Hardscape additions: REALLY HEAVY rocks

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fishguy1978

fishguy1978

Potamotrygon
MFK Member
Mar 30, 2020
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Washington
I picked up a half dozen 1.5 man landscape rocks with the intent of using one LARGE rock as a hardscape addition to my 220g aquarium. The 220 is 30in deep and has a 18in wide glass center brace. The 2 rocks from the group that I am considering weigh close to 100lbs each, guessing. I can squat lift and waddle but not very far. How do I add such a large rock without dropping? Would the addition of such a heavy rock be structurally detrimental to a glass aquarium? I have some 1/8in acrylic that I will but down as a protective layer.
 
I would be worried that a 100 lb point load would crack the bottom of your tank. I would recommend spreading the load out over the largest area of the bottom of the tank as possible. Because 1/8" acrylic bends so easily I would consider something with more strength... thicker acrylic sheet, egg crate light diffuser material, clean wood, etc. or a combination of these. The goal is to have the weight of the rock supported over the largest area of the tank bottom as practical.

I think you would be best asking for some help placing the rock. Off the top of my head I envision putting the rock in some kind of sling then attaching the sling to a 2x4 so both of you have a good hand hold on the 2x4. Once the rock is submerged it will be a bit lighter and easier to maneuver. Maybe not an idea approach but I'll put this out to stir up the conversation and see where it goes.

Don't forget to drain a good bit of water from the tank so it doesn't overflow when the rock goes in!
 
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My brainstorm during lunch. Overhead gantry made from 3/4in black pipe. I can get a 6ft pipe, elbows, 2in nipple, and flanges. Mount to ceiling joists and use a 1/8in steel cable and pullies that I already have. I will need to make or obtain a sling that will support the rock but this should work. I will position the rock with the aquarium empty. The rocks I'm considering do have flat spots they could rest on.
 
Oughtsix said:
I would be worried that a 100 lb point load would crack the bottom of your tank. I would recommend spreading the load out over the largest area of the bottom of the tank as possible. Because 1/8" acrylic bends so easily I would consider something with more strength... thicker acrylic sheet, egg crate light diffuser material, clean wood, etc. or a combination of these. The goal is to have the weight of the rock supported over the largest area of the tank bottom as practical.

I think you would be best asking for some help placing the rock. Off the top of my head I envision putting the rock in some kind of sling then attaching the sling to a 2x4 so both of you have a good hand hold on the 2x4. Once the rock is submerged it will be a bit lighter and easier to maneuver. Maybe not an idea approach but I'll put this out to stir up the conversation and see where it goes.

Don't forget to drain a good bit of water from the tank so it doesn't overflow when the rock goes in!
Click to expand...

I do have some thicker acrylic and I might still have some egg crate remnants as well.
 
I would only try this if the tanks bottom panel is sitting flush on the stand below it, and that better be a solid surface too. Might be too much for a floating bottom to support depending on glass thickness.

If you can get it into the tank carefully, and make sure it does not move once its in, you should be in good shape. A protective layer of something would not be a bad idea. But no ive got no great ideas for getting it in besides a solid grip and careful maneuvering.
 
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Finally, here is a picture of the rocks I collected. Truck for size.
Big_Rocks.jpg
 
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