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View Full Version : Planning aquascaping ahead of time. Help with dry rock.


AEALOVESHERGIRLS
06/10/2011, 03:39 PM
Hello all! I have had and have saltwater aquariums and I always start the same way. Buy the live rock, balance the rock the best I can hoping it doesn't topple and continuing from there. So many times I end up not liking my aquascaping about 6 months later and there isn't much I can do about it because corals have started growing from rock to rock, don't want to stir everything up and freak out the fish, soooooooo, I want to start another reef but this time, with dry rock. that way I can sit on the floor, spread out my rocks and keep in mind which corals I want where and lock them in place with out having to keep everything wet!

So, can you recommend a good dry rock source, tell me the best way to hold the rocks in place(zip ties, glue, etc.) and have you come accross a landscape design that really looks nice, and if so, could you share the link?

I haven't yet decided on a tank size yet, but will probably be 120 range.

docbattysreef
06/10/2011, 03:48 PM
Bulk Reef Supply has some good dry rock. Macro Rocks sells dry rock as well and they also have mortar to set cement the rocks together. www.bulkreefsupply.com www.marcorocks.com

Tschupe
06/10/2011, 03:55 PM
Got mine from reef cleaners. And it's awesome! Great shapes and full of holes

AEALOVESHERGIRLS
06/10/2011, 04:28 PM
great! Thanks!

vorm
06/10/2011, 04:41 PM
I got mine from marcorocks.com and have really liked it.

RcToners
06/10/2011, 05:27 PM
+1 Marco Rocks. Here is my scape done with their key largo dry rock, premium shelf rock, and e-marco mortar product.

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/cc937d3b.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/89b1351a.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/dce3076f.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv207/rctoners/93e15df3.jpg

thebkramer
06/10/2011, 05:30 PM
Wow RCToners!!! Thats some seriously nice rockscaping!!!!
Gorgeous Tank!!

Benson0219
06/10/2011, 07:00 PM
That is a wonderul tank!!!

Benson0219
06/10/2011, 07:02 PM
How do you like your AI Sol LEDs? I am thinking of getting the Nano for my 29 gallon tank.

Chokeit89
06/10/2011, 07:26 PM
whats the pro and cons vs dry rock to live rock?

davocean
06/10/2011, 07:37 PM
This has some good info on pillars and stacking/planning your scape, and you can apply this to your dry rocks if you wish.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1807317&highlight=show+me+your+pillars

OregonReefer
06/10/2011, 07:42 PM
I really like the Pukani I got from BRS
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/brs-pukani-dry-aquarium-eco-rock.html

This is about 80lbs in a 120 (not sure I'll be using it all)
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff217/rtrons/IMG_0492.jpg
The piece you see with the PVC stand was near 20" tall... I had to cut off about 6" from the bottom

In total it's 8 or 9 pieces of rock

kdrof
06/10/2011, 07:51 PM
I just recieved my rock from Marco rocks last week. You definately get your moneys worth with the dry rock. I bought 150 lbs for my 180 and i have left over. Heres a pic of last weekend before i started filling it. The porous rock really sat nice and wasnt like the smooth live rock ive used in the past. This made it stay together very nicely. I am still contemplating getting some e-mortor. Also, make sure you connect atleast decent size areas on the ground with something to keep it together.. I layed out tape the dimensions of my tank and layed all the rock out on the living room floor. When i went to move it in the tank... i uh forgot exactly how the bottom and top pieces went back together.. I was a little frustrated to say the least.. Then i finally put a light layer of sand down and built it carefully inside the tank. Just a few tips from my mistakes lol

Anyways.. heres some pics from my phone.. sorry not the greatest quality.

http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i362/kdrof/IMG_0220-1.jpg

http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i362/kdrof/IMG_0221.jpg

kdrof
06/10/2011, 07:53 PM
whats the pro and cons vs dry rock to live rock?

Well most live rock doesnt have to cycle as long due to it having he bacteria. The dry rock is usually known to be safer. You dont have to worry about any pests... and you can aquascape dry.. plus you can get live rock for a great price and usually free shipping.

kdrof
06/10/2011, 07:54 PM
Let me correct myself.... ****plus you can get DRY rock for a great price and usually free shipping.

Chokeit89
06/10/2011, 08:38 PM
Well most live rock doesnt have to cycle as long due to it having he bacteria. The dry rock is usually known to be safer. You dont have to worry about any pests... and you can aquascape dry.. plus you can get live rock for a great price and usually free shipping.

thanks, looks like dry rock willl be the route i take but when should u feel that your cycle is complete