Rocks Fell

terry4505

terry4505

New member
I have what I consider an uncanny ability to stack my rocks in gravity defying configurations. The only problem is, the slightest bump and they all fall, which happened this week.

As I am attempting to fix my fallen rocks, I am looking for input on the best way to secure them.

I have tried the epoxy, but I am not crazy about it. I have read about drilling the rocks and using plastic dowels to hold them in place. The problem is, my rocks are all pretty established and I am hoping to not take them out of the tank for too long.

any input is appreciated as always.
 
You could try using large zipties from the home improvement stores they make them up to like 18-24 inches long and in black or white and IME platics usually accumulate vitamins pretty quickly.


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I always use acrylic rod to put my rockwork together. It makes for secure formations that can come out very unique.

What I would do (since the rock is established) would be to fill a tote with SW and stack the rocks how you want them, then pull each piece out to drill it, then just throw it back in.

I haven't done this method myself. I have always built and drilled the formation before it went into the tank, but this is what I would try if it were mine.
 
ryan_ said:
I always use acrylic rod to put my rockwork together. It makes for secure formations that can come out very unique.

What I would do (since the rock is established) would be to fill a tote with SW and stack the rocks how you want them, then pull each piece out to drill it, then just throw it back in.

I haven't done this method myself. I have always built and drilled the formation before it went into the tank, but this is what I would try if it were mine.
Click to expand...

+1 on this. It will only take about 10-15 sec to drill each hole so the rock won't be out for too long. I just drilled and pegged a bunch that was cooking to cure. The advantage you have is that it's established and wet. Much easier to drill since it's softer than dry rock when wet.
 
Consider the epoxy again, after stacking rocks I wiggle them and put little epoxy "pillars". then wait a day and everything is nice and solid!
 
If you decide to drill don't use a typical concrete/rock bit and don't use the hammer function on your drill. Typical live rock is very porous therefore the rock isn't super strong and using those bits and functions are greatly increasing the chance of your rock breaking apart during the drilling process. A standard drill bit with a plain drill should drill it fine without the added bit width and vibration from hammer drills and bits.
I would love to see some pics when you finish I like the looks of gravity defying stacks.


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I went with epoxy, it was quick and cheap. I got all the rocks/arches back where I wanted them and so far everything is holding up very well.

Thanks for all the help.
 
Not looking to steal the thread but:

I am considering acrylic or threaded nylon rods for the rockwork in my new 90. I would like to keep most of the rock off the sand bed, and ideas on what I could use as a base to attach the rods to,it would have to be something sturdy so the rocks wont tip over.
 
Last edited:
just out of curiosity, why would you want the rock work off of the sand bed?
 
Elevating the majority of the rock off the sand bed allows for much better flow and can help prevent the buildup of detrius.
 
detritus.

She's right. The ideal stack will have little rock touching the bottom glass (or starboard). Never stack rock on sand because sand will shift and rocks will fall.

I use rocks themselves directly on bottom glass. I choose points on the rock and face them downwards making sure they're completely stable.
I've seen people use epoxy to form "feet" in order to lift rock off glass.
I've also seen them use acrylic pegs. I prefer to keep it simple and au natural...
 
ok, but as long as you have sufficientflow and a good CUC that shouldn't be an issue. I've seen a lot of rock formations elevated off of a bare bottom tank, but none with a sand bed.

Not trying to knock your thinking, just curious to a different method.
 
I've heard that people use eggcrate in the DSB then fix the rocks on top but I know eggcrate can leach phosphates so you'd want to coat it in something reef safe before if you decide that route.

As far as securing the rocks themselves, I've found that neither putty nor epoxy is strong enough to hold, but the two together are incredible! I put glue on the rock, then put the putty down over the glue, then more glue over the putty and smoosh your other rock in. Works everytime :)
 
I thought I just read that the egg crate phosphate leak idea was just hype. People use it all the time for frag racks. I just used it to build a stand for my protein skimmer, didnt think it would hurt anything.
 
Omg...

Omg...

Are you not supposed to allow the rock to touch the bottom glass!?

Is this because it might stress out the glass or tempered glass and cause it to let go?

Do we need to put "feet" on the rock?

Just asking before I put rock into my new setup...
 
Lol...calm down, calm down. All my tanks have the rock directly on the glass bottom and most people do it that same way.
 
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