Rock chunk size?

[Anonymous]

Are there any specific benefits or disadvantages to using ONLY small rubble rock chunks in your aquarium? Like what if you had a 30g or so aquarium and used only rubble? Anybody tried that one?

 

[Anonymous]

The disadvantage to rubble is that it will not be as stable. If I could do it all over again I would only have 3 or 4 large pieces of LR in my 125.

 

[Anonymous]

Yeah I figured that one... but what about its effect on the water chemistry? Think there would be any chance to like filtration or water flow etc? It seems to me that a bunch of rubble rock loosely piled would afford much greater surface area for the good cooties (bacteria). Also, if you could figure a good way to hold the rubble in place you could pull off some cool aquascaping in a more planned look.

 

[Fatal Morgana]

Actually, loose rubble can be a trap for detritus, and the surface area is not that important when you compare a 10 lb chuck and 2 oz chucks. But the disadvantage is not that much of a deal that it prevent you from using it. Go ahead, FWIW.

 

[Anonymous]

Hmmmm... thinking about those highway dept constructions made of wire mesh and crushed stone shaped into giant blocks. If you could find some stainless steel mesh.... You could build 'bricks' to construct with in the tank.

 

[Fatal Morgana]

I use stainless steel (SS318... or was it SS316???) welding rod in my tank without problem. It is pretty cheap, like $20 for a pound.

 

[Anonymous]

Well I'm planning a 5.5g right now so it's going to have only rubble sized chunks. I was just curious for the future, like if I have a large tank.

 

[blastermqn]

What fatal said.

Surface area for bacterial adhesion is a non issue. It's the old bioball marketing thing.

Bigger rocks are more stable, and are better homes for critters that help in nitrate reduction.

 

[Anonymous]

I have heard of people using isolated piles of rubble rock in their tanks as a home for all the creepy crawlies we want in out tanks. Aparently rubble piles are a safe place for 'pods to live and multiply. Lotsa hidey holes fish can't get too!

 

[Anonymous]

Stainless is good, but will rust over time. I would be leary in a closed system.

 

[Fatal Morgana]

There are many grades of stainless steel, and I have no problem with the marine-grade SS in my tank. However, the SS powerhead shaft usually only last a few years.

 

[wayne in norway]

Aquascaping smaller pieces is a p.i.t.a. in my opinion. Next time I would get nothing less than 5 lbs in size.
I have a bunch of rubbl in the fron t of my tank, and actually really like the look, and it's great for pods and small critturs. It is a pain to keep clean though.