Connecting/Gluing Rock for structure

[ReefTron5000]

I'm going to try building a new rock structure out of Real Reef rock for the left side of my tank. I have a bunch of GSP there now that I'm going to get rid of and I'd like to create an interesting structure in its place.

I know I've got to drill the rock but I'm trying to figure out which rods to use once I make the holes. I searched the forums and some people said the used driveway markers from Home Depot. It says they are "fiberglass reinforced", the ones I saw looked kind of wooden to me. Amazon sells acrylic rods but I'm not sure how strong they are.

Any tips?

 

[Rakie]

Acrylic rods are good, use those first. PVC are a nice backup. Don't be afraid to use some glue in places to add stability -- The thicker the glue the better. On that note, lots of people have good success with putty.

Zip ties, Putty, Glue, PVC, Acrylic rods -- Depending how elaborate you want to get, you may need some or all of them for that *one* particular rock thats being a PITA.

 

[bowlopho]

i use putty. its nice and holds jut enough and easy to break apart if needed

 

[m0nkie]

emarco 400. no rods needed. cures in 30 minutes

 

[ReefTron5000]

I think I will try the Home Depot driveway markers. I can't find any acrylic rods nearby, its all online.

I was hoping Aquamend putty alone would be enough but I'd be too worried stuff would collapse.

 

[Rakie]

emarco 400. no rods needed. cures in 30 minutes

OH nice, haven't heard of that. You'd pick that up at a place like Home Depot or Lowes huh?

 

[m0nkie]

http://www.marcorocks.com/aquascape-supplies/e-marco-400/

 

[McPuff]

Do you know if the e-marco 400 can cure underwater? I thought I read it would cure underwater... but what I really want to know is whether or not I could bond liverock to dry rock underwater. Or even just bond wet rock to dry rock above water. Any ideas on that?

I'm transferring the contents of my 120 into a 300 and I'll have a bunch of new, dry rock. I plan to use the e-marco to get the dry rock scape going... but then I will also have a bunch of live rock that I'd also like to incorporate into the design. Just not sure of the best way to do this. Maybe I just have to use some other type of putty instead.

 

[m0nkie]

The emaco works like cement. Just wet it and apply to rocks. I spray the rocks wet to bond better. So live rocks works too. You need to let it sit outside for 15min to dry. 30min-1hr it will be ready to put into tank. I usually wait a few hours just incase.. No PH changes.

I have never applied them under water. I dont think there would be a problem with curing. Might have a bunch of little broken chunks

 

[getindavan]

Ive used the quickrete hydraulic cement out of the fish tank and let to dry for 24 hours with some success. Its cheap and the structure is still holding up after a year. I read somewhere that after time the cement will swell and crack.

 

[All Delight]

http://www.marcorocks.com/aquascape-supplies/e-marco-400/

this stuff works great!

 

[McPuff]

this stuff works great!

I've ordered a 10# bucket of this stuff as I've read nothing but good things. I know it will be necessary to bond some wet liverock and I can leave that out of the water for the requisite 20 min. There are 3-4 rocks, however, that have large colonies on them... for these I may see if it's possible to remove the rock, apply the e-marco, leave it sit for a few minutes, then replace in the tank to complete the curing process underwater. I'm hopeful that I'll get the desired results. My only other option is to use standard aquarium putty and super glue gel combo. I know this will work but it's not going to be nearly as effective as the e-marco. Either way, I'm excited to get the process started!

 

[UCT]

I put the bottom rocks on a piece of wax paper. Then I used putty around the back of the rocks to create legs which allows more stable support rock and more surface in contact with the glass.

 

[McPuff]

I put the bottom rocks on a piece of wax paper. Then I used putty around the back of the rocks to create legs which allows more stable support rock and more surface in contact with the glass.

This was another question I had... thanks for that. I figured I'd have to make some sort of stabilizing base for some of the rocks.