Live rock and live Sand

[fish46]

Should the live rock be placed on the live sand or should you use base rock first.

[Recife]

Between live rock and base rock there's no much difference as the base rock will become live with time.
However, you should try and add a gap between the rock and the live sand. This is possible sometimes just by the shape of the rock, but you can use PVC or other stand to elevate the rock a little. This is so that detritus won't be buried under the rock and raise your nitrates.

[bertoni]

If you only want an inch or so of sand for looks, either placing the rock on the sand or placing the rock on the tank bottom will both work perfectly well. Personally, I wouldn't bother raising the rock above the sandbed.

[PatMayo]

I didn't raise the rock at all above my sand. Too much of a hassle. I'm agreeing with Jonathan on this one. I have a shallow sand bed and because so little of the rock is in the sand it won't affect much at all. I don't see it as being a large garbage trap.

But you could do it if you wanted. I don't know that it would hurt much although it may not look that great until covered with coralline.

Regards,

Pat