This review dives into the world of nano reef aquascaping with Two Little Fishes' Stax Rocks, specifically within a Red Sea Reefer Nano tank. We explore the ease of setup and maintenance afforded by this system, contrasting it with the complexities of custom-built tanks. The focus is on Stax Rocks, precisely cut artificial rocks from Macro Rocks, Florida, and how their unique properties contribute to creating stunning and versatile reef scapes. We'll examine the advantages of their flat, stackable design, and compare the practicality of different aquascaping styles, such as the classic reef wall and a more minimalist bonsai approach.The review details the author's experience using Stax Rocks, highlighting both the initial skepticism regarding their artificial nature and the ultimate appreciation for their practicality and affordability. We'll assess the benefits of their porous structure for bacterial growth, and consider the overall aesthetic appeal achieved. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of Stax Rocks, weighing the pros and cons of using artificial rocks in a nano reef setup and offering valuable insights for anyone considering this innovative approach to aquascaping.
Pros And Cons
- Precisely cut rocks for easy stacking.
- Creates various scape options (bonsai, reef wall).
- Good value for the quantity in a box.
- Lightweight and porous, beneficial for bacteria growth.
- Easy to install and remove compared to glued or siliconed rocks.
- Unnatural look due to flat, precisely cut nature.
- Obvious seams between rocks may look unnatural.
- Brown stains from algae or diatom blooms may be visible.
- Simple plumbing system that is easy to install and work with.
- Easy to remove components compared to custom tanks.
Read more: 5 Stunning Polished Aquarium Rocks for Your Tank
Red Sea Reefer Nano Setup
This review focuses on Stax Rocks by Two Little Fishes, used in a Red Sea Reefer Nano tank setup. The tank was prepped with tap water and salt, foregoing RODI for this cycling phase. A week of running time was allowed before adding the Fiji Pink substrate. The author notes that the larger grain size of Fiji Pink is preferable in nano tanks to prevent sand blowing caused by wave makers in smaller spaces.
The plumbing system is praised for its ease of use, highlighting the push-fit and screw-on design. This contrasts with the difficulties of installing and removing components in custom tanks using glue or silicone. The Red Sea Reefer Nano's modular design allows easy dismantling for cleaning or relocation.
Stax Rocks: Design and Features
Stax Rocks, manufactured by Macro Rocks in Florida, are precisely cut from high-quality white rocks. Unlike naturally shaped rocks, these offer a flat, consistent surface. The author initially expresses skepticism about the artificial nature but finds that the precise cuts offer versatile layout options.
The 'stackable' design allows for creative aquascaping with various heights and configurations. This makes them particularly well-suited for bonsai-style aquascapes, creating tiered platforms for coral placement. The author suggests that they are more affordable than other high-quality rock options.
Aquascaping with Stax Rocks: Reef Wall vs. Bonsai
The author explores two main aquascaping approaches using Stax Rocks: a reef wall and a bonsai style. A reef wall offers depth and visual interest, but the author acknowledges past criticisms of detritus buildup. The flat, stackable nature of Stax Rocks could mitigate these issues.
A bonsai style, characterized by its minimalist aesthetic and tiered platforms, is another attractive option. The author's preference for a natural look initially leans towards a reef wall, but the versatility of Stax Rocks makes either approach feasible.
Final Thoughts: Value and Versatility
The author concludes that Stax Rocks are a worthwhile investment due to their affordability and the large quantity provided. The porous nature promotes beneficial bacterial growth, while their light weight simplifies handling and placement. The versatility allows for creating a wide array of reef scapes.
While the flat, precisely cut nature isn't entirely natural, the overall result is visually appealing. The author enjoys the ease of use and how quickly the scape was created. It's suggested to use coral glue rather than epoxy for secure placement.