How to make a bonsai rock formation in an already established tank?

[Jiinx]

Hi all!
I really want to try to keep some sps in my tank. I've had it established since May. I kind of threw the rock in there and made some sort of mountain with crevices for critters.

I have never kept a real bonsai nor do I know where to start. Anyone have any experience in how they formed their rocks into a bonsai?

What type of glue/expoxy did you use? What diameter acrylic rod did you use? What types of rocks are best? I'm hoping to just use most of mine and add some if needed..I have a couple of flat heavy pieces.

Thank you!
sarah

 

[pstank1]

I can't say that I'm a practitioner of bonsai, but when I do rock work for my tanks I do a little bit of everything. JB waterweld, super glue, fiberglass driveway markers and 1/2 inch pvc. I don't bother with zip ties, that just seems like too much work.

i've used dry Pukani for my past tanks. I ended up using again on my new tank. With a few pieces of shelf rock I picked up.

 

[Scott Holman]

Bonsai reef

Bonsai reef

Most bonsai style tanks are constructed using tonga branch rock. I have used the mortar sold at Marco rock for this purpose and would highly recommend it. You can use zip ties to get the bonsai shape constructed, then mix up the mortar and place it over the joints between the rocks. It takes a few hours to set up, but when it does the bond is extremely strong and won't leach back into the water. Cut the zip ties off, clean up the joint with a toothbrush and you can place it back in the tank after 8-10 hours.

 

[Jiinx]

thanks you two!

If I have live rock with sponges, feather dusters and barnacles would I have that option of taking the rocks out and letting the glue harden for 8 hours? I think I have to do this quickly in the tank or a few minutes outside the tank. I know..not the best option but I don't want my rock dying.

Or maybe take it out of the tank, glue stuff and put it in some aged saltwater from my tank from a water change?

 

[pstank1]

I would make a plan on how you want to put together your rocks. Then the next time you do a water change, use that water to store your rocks as you're putting them together. Then let them cure in that water for an hour or two before putting them back in your tank.

 

[m0nkie]

I used E Marco 400. It works like cement but no curing needed. So take out a few pieces of rock, use Emarco and form the rockscape. After ~15min drying, put it back into the tank.

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