Add rocks first then sand, or vice versa

[RaymondL]

I always add sand first then do the aquascape, but others do the opposite - place rock bottom of glass then add the substrate. What is the correct way, pros and cons - is one more right than the other and what are the consequences if rock is added last.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I know for me, I added sand first then the aquascape. I've heard that doing that can cause your rocks to be on "unstable ground" since it is on top of the sand. Likewise, I just pushed my rock a little deep into the sand, and it seems sturdy as far as I can tell.

 

[KJB32]

I do the rocks first to be sure they are sitting directly on the bottom and as stable as possible. Then add sand.

 

[dschuffert]

For simplicity, I add cleaned sand first and then place my rocks—no rhyme or reason for me.

 

[Townes_Van_Camp]

I always add sand first then do the aquascape, but others do the opposite - place rock bottom of glass then add the substrate. What is the correct way, pros and cons - is one more right than the other and what are the consequences if rock is added last.

I always did what this guy does. Then I found out everyone else was right. Rocks then sand. My pistol shrimp is busy building a massive cave (rip sunrise setosa) nothing is disturbed and my rocks stay the same..

 

[1112-425XL]

Rocks then sand has worked best for me. Even a small shift in rock work can wreak havoc!

 

[mike550]

Small layer of sand (1/2” or so) followed by settling the rocks into the sand. When the rocks have “pointy” sections or edges I’ll place eggcrate underneath to spread the pressure. Then I put in the remaining sand.

I found having a base layer of sand helps with small voids

 

[Propane]

Putting the rock first might prevent snails and gobies from digging under the points of contact and causing a tilt.

 

[The_Skrimp]

I vote rock first then sand. Especially if you plan on getting anything like a pistol shrimp or nassarius snails that like to dig.
I used egg crate under the rocks to keep them from going directly on the glass.

 

[LordofCinder]

I always put sand first, then push the rocks into the sand for stability. Never had any issue.

 

[RaymondL]

As I suspected based on responses, it's a 50/50 mix here......in my first tank, I did sand first then rock, and so far it's holding - I don't have any sand dwelling creatures other than nassarius snails at the moment.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I always add sand first then do the aquascape, but others do the opposite - place rock bottom of glass then add the substrate. What is the correct way, pros and cons - is one more right than the other and what are the consequences if rock is added last.

Many years - first is the sand, then rocks.
I at times add water first then salt and allow salt to dissolve, then sand, then rocks

 

[Dburr1014]

Rocks on glass, make sure it's stable. Sand after. Now, nothing can bury under rock and it will always stay the same.

 

[WestMI-Reefer]

Rocks on glass

That’s the important part. For sand first, make sure big rocks get pushed down all the way to the glass.

 

[knockout]

Rocks first so they are sitting directly on the bottom and as stable, then add sand, the depth of the sand matters a lot if you're going for 1/2-1" sand depth it may not matter too much the rocks will likely make it to the bottom in no time, but if you're going for a 2" sand bed then some critters such as pistols and engineer gobies may cause some trouble for you.

 

[Lebowski_]

I can't handle putting rocks directly on the glass. It's why I stopped doing bare-bottom tanks. Sand first for me.