To Foam or not to Foam?

[Leffler817]

I'm going to rearrange the rocks in my tank. I have overheard people talk about the bottoms of tanks cracking because of the weight of the rocks. :excl: I have never heard of it happening but that doesn't mean it can't and I want to protect my investment and the place I'm renting.

What are your experiences or recommendations? Any information will be greatly appreciated. Thanks Shawn

 

[Tony]

I don't. Mostly because I don't like the way it looks when the sand inevitably gets blown/excavated out around the rocks and you're left with exposed blue/pink/white foam or eggcrate.

But then again, I don't stack rocks all that high.

Maybe I'm nuts...

 

[UNCLERUCKUS]

I don't. Mostly because I don't like the way it looks when the sand inevitably gets blown/excavated out around the rocks and you're left with exposed blue/pink/white foam or eggcrate.

But then again, I don't stack rocks all that high.

Maybe I'm nuts...

I CONCUR WITH TONY. ALSO I USE COLORQUARTZ AS MY SUBSTRATE ABOUT 2-3" AND IM SURE THAT HELPS CUSHION A FALLING ROCK. I JUST PREFER NOT TO STACK TOO HIGH AND USE DIRFTWOOD.

 

[fischfan13]

I've stacked tanks with River Rock, Pagoda and Holey Rock, and stacked them to the top, and I have never had a tank crack.

 

[bschuhart]

I had a 110 reef tank and it was stacked 28" high with base rock with no substrate, no problems in entire 12 years it was set up.

 

[minifoot77]

i use egg crate if i am worried

 

[Prince]

No foam just substrate for me i have about 35 pounds of lace rock

 

[SubMariner]

i use egg crate if i am worried

Caleb is right.

Just don't stack'em so high and you'll be alright.


RM

 

[Airborne001]

You can also use 1/4" plexi to protect the bottom. totally invisible.

 

[UNCLERUCKUS]

You can also use 1/4" plexi to protect the bottom. totally invisible.

EXCELLENT IDEA

 

[kaj41354]

We need Buntbarsch to chime in on this one. What the foam is for (is not from the chance of rocks falling. I silicone mine in groups to prevent that but, if a piece of gravel gets between the rocks and the glass, you lose the distribution of weight and it can crack the glass. I realize that it doesn't look as good when and if the gravel get scaped by the fish but, a couple hundred gallons of water on the floor looks even worse. It's just like insurance. You don't really see what it is worth till you hit that deer!

 

[UNCLERUCKUS]

We need Buntbarsch to chime in on this one. What the foam is for (is not from the chance of rocks falling. I silicone mine in groups to prevent that but, if a piece of gravel gets between the rocks and the glass, you lose the distribution of weight and it can crack the glass. I realize that it doesn't look as good when and if the gravel get scaped by the fish but, a couple hundred gallons of water on the floor looks even worse. It's just like insurance. You don't really see what it is worth till you hit that deer!

 

[Leffler817]

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions. I wasn't worried prior to hearing people talk about adding some sort of cushion. I have small river rock for substrate and my rock piles don't get that high. I was more fearful of Kurt's scenario where all the pressure on one point of glass could make it crack.

Fortunately the last time I hit a deer, we were driving a rental :excl:, and my wife was driving!!! The insurance company paid the entire bill, but I did get to see the estimate.

Thanks all,

 

[kaj41354]

I never thought of it until I saw Klaus' program. See his website page at http://www.buntbarsch.ca/index_files/Page704.htm for a diagram.