frag pegging

[fload]

Ok I need some help! I see a lot of people drilling their live rock and adding pegs to their frags for easier placement/removal, well my problem is that I can't drill the live rock because it is not possible to take out of the tank... all of my live rock is connected... hard to explain but I need to find a way to drill this rock whilst its in the tank.... any ideas? I was thinking I could maybe use an air drill....... but I don't know much about that.. Please help!

 

[salt lick]

I have a same situation. I bought a drill extension 12" I think. It has a quarter inch socket and a set screw to grab the drill bit. In that I put a 12" long masonry bit. So I can drill down on rocks more than a foot below surface. Also you could lower the water level temporarily.

 

[woodycb]

Air drills require oil for lubricating purposes, that will just get into the water. You can use an electric drill, I believe you can get a bit extender or an extra long mason bit. Drilling rock like that will create a lot of dust, since it will be done under water it will form a paste. You can check your local hardware store for the bits, good luck.

 

[fload]

Hmmm long drill bit seems like the only option how long would you leave montiporas out of water? If I lower the level I'm just wondering how much time I got....

 

[Eklikewhoa]

Look for an home alarm or cable installer......they have super long drill bits.

 

[250G]

Specialty hardware store have them but they are not easy to find, I know a buddy found one. Best bet is to take the rock out of the water where possible.

Also, a hammer drill is nice for this job, although not mandatory.

 

[AQUA951]

You can always empty your water until 1/4 left and drill it that way. This would be the easiest if you don't want to tear your rock work apart!

 

[fload]

I think I'm going to lower the water level I don't know why I didn't think of that! Lol man I feel dumb.... I have a large 100lb river bottom rock that I hope doesn't "split" when I'm drilling it so I think I'm going to drill some pilot holes first... ill take some befor and after pics... thanks for the replys!

 

[JB NY]

How heavy are the frags you are placing? Unless you plan on removing the corals in less than a year they will most likely encrust past the size of the peg so you won't be able to remove them.

 

[fload]

The problem is that my corals are constantly being knocked over befor they can encrust I could just putty them on the rock but I would rather be able to move them up if I think they need more light or down if they need less, plus it will allow me to do interesting placements of acros..

 

[robot2222]

Hello i am an electrical contractor , iI had purchased a teloscoping
extention 4 a drill . I bet that would work. It was from millwauki. hope that helps, brian

 

[camarojweed]

Exposing your coral to air if draining the tank down will have no issues, remember the tidal pools where corals are exposed to midday sun out of the water...in my old 55 gallon sps tank I would frequently drain the tank half way during a water change and let the corals slime up really good before adding the new water...the corals thrived doing this..Joe B could probably add more here, but if that is you concern, I would just drain the tank down, drill your holes and you should not really need to buy anything...

Jason

 

[Husky_1]

When I put frags in my tank, I usually cut off whatever is protruding at the bottom so only the disk remains. Then I use some Aquamend and super-glue and find that this give enough holding power to hold the frags in place really well, but can also pry them off if needed. You could drill in your tank, but it will be a cloudy mess, not to mention the possibility for contamination is really high.

 

[schminksbro]

I agree Husky. This has worked well for me.