I use a thin peace of styrofoam under the rocks in my tanks either that or a yoga like mat.
How strong is our glass tanks and can withstand the weight?
- Thread starter jcarson
- Start date
I use a thin peace of styrofoam under the rocks in my tanks either that or a yoga like mat.
No need to use anything under the rocks if one places them properly, and uses smooth boulders. Note the rocks that I used in tank above. All large smooth river rocks, with large surface areas on the bottom. They cannot fall over, or under, or anywhere else.
Thats funny cause the wife suggested something similar.. she suggested using ceramic tiles used in flooring.
No worries, glad to help. Just be careful when initially placing boulders in glass boxes.
No doubt!
And I think I like this suggestion alot better a sheet of acrylic would be kool.
Gonna look into this....
People that use tiles etc, use only that. Not tile and then sand and rocks on top of tile. All that will result in is trapped detritus over time.
Don't overthink this. If you stack large rocks in a haphazard manner, and they fall, there is just as good a chance that one could hit the back, front, or side of your tank, as the bottom. Then what, layer the entire tank? lol Just set it up as I described, hobbyists have been doing it in the same manner as I have for several decades or longer.
Don't overthink this. If you stack large rocks in a haphazard manner, and they fall, there is just as good a chance that one could hit the back, front, or side of your tank, as the bottom. Then what, layer the entire tank? lol Just set it up as I described, hobbyists have been doing it in the same manner as I have for several decades or longer.
I've already ordered a couple pieces of 1/4" acrylic sheets.
My biggest concern is not rocks toppling over but stress cracks or my even bigger my clumsiness in placing the rocks. I need some cushion.
Hello; I get RD's point and also your concern. The pictures illustrate that rocks can be placed on a glass bottom tank and has been done. I also tend to be more careful than absolutely necessary.
RD has another good point in that rock can break side glass as well. I likely would stack the rocks on a table a few times to find a very stable arrangement before experimenting in a tank.
I might even consider using some silicone to bond the stacked rocks. I have done this with slate used in tanks. It does have to be done in the dry so adds days to a tank arrangement.
There is a risk with a bare tank full of water so no guarantee that you will not wind up with all that water on the floor. I have had two tanks let go. One dumped 125 gallons but was on a cement basement floor with a floor drain. The other was a 55 on an upper floor and did some minor damage.
Keep this in mind about my posts. I am risk adverse so I will not even consider a rock any bigger than my hand.
In the end you will need to do what makes you feel comfortable. Good luck in whatever you do.
RD has another good point in that rock can break side glass as well. I likely would stack the rocks on a table a few times to find a very stable arrangement before experimenting in a tank.
I might even consider using some silicone to bond the stacked rocks. I have done this with slate used in tanks. It does have to be done in the dry so adds days to a tank arrangement.
There is a risk with a bare tank full of water so no guarantee that you will not wind up with all that water on the floor. I have had two tanks let go. One dumped 125 gallons but was on a cement basement floor with a floor drain. The other was a 55 on an upper floor and did some minor damage.
Keep this in mind about my posts. I am risk adverse so I will not even consider a rock any bigger than my hand.
In the end you will need to do what makes you feel comfortable. Good luck in whatever you do.
If you look closely at my tank above, you'll see that there is only one "stacked" rock, and that rock can't go anywhere. It weighs approx. 30 lbs. lol
But we weren't even discussing "stacking" rocks....
The OP asked:
I answered those questions, and addressed those concerns. Large rocks with smooth flat bottoms, that cover a large area on the glass is the answer. They simply cannot go anywhere, and their weight is no different than the weight of water. Some of their weight is also displaced by the water.
NOT stacking boulders, or using rocks with sharp uneven bottoms - the latter two scenarios can cause problems, possibly even if one places acrylic across the bottom pane. Hard to ever say with certainty how an avalanche inside a glass box will play out.
And if anyone still doesn't believe me...…..
But we weren't even discussing "stacking" rocks....
The OP asked:
I answered those questions, and addressed those concerns. Large rocks with smooth flat bottoms, that cover a large area on the glass is the answer. They simply cannot go anywhere, and their weight is no different than the weight of water. Some of their weight is also displaced by the water.
NOT stacking boulders, or using rocks with sharp uneven bottoms - the latter two scenarios can cause problems, possibly even if one places acrylic across the bottom pane. Hard to ever say with certainty how an avalanche inside a glass box will play out.
And if anyone still doesn't believe me...…..
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