Hardscape Safety & Efficient Design
Spread Load and Protect the Glass
Place heavy base stones directly on the glass with a thin foam or egg-crate layer to diffuse point loads. Avoid balancing stones on small contact points over deep substrate.
Lock Structures, Don’t Stack Loosely
Use cyanoacrylate gel + cotton/fabric or epoxy putty to create stable interlocks between rocks and wood. Test for wobble before flooding.
Account for Displacement
Rocks and waterlogged wood displace water; if you keep the waterline constant, the net added weight is (material density − 1000 kg/m³) × volume. Porous lava rock adds much less net load than dense slate or granite.
Plan for Flow & Maintenance
Leave gaps around the foreground to prevent dead spots. Keep the tallest mass near a golden-ratio focal point and away from filter inlets/outlets to maintain circulation.
Typical Densities (reference)
- Seiryu/Granite/Slate: ~2600–2750 kg/m³ (heavy)
- Sandstone: ~2200 kg/m³ (medium)
- Dragon/Ohko: ~1400 kg/m³ (light, porous)
- Lava: ~900 kg/m³ (very light, porous)
- Driftwood (dry): ~600–800 kg/m³; waterlogged approaches ~1000 kg/m³
Disclaimer
Estimates only. Always verify stand ratings, floor capacity, and local building codes for large tanks.
