ive rock is a beautiful and very beneficial addition to any marine aquarium. Aquascaping with live rock establishes a safe and stable marine environment. It offers fish a natural food source, aids in the breakdown of wastes, creates a foundation for live corals or decorations, and presents hiding places for shy or frightened fish.
Consider the following to create an aesthetically pleasing "aquatic landscape":
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Look at pictures of other aquariums or natural reefs for inspiration. Create your design on paper before construction to determine what kind of materials you will need. | ||||||
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Strategic placement of live rock can conceal tubing, heaters, and other unsightly aquarium equipment. | |||||||
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Alter the shape and size of the rock with a hammer and chisel, or even a drill, to suit your particular needs. | |||||||
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Avoid accidental shifting during maintenance. Use fasteners or glues to create stable, "permanent" structures. Two-part epoxy glues or long plastic ties work well. |
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Use larger, unattractive pieces as foundation and place decorative and visually interesting pieces in prominent locations. |
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Consider using different types of live rock to increase bio-diversity. |
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Leave enough room in your design for the growth of corals and plants. |
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Avoid monolithic structures piled up against the aquarium wall. Allow space to facilitate water flow as well as access for maintenance. |
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Create natural nooks, caves, and overhangs your fish can swim through or hide in for protection. |
Remember, there is no one correct way to aquascape your aquarium. Be creative and have fun but be sure to properly cure your live rock before constructing your underwater paradise.
| ESSENTIALS | |
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AquaStik Epoxy Putty. Nontoxic epoxy putty perfect for attaching corals and live rock. |
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Purple Up accelerates desirable pink and purple coralline algae growth without encouraging nuisance algae growth. |
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Durable Aqua Gloves keep you dry and help you work safely and efficiently inside your aquarium. |