DIY Rock Racks

Whoyah · 10-31-2007, 11:48 PM

I tried an idea that I had in my new 65 gallon tank and it turned out great. The idea is really a spin off thing that I have saw other do, Graphixx being one of them. I call then Rock Racks.

I knew that I wanted good flow through in my new tank and a lot of caves and bridges. I also wanted good strong structure for the my live rock. Here is what I came up with.

Step 1. I built a rack system out of standard 1/2" PVC. I made sure to leave the ends open to allow air out and water/critters in. Also leave enough room in for the foam skin. One thing I feel that is important is to make "cube" frame instead of just a "table" frame. The foam skin is extremely buoyant. Without the cross pieces on the bottom of the racks to anchor them in the sand, the whole thing can come up out of the water.

Whoyah · 10-31-2007, 11:57 PM

Step 2. Cover frame in black pond foam. The foam I used is for securing rocks in outdoor ponds. I bought my can at the local hardware store for like $6.00. I buried the racks in about 2 inches worth of old sand I had. This reduces the amount of foam needed, saving cost and reducing the buoyance. The foam expands when first applied. After I applied some, I came back and smushed the foam down. It kind of pops almost. I spread it around with a paint stick (I think). It puffs up some again and leave a nice lumpy texture. Gloves are a must. It is very sticky stuff.

Whoyah · 11-01-2007, 12:00 AM

I let the racks cure for a couple days outside. I also stuck them in a rubbermaid tub of water just for good measure. Here is the finished product.

Whoyah · 11-01-2007, 12:05 AM

Step 4. Lay in racks and fill with sand, water, live rock, etc. I filled the bottom tubes of the racks with rubble pieces. I did this for a couple reasons 1) to make them heavier and 2) to give the pods in the tank a place to breed. I have a 3-4" in sand bed so the bare pvc is covered now.

Whoyah · 11-01-2007, 12:11 AM

Step 5. Sit back and in enjoy. This after only about a 1 month in the tank. The coraline is already starting to cover sections. I really like they way these turned out. One really handy thing is that frags can be mounted to the rack by simplying jambing them into the foam, almost like a push pin. My zoa frags are little tough but I bet SPS frags would be pretty easy. The fish love it and it make stacking the live rock ton easier.

RHAPALA · 11-01-2007, 04:38 AM

WOW THIS LOOKS REALLY GOOD NICE JOB

greg97527 · 11-01-2007, 08:25 AM

great idea on the pipe for pod breeding, i may have to try this when i set up the 75 with a 55 fuge

graphixx · 11-01-2007, 11:57 AM

shad, I love the set up of the racks that is nice. one thing I would suggest too for others thinking about this. when your applying the final coat of foam, a nice touch that I did that really helped is if you have some old sand I caked the old sand in with the foam. the sand sticks to the foam very easy and gives is a more natural look and as time goes by it seems the sand gets algae and growth on it quicker than the foam.