A Weighty Topic - ROCKS!

[purestar]

I'd like to use some large rocks as part of my hardscape... should I be worried about the weight of the rocks and substrate putting pressure on the glass and seams? Don't want to cause any leaks over time. I'd estimate about 40 pounds of substrate and maybe 30 pounds of rocks. It's a 30 gallon tank.

Thanks!

 

[Masha]

I've read that with heavy rocks, having some sand or gravel trapped between rock and glass can cause problems. Lots if pressure on small area = cracking?

 

[mikem691]

Go to the hardware store and buy light diffuser grate. cut it to size of the tank and put it in first then substrate and rocks. It will distribute the weight and keep gravel from scratching or cracking the bottom. here is a link
.375"X2'X4' White Egg Crate

 

[purestar]

Good suggestion, I'll keep it in mind for the next tank... unfortunately for this one, I've already put the dirt and sand in and removing it would be very messy! Perhaps I should downsize my rocks...

 

[Rare]

If it's tempered Glass bottom....they can hold plenty of weight.

Tempered Glass Aquarium - YouTube