Can't decide.

[DurocShark]

I'm finally able to go back to work on my 70t tank. Since this tank is 30" tall and only 36" wide, I'm pretty settled on columns for the rockwork.

 

The question is WHAT to use for the columns? I had originally planned on FL aquacultured rock, but thinking about it more I wonder...

 

Options are:

 

• Bottom halves of the columns live or dry rock, with foam for the top halves (with eggcrate or PVC skeletons).
• Concrete over skeletons (perhaps with the bottom halves live rock)
• All glued/rodded dry rock.
• Stick with the FL live rock, glued and rodded.

I guess my biggest worry with full rock is the tipping risk. If I have a 24" pillar in the tank, and someone bumps it, I totally see the thing tipping over and cracking the glass. Not only am I (and my whole friggin family) a complete klutz, but I live in earthquake country.

 

That said, I'm leaning toward the foam top halves with the FL rock bottom halves. I'm happy to be convinced otherwise though...

[VW_TDI_02]

Get some sort of acrylic safe dowels and drill through the entire pillar. Attach the base of the dowel to a plate that would be hidden under the substrate and keeps it stable.

[DurocShark]

That's how I'll put them together anyway. But unless I use slate for the base, it still won't prevent a tip.

[VW_TDI_02]

That's how I'll put them together anyway. But unless I use slate for the base, it still won't prevent a tip.

Well yea, you need to anchor it somehow. Slate or some tile could work for a base.

[louy99]

Have you thought about pukani rock?

[DurocShark]

Yeah. I'm hearing about leaching from those. I'd rather not risk it.