastic eggcrate?
i may be being a divvy, but what exactly's that and where would i be able to obtain some? sounds like a good idea if it keeps the substrate from moving.?
thanks