Eggcrate in base

I'm setting up a 20 gal. nano and am putting eggcrate in the bottom of the tank for the LR to set on. Should I put the substrate in and around the EC and then put the LR on top or put the LR in first, cycle the tank and then add the substrate. I'm only going to put EC where the LR will be and not over the whole bottom of the tank.

 

Well you have probably gone ahead and sorted this out for yourself by now! sorry no one has replied.... but welcome to 3Reef.

I personally would add the substrate at the same time as this will inevitably need to cycle to so why not have it all over and done with in the same time period!

Why are you putting in the egg crate?

I would be carefull of or plan for detritus collecting below the LR, and possibly have a powerhead blowing accros it to ensure it does not collect there!

i have my LR sitting on the base of the tank and had no problems to date (touch wood), i suppose it would act as some kind of refugium for pods and such...but be wary of the possibility of detritus accumulating!

Levi

 

sorry i didnt take note of you putting the sand in the eggcrate!, wont this make it hard to keep it clean?

levi

 

I won't be having a deep bed of gravel and the LR will be set up so my PH's will provide good circulation through and around the rock work. And when I clean then gravel bed I use a gravel suction hose to get out any gunk. Used this on a African C. tank and never a sign of Ammonia or stress in the tank. I'm going to be putting in a lot of rock and don't like the idea of hearing a "crash" in the middle of the night. This is my return to SW tanks after 2 years away because the local LFS that handled Marine closed. Now a new one has opened and seem to have good stock,etc.

 

I'd worry about the sand too stuck in there.
Here's an alternative,

Cut short lengths of pvc, turn them so they stand up, and place the rocks on that or place eggcrate on top of that, at least it will be off the sand.

You could also drill holes in the side of the pvc for some more flow.

 

Here's another 2 cents. Place your rock on bare tank bottom and add substrate around rockwork. Keep substrate in areas where you can siphon detritus.
Also as Matt said you can use acrylic. I would use 3/8" or 1/2" acrylic rod. Get a same size spade bit and drill into rock maybe 2"+ or -. Cut your rod accounting for depth of hole and length you want off tank bottom. Pound rod into rock and place in tank. You might have to drill several holes as a tripod depending on shape and size of rock. This should give you a stable base for the rest of your aquascaping.
Or........Use the same method with acrylic rod and hold rock about a half inch to an inch off tank bottom and forget the substrate. Bare Bottom Baby [smiley=2thumbsup.gif]
I don't want to start the substrate war but BB is my favorite. It makes it easy to clean as you can see all detritus to get it siphoned out. Corraline alge will eventually cover bottom. If you really don't like the look go for the substrate. Well I guess maybe you got a nickles worth.......lol. I'll stop rambling.
Scott