Building hills, mounds in Aquarium

Hey there I just wanted to get advice/tips on anyone who has created hill, mounds, or high elevations in there Aquariums. I attempted and failed in my 26 gallon bow front. It was slightly hilled but since I only used fluval Stratum with some sandbags i made out of filter media bags and play sand it evened out. I'm thinking maybe adding lava rock with other big rocks and then topping with Stratum might work.
But this time I'm taking more time to attempt to try this again.
Does anyone have any tips? Suggestions? Pictures? I'd appreciate your guys help.

 

My African Cichlids are constantly digging in the gravel, creating pits & hills. Lol. Good sized rounded river rocks buried in the substrate might help, provided a deep level of substrate is piled on top.
Might consider going with tall flat bottom rocks.

 

I know lava rock is good for building mounds because it allows oxygen exchange so those deep mounds don’t go anaerobic. I think its common practice to cover lava rock mounds with sand to add height and definition to the substrate.

 

I know lava rock is good for building mounds because it allows oxygen exchange so those deep mounds don’t go anaerobic. I think its common practice to cover lava rock mounds with sand to add height and definition to the substrate.

I got a big bag of lava rock some seiryu stones and 3 bags of fluval Stratum for the top layer so I hope I can make something nice haha

 

use texas holly rocks and lava rocks to build them

 

I got a big bag of lava rock some seiryu stones and 3 bags of fluval Stratum for the top layer so I hope I can make something nice haha

Be sure to show us some pictures when done. This sounds interesting!

 

I will I'll post it in my 75 gallon build journey. I haven't got a chance buy materials to finish my stand so I've been just planning and buying some stuff other stuff.