Since this is a complex topic with a large scope of topics that need to be covered I have decided to break it down into sections. An important part of the reef and long term success is properly laying the foundation of your reef in order to cut down on issues and to have long term success. First start off with sorting your rocks into categories. (See pictures for types of rocks) Each type of rock has its own uses. I sort mine into prime, base, foundation, rubble, flat stones and finishing stones.
Foundation stones should be picked first and laid down as they will add structure and support to all that is added on top of it. This step is and I can’t stress this enough very important as it will mean the difference between a stable structure or a flimsy one. These rocks are typically large and not much to look at. That is ok they will be covered an the primary job is heaving lifting not looks. When you place them make sure to do so first before adding substrate and allow for space between them so you can build cave’s and caverns to allow for flow through the structure. This is important to stop buildup of waste and uneaten food and will impact your nutrient levels. This step is important because it helps cut down on old tank syndrome and algae blooms in the long run and will influence your face of the rock structure so take your time at this step. I put larger rocks in the back and slightly smaller one in the front. Up to you how you do it. But if you place to large a stone at the front it will mess with your depth and get up all in your business. It will feel like you are forcing your structure onto the viewer and you will not get proper depth perception in your tank. Once your foundation stones are in place you can place a thin layer of substrate at the back of the tank that will be covered by your rock structure. You don’t want a lot because too much and waste will build up. Since it is under your rock structure you can’t do proper bed maintenance to keep it healthy. So it will be a constant source of nutrients over time.
Base rock comes next. It is typically used under your prime rock and to fill in spaces and to make high and low spots so you can have a uneven surface that is visually pleasing yet stable when prime rock is added. Don’t use the base rock all up as you can and will need it to fill in odd spots and other spots and if used on your rock face it will be turned into new prime. So any that is very interesting choose to use on top and any that is not much to look at under your structure.
Prime rock will make up the majority of the face of your reef structure and will be what you see the most. So it is important to pick proper prime stones with interesting shapes to help add depth. They will typically be like puzzle pieces because you chose interesting shapes and if placed correctly will click into place. Adding stability and be visually pleasing to the eye. Anything that is encrusting will take interesting shape of the rock and add depth and effect to your tank. This stage is important as it will more than likely be the bulk of your rock. If you don’t have a lot of prime choose base rocks with interesting shape so in time they become prime face stones.
Rubble stones. Rubble can be used in the substrate to add stability to any caves or borrows that are dug by fish or shrimp that you might want to add. Just be careful mixing rubble and small grade substrate, it can and will compact and cause nutrient issues in your substrate and tank. You will more than likely have to take it out if it does or it will be a constant source of nutrients. The small substrate will settle below the rubble and compact like cement. So use sparingly or don’t mix the two.
Finishing stones. These are important as well as they add fine touches to the tank and go a long way to your overall ascetics of the structure. They will be used to change the way your finished rock looks and they will fill in spaces and gaps that look unnatural or to sharp and they are good for adding interesting small rock formations in the substrate. They are also good for changing the rock line in the substrate to interesting patterns. Especially if you burry half of the small rock in the substrate and leave a small space between the rock that it is beside. It helps your rocks look more natural and your tank will look like it has been around for some time as it looks like the rocks are partially buried in the substrate. Plus the random stones that poke out of the substrate add a sense of natural look to your tank.
Flat stones. These are good to set aside and are great for cave roofs or if you need something in front of the tank that is low and adds depth to the tank they are good to place directly on the bottom of the tank. I myself add these before I add the substrate and allow a thin layer under the stone. When you add your substrate it will be partially covered and will look more natural and the thin layer allows the fauna to breed yet not compact and be a source of nutrients.
When placing rocks try to move as much substrate from under them if you added them after the substrate is already in. When I have my foundation stones in I add my substrate. I like to add substrate in an empty tank or if this is not an option empty a large portion of water and wait an hr after it settles before beginning work. You can wait till the end when you are finished the rock formation to add it. It is up to you. But keep in mind it will turn your tank cloudy and make things hard to see. I like to run filter socks and filter floss to help keep things clear once my water level is at the top.
