mrramsey's 72gal Bowfront with Sump Project

**mrramsey** · 03-14-2013, 08:03 PM

Thanks!

I also started playing with stone... I found this in the yard. I think it is some kind of slate. It was a bigger flat piece but you can see the fracture lines. I need to test it with some vinegar to make sure it is safe but I think it will be ok.

I have more of this same rock but just thought I would try this out for looks. I will need to cut them smaller I think.

**Hardy85** · 03-14-2013, 08:07 PM

Only problem I could see would be the substrate leaking through the holes in the rock wall...

Easy way to fix that would be a safe type of plastic lining... of course making sure you couldn't see it

**mrramsey** · 03-14-2013, 08:11 PM

Yes that will be the tricky part... Not a big deal if I use the same substrate all around but I was thinking of using pool sand in the area behind the stone. I can probably find plenty of smaller pieces to fill in any holes.

**Hardy85** · 03-14-2013, 08:13 PM

It will be kinda deep behind that wall for sand... unless you plan on having snails, air bubbles could be an issue at that depth

**mrramsey** · 03-14-2013, 08:42 PM

I would like to have it about 3" above the lower substrate. Would having the sand 3-4" deep really e a problem? Is it just sand that would be the problem or any substrate?

**Hardy85** · 03-14-2013, 08:45 PM

I believe its just sand, I've heard 3-4" with sand can cause issues... Just sand because of how dense it can compact though.

So I'd say do sand in the lower part (2" deep) and use another substrate in the back

**mrramsey** · 03-14-2013, 08:46 PM

Originally Posted by gronlaura

I know NOTHING about sumps - but that appears to be a thing of beauty.

Thank you gronlaura!

**mrramsey** · 03-14-2013, 08:59 PM

Originally Posted by Hardy85

I believe its just sand, I've heard 3-4" with sand can cause issues... Just sand because of how dense it can compact though.

So I'd say do sand in the lower part (2" deep) and use another substrate in the back

Not sure if I would like it that way - here is a look at the sand and STS -

**mrramsey** · 03-15-2013, 03:14 PM

Ok I changed the design just a little and built a "shelf" for the elevated section using 3/4" pvc pipe attached to the bottom of the egg crate material. I then covered it with some landscape fabric. This makes up about 1-1/2" of space so the sand in that area does not need to be that deep.

The flat pieces you see to the right of the shelf provide a base for the rock wall to sit on.

Here you can see the wall (needs some refinement still). There is a small cave in the back. The rocks under the wood are just spacers. The Pool filter sand will be on the left section and the darker sts in the right. I am goung for a larger open area in the middle for the cardinals to school. I layed the far right piece of wood on its side as it creates a nice swim through like that but I am not sure if I will leave it.