How many lbs of hardscape can an aquarium bottom support?

[Caperguy99]

Also, no need for egg crate unless you have sharp pointed areas that can create pressure points on the glass. I've never used egg crate under boulders, I just ensured that the boulders were smooth/flat on the bottom.

When you place the boulders, do you put them right on the glass then fill in the sand around them? Or do you put the sand in first, then the rock work?

It’s for Frontosa, so I’m guessing they’ll dig a little bit.

 

[tlindsey]

Or do you put the sand in first, then the rock work?

The rocks should be first.

 

[RD.]

Agreed, rocks, then sand. Check out my 125 in the link I posted. The fish could dig 24/7, the rocks weren't going anywhere.

 

[RD.]

How will the bottom be supported? If on a solid surface with foamboard or other appropriate type pad, I would feel more confident than on a perimeter support only type stand.

Negative. Doing so will void the warranty.

These tanks are designed to be supported on the 4 corners of the stands that go with them.

 

[RD.]

It actually can hurt, if the tank has plastic trim. At least if one has to ever file a claim with a LFS, or manufacturer. So that's one potential down side. I have seen this exact issue in the past, where a consumer did not follow the manufacturers set up instructions involving foam/no-foam, and after a failure in a new tank the warranty was void. If you have no warranty to fall back on, I guess do whatever you feel is best.

From a past discussion on this topic.












Good luck

 

[Caperguy99]

Negative. Doing so will void the warranty.

These tanks are designed to be supported on the 4 corners of the stands that go with them.

View attachment 1544843

You are right, this is exactly the stand that is coming with the tank. Perimeter support, not full bottom support.

I appreciate your insight - it actually gave me a great deal of piece of mind. And I’m looking at the other thread you posted with interest.

 

[RD.]

No problem, glad to help. Those stands look sketchy with 4 corner support, but I can assure you that the R&D teams that work on them know what they are doing. They don't want their legal dept. chasing lawsuits over failures. One of my 125's is on an Aqueon stand, supported only at the 4 corners. It's been sitting in the same location for 16-17 yrs, with no issues.

IMO your greatest concern is going to be getting those large boulders into your empty tank, without dropping one! lol
Have a sturdy 2 or 3 step stool handy, that's helped me in the past.

 

[Sassafras]

In case you want to consider a lightweight option, Universal Rocks:

 

[FINWIN]

Yeah, agree on Universal Rocks
Pricey though but worth considering. There's other companies as well. Besides weight, all that real rock mentioned is gonna displace a helluva lot of volume, maybe 30 gallons or more. If you ever needed to medicate your tank that would have to be accounted for. That 210 could end up being like 160ish real time.

 

[Caperguy99]

Yeah, agree on Universal Rocks
Pricey though but worth considering. There's other companies as well. Besides weight, all that real rock mentioned is gonna displace a helluva lot of volume, maybe 30 gallons or more. If you ever needed to medicate your tank that would have to be accounted for. That 210 could end up being like 160ish real time.

An important consideration to be sure.

After all of the advice, I think I’m going to reduce the amount of rockwork - maybe make some smaller caves without the giant boulders. I also think this would give me some piece of mind - as I don’t want to worry about a blowout.

Thanks!