Stacking live rock

Discussion in 'Live Rock' started by ParrotFish, Dec 2, 2013.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. ParrotFish

    ParrotFish Plankton

    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2013
    Messages:
    12
    Hello,

    I am very new to reefing. I just got a 46 gallon tank the other day. Right now my tank has 43 lbs of live rock in it. I have an in tank skimmer, and I want to hide the equipment from view the best I can. As such, I have stacked some of the live rock on top of each other to create a tunnel and a higher wall to mask part of the skimmer. I added sand to my tank after I placed the bottom rocks, to help with stability once I introduce fish into the tank. My LFS told me that this stacking was okay, but I wanted to see other's opinions. I heard that there is aquarium glue, would you recommend this to stop the rocks from falling and crushing fish/coral once I eventually add them into the tank?

    Thanks!
     
  2. Click Here!

  3. Salmo salar

    Salmo salar Flamingo Tongue

    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2013
    Messages:
    103
    Location:
    Maine
    You could try Marine Depot or Bulk Reef Supply, they both sell reef safe epoxies that cure under water. You might take care as some epoxies get very hot while curing. If the rock were dry I would say drill it and peg it together with acrylic dowels.
     
  4. FishThumb

    FishThumb Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Jan 27, 2013
    Messages:
    64
    Location:
    Edmonton
    I've got my rocks stacked 3 layers high. As long as its stable, you don't need to fasten then together.
     
  5. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2012
    Messages:
    7,660
    Location:
    Cincinnati
    It's really up to you whether you want to glue them together or leave loose. The chances of a rock falling and killing anything is not very high. If you do glue them together, you'll be limited in terms of rescaping and such which is actually a kind of relaxing activity :)
     
    1 person likes this.
  6. Salmo salar

    Salmo salar Flamingo Tongue

    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2013
    Messages:
    103
    Location:
    Maine
    Couldnt agree more. I like to rearrange things now and then too. If I were trying to hide a skimmer or make an overhang id probably drill it. You can always take the drilled and doweled pieces apart as well.