Couple of questions...

aerius007

aerius007

New member
First off, I bleached about 85lbs of rock a few days ago. I rinsed it really well and let it sit for a few days. When I smell the rock there is no bleach smell, if anything the rock smells like a dirty foot. Is it ok to introduce into the tank or should it sit a while longer? Or would it be a good idea to fill a tub with ro and rinse again? Run some carbon, dechlor, etc?

Also I have a new light fixture arriving soon. I'm moving from T5s to MH w/t5s. I dont want to shock anything but I dont have any way to suspend the fixture over the tank other than the couple inch mounting legs. How should I acclimate everything to the new light?

Also, who here is using acrylic rods to help with aquascaping? I would like to try it, but have NO EXPERIENCE. I do have a drill and a dremel, I think that should really be all I need. Are there any good links showing the best way to use the rods? I would like to do something cool other than the "pile o' rocks" ive always had.
 
I recently bleached some rock in my utility sink in the laundry room. I rinsed it a few times by filling and draining the sink. I then filled the sink and put in a bottle of Stress Coat (dechlorinator). I let that sit overnight with a powerhead in there. I then rinsed it with RO/DI water and let it dry. You have to rinse it after the Stress Coat because it will make your skimmer foam like you have never seen it foam before. That is how I did it, the rocks are now in my system with no issues.
 
questions

questions

On your lighting question, window screens work real well. take three of them on top of one another and put them on top of your tank after a week take one away and continue to do the same for the next two.
 
Frost, I used regular clorox bleach. I used about 2 cups in the big utility sink. I let is soak overnight. I then started the rinsing process I mentioned above.
 
I am thinking about making 5-6 different structures for the tank. Here are two I just put together. They are stable now but I am going to get some fiberglass rods tonight from HD to add some support. I will make maybe one more arch at the most and a couple of towers. What do you think? If these look ridiculous let me know. I also plan on drilling some holes in the rock for easy frag plug placement.
dryrock114.jpg

dryrock118.jpg
 
I went to lowes and got some fiberglass rods. I also tried to drill a rock and cracked it, I think I need to get a corded drill. My cordless is a cheap 18v craftsman and doesnt have a very high rpm. Also, what is the best type of bit to use for this? I read to use a bit for concrete, not masonary, is that true?
 
Sailor is correct you should be using a masonry bit with a hammer drill. I did this and used 1/2" PVC pipe to get the vertical columns that I was looking for out of my aquascaping. With regards to drilling the rock.... I had to use a 1" masonry bit to get my rocks to fit over the 1/2" PVC. From my experience I will tell you that I ended up with more rubble rock that I would like. I am 85% done with my aquascaping and will tell you that IMO it was well worth the extra rubble rock...lol. It is much better than a pile of rocks.
 
Funny, I just got home from Lowes, I am now the new owner of a hammerdrill. The cordless ones I have just werent cutting it, hopefully I will have better luck with this one.
 
Here are a couple of "in progress" pics.
1501.jpg

Structure #1
1510.jpg

Structure #2
1516.jpg


Tell me what you think, any tips, etc. More pics to come
 
Ive been drilling some extra holes for frags, and the orange figerglass will be covered with plumbers epoxy and rubble.
 
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