I have attached some pictures of the different rocks so you have a basic idea of what to look for.
Foundation stones should be picked first and laid down as they will add structure and support to all that is added on top of it. This step is and I can’t stress this enough very important as it will mean the difference between a stable structure or a flimsy one. These rocks are typically large and not much to look at. That is ok they will be covered an the primary job is heaving lifting not looks. When you place them make sure to do so first before adding substrate and allow for space between them so you can build cave’s and caverns to allow for flow through the structure. This is important to stop buildup of waste and uneaten food and will impact your nutrient levels. This step is important because it helps cut down on old tank syndrome and algae blooms in the long run and will influence your face of the rock structure so take your time at this step. I put larger rocks in the back and slightly smaller one in the front. Up to you how you do it. But if you place to large a stone at the front it will mess with your depth and get up all in your business. It will feel like you are forcing your structure onto the viewer and you will not get proper depth perception in your tank. Once your foundation stones are in place you can place a thin layer of substrate at the back of the tank that will be covered by your rock structure. You don’t want a lot because too much and waste will build up. Since it is under your rock structure you can’t do proper bed maintenance to keep it healthy. So it will be a constant source of nutrients over time.
Base rock comes next. It is typically used under your prime rock and to fill in spaces and to make high and low spots so you can have a uneven surface that is visually pleasing yet stable when prime rock is added. Don’t use the base rock all up as you can and will need it to fill in odd spots and other spots and if used on your rock face it will be turned into new prime. So any that is very interesting choose to use on top and any that is not much to look at under your structure.
Prime rock will make up the majority of the face of your reef structure and will be what you see the most. So it is important to pick proper prime stones with interesting shapes to help add depth. They will typically be like puzzle pieces because you chose interesting shapes and if placed correctly will click into place. Adding stability and be visually pleasing to the eye. Anything that is encrusting will take interesting shape of the rock and add depth and effect to your tank. This stage is important as it will more than likely be the bulk of your rock. If you don’t have a lot of prime choose base rocks with interesting shape so in time they become prime face stones.
Rubble stones. Rubble can be used in the substrate to add stability to any caves or borrows that are dug by fish or shrimp that you might want to add. Just be careful mixing rubble and small grade substrate, it can and will compact and cause nutrient issues in your substrate and tank. You will more than likely have to take it out if it does or it will be a constant source of nutrients. The small substrate will settle below the rubble and compact like cement. So use sparingly or don’t mix the two.
Finishing stones. These are important as well as they add fine touches to the tank and go a long way to your overall ascetics of the structure. They will be used to change the way your finished rock looks and they will fill in spaces and gaps that look unnatural or to sharp and they are good for adding interesting small rock formations in the substrate. They are also good for changing the rock line in the substrate to interesting patterns. Especially if you burry half of the small rock in the substrate and leave a small space between the rock that it is beside. It helps your rocks look more natural and your tank will look like it has been around for some time as it looks like the rocks are partially buried in the substrate. Plus the random stones that poke out of the substrate add a sense of natural look to your tank.
Flat stones. These are good to set aside and are great for cave roofs or if you need something in front of the tank that is low and adds depth to the tank they are good to place directly on the bottom of the tank. I myself add these before I add the substrate and allow a thin layer under the stone. When you add your substrate it will be partially covered and will look more natural and the thin layer allows the fauna to breed yet not compact and be a source of nutrients.
When placing rocks try to move as much substrate from under them if you added them after the substrate is already in. When I have my foundation stones in I add my substrate. I like to add substrate in an empty tank or if this is not an option empty a large portion of water and wait an hr after it settles before beginning work. You can wait till the end when you are finished the rock formation to add it. It is up to you. But keep in mind it will turn your tank cloudy and make things hard to see. I like to run filter socks and filter floss to help keep things clear once my water level is at the top.
I have attached some pictures of the different rocks so you have a basic idea of what to look for.
