New Aquascape help

[Newsalth2o]

Got a batch of live rock today and I'm going to create all new rockscapes for my 125. What success has anyone had with different adhesives or methods of creating rockscapes? Using tie-wraps and pvc? Some kind of cement? Plastic allthread? Use eggcrate as a backer drill and tiewrap to it? I plan on working the rock and keeping it in a tote in the garage with pump and heater as I work it. When rocks are ready will move corals to a QT while I rearrange the tank and then replace corals.

 

[Skrilla]

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

 

[super_v13tnam]

I've had great success with EpoPutty. It is a two part adhesive and when combined it is extremely strong and stable. I have also used 1/4 inch acrylic rods and have bent them using a high temp heat gun. Hope this helps!

 

[Raptor72]

I've used pvc and epoxy to stack rocks with good success on my nano.

 

[Newsalth2o]

Seeing people use pond foam. Anyone tried that?

 

[Raptor72]

I wouldn't trust a freestanding scape on foam. I don't think it has the structural strength.

 

[CReyes350]

I've seen the pond foam approach... It will work but its pretty messy, and from what I understand is that you have a short window of opportunity to arrange the rocks before they set.

I've been tossing around the idea of using dry rock and a bit of aquarium silicone to make a few islands for me next project... I'm not sure if it will work but it sounds good in theory haha

 

[vwmoon1]

+1 on the acrylic rods. I have some left over from my build that your more than welcome to have for free.

 

[Newsalth2o]

I've seen the pond foam approach... It will work but its pretty messy, and from what I understand is that you have a short window of opportunity to arrange the rocks before they set.

I've been tossing around the idea of using dry rock and a bit of aquarium silicone to make a few islands for me next project... I'm not sure if it will work but it sounds good in theory haha

Not a bad idea I wonder if the silicon will cure under water after it skins? I may experiment with that and let you know.

 

[Newsalth2o]

+1 on the acrylic rods. I have some left over from my build that your more than welcome to have for free.

Would love to have them I'll pm you my #

 

[super_v13tnam]

Try a combination of acrylic rods with putty!

 

[Raptor72]

After reading a few threads regarding the pond foam, I would like to retract my last comment and say that it does appear to hold firmly. I will also be redoing my background hers soon. From what I've read in a few posts, applying an epoxy resin on top of the foam helps keep it from deteriorating.

 

[Newsalth2o]

What about tile grout?

 

[Raptor72]

I haven't read anything on that.

 

[Newsalth2o]

heated acrylic rod and inserted into drilled hole while it was soft. made a nice tight fit but it is extremely brittle after heating. So it makes a great fit but it is too brittle. bummer

 

[Raptor72]

If I might ask, why heat it? I drilled out my holes wedged in the pvc and put red epoxy around the gaps in the hole to fully secure it.

Edit: Thinking about it, I assume it was to bend it.

 

[David520]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1437901 This is how I would do mine if I could.

 

[Newsalth2o]

If I might ask, why heat it? I drilled out my holes wedged in the pvc and put red epoxy around the gaps in the hole to fully secure it.

Edit: Thinking about it, I assume it was to bend it.

So you don't have to epoxy

 

[Newsalth2o]

Did some stacking today since I broke my Idaho grape loose while fragging...Yes I was using a hacksaw blade. Almost made it only about 1/2" left when it broke

:facepalm:

this is what it looks like now

Probably will do some major stacking this weekend

 

[Bgsutton]

I think it came out looking pretty dang good!