But, what do you do when something gets under/behind the grate and dies? Some removable panels of the eggcrate might work to give access to the back/underside.

No, that doesn't happen. If anything did ever die I would think the scavengers to get it. But it just doesn't happen and I wouldn't think worth the time. Once its set up you just leave it alone and mother nature takes over. Although I have suggested a yearly take down, but that will change in my revised edition that I am presently working on. The upgrade will be FREE to those who have the book and took the 2 min to fill out the questionnaire. It should be done By Nov

I'm sorry that I appear dogmatic to your ideas. Actually I am not but I see some "improvements" that could become problems and much less simplified. The absolute best way is to have a room behind the tank and use that for all the equipment. Then you can do/have what ever you want.

Yes It works very well.Look At pg 83 the "function and layout of eggcrate" and the 3rd paragraph on pg 84 and pg 86 and 87 "positioning and fastening eggcrate". You use pvc pipe, depending on what size tank you have, will determine the height/diameter of pvc I would say usually one would use a minimum of 1 in to 1 1/2 in. You cut the front of the pvc so as to visually minimize its presence. Have another look/read to get a good feel. .

How high should the top of the back support be? How close to the top of the tank should it be? Does it matter?

Well, what matters (i think) is to have it high enough to be useful (displaying the rock) and at enough of an angle so the rock naturally stays supported (not too steep of an angle). Usually this will be about 4 inches below the top of the tank and about 1 1/ 2 to 2 in below the waterline. Try and follow exactly how its explained in the book. It will also be helpful to get a general idea by "laying it out" on a floor either some tape or lite pencil marks can give you a picture of the angle and lengths of pcs.Most vinyl tile floors have 12" squares so its pretty easy to get straight lines and increments in ft.

As far as creatures "walking out" That seems very logical but I've not experienced it.

The other questionable area is where you fasten the back- to the bottom. Here you want to have the back sloped enough so the rock will stay in place probably about a 70 to 75 degree angle. This usually leaves you with a VERY small looking bottom piece, but Don't worry...thats normal and the rock "overhangs"the front of the material so It will be bigger than it looks. Also pay close attention to allowing enough room for future cleaning access in this front area of the tank, you want A MINIMUM!! of 2inches from where the rock overhangs. There will be a strong temptation to stretch this, Don't. At your first and subsequent waterchanges you will be very glad you left this space. Not leaving enough...will force you to fight with it and you will regret not doing it. Try and make sure you remove all plastic clippings, another annoyance. I am very pleased to see you going with the eggcrate and I think once its done you will be too! Its a great system.Anything else let me know.

However, I've been unable to find the black eggcrate after much looking around. The black is hard to find, BUT..it can be found! Look for a good plastics dealer there is usually one major dealer in every large city. Check the ypages under "plastic sheets tubes and rods" Its about $8 for a 2X4 piece

How important do you really think using black is?

IMO its important. The black blends in well and you don’t really notice it. I think its a BIG difference from using white. In a store fine, But in a home I would say no way!

Won't the white eggcrate get covered in coralline algae fairly rapidly, thus hiding it's bright color?

Yes it will get covered...but not all of it...in all areas, that’s where the black/blending comes in.

I don't wish to purchase the egg crate via mail order, as that would be a pain.

I really don’t think it that much a pain. I hear eddy at m3 has it, everyone with this ? always ends up finding it.Personally I think you could locate it from the ypages.

I think its a very good idea especially if you go with the whole setup spraybar anchors etc. .Here is the place I use Modern Plastics 1800-243-9696 they are out of CT Mass and RI

Well, what matters (i think) is to have it high enough to be useful (displaying the rock) and at enough of an angle so the rock naturally stays supported (not too steep of an angle). Usually this will be about 4 inches below the top of the tank and about 1 1/ 2 to 2 in below the waterline. Try and follow exactly how its explained in the book. It will also be helpful to get a general idea by "laying it out" on a floor either some tape or lite pencil marks can give you a picture of the angle and lengths of pcs.Most vinyl tile floors have 12" squares so its pretty easy to get straight lines and increments in ft.

As far as creatures "walking out" That seems very logical but I've not experienced it.

The other questionable area is where you fasten the back- to the bottom. Here you want to have the back sloped enough so the rock will stay in place probably about a 70 to 75 degree angle. This usually leaves you with a VERY small looking bottom piece, but Don't worry...thats normal and the rock "overhangs"the front of the material so It will be bigger than it looks. Also pay close attention to allowing enough room for future cleaning access in this front area of the tank, you want A MINIMUM!! of 2inches from where the rock overhangs. There will be a strong temptation to stretch this, Don't. At your first and subsequent waterchanges you will be very glad you left this space. Not leaving enough...will force you to fight with it and you will regret not doing it. Try and make sure you remove all plastic clippings, another annoyance. I am very pleased to see you going with the eggcrate and I think once its done you will be too! Its a great system.Anything else let me know. Good Luck

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