How to physically build a reef out of LR?

[gwparrothd]

I wanted to know how all you reefers out there built up your LR structure? I've seen some plastic type of support to place under the LR. Has anyone used this and what is it called?? Thanks for the help.
Martin

 

[grumpy vet]

Hi...
I just put the big LR on the bottom and build up to smaller stuff and lean it backwards on the glass.....
No problems yet - fingers crossed - as are my downstairs neighbors.
Pictures can be found here -
Fish Page
GV

 

[neko]

I think the plastic your refering to is "reef rack" or egg crate.The egg crate is simply light fixtures used in offices/stores comes in 2'x4' pieces at most hardware stores.I used the egg crate set on pvc pipe.My LS is 2.5" so I cut the pvc at 3",this allows more unrestricted water movement.Plus you don't have to worry about burrowing creatures knocking down LR that would be setting on your LS.

 

[salisbury a d]

Another plastic structure is just pvc pipes as a lr rack. My Lr is just doing an amazing balancing act on bleeched coral in the center of the tank.
Adam

 

[sonny]

There is no set way to build your reef, but it is important to make sure it is stable. You can help that by using plastic cable ties to tie the rocks together to keep them from falling. I don't think it's good to stack the rock against the back glass. It makes it a little tougher to stack it, but you need to try to keep the reef as open as possible. With it away from the glass, you can put a power head behind the reef, which will help with keeping detritus from settling. Don't build a brick wall! See the book "The Modern Coral Reef Aquarium" by Nilson and Fossa for some interesting ideas for building over-hangs and odd shapes in your reef.
Sonny

 

[misty]

I've heard of using the pvc pipes to make tunnels between rocks as well (the pvc shows at first but then gets covered by living stuff). And what about using aquarium adhesive to "glue" the rocks together and to the pvc pipes. I'm about to embark upon this challenge in a couple of weeks when my LR is cured.

 

[fender]

There us an epoxy that is reef sage and water proof that can be used to glue rocks together. I can't remeber the name but several .com stores sell it. I know of a couple - email me if you want a link
rhyatt@heartlandis.com
Also you can drill holes in the LR and thread PVC pipe thro it. If you do use PVC I would drill some small holes in it to keep water from stagnating.