how to wire all the rock?

Clownnut · 10-24-2005, 10:38 PM

i want to put some liverock togather. how can i do that? just drilled a hole use rod to connect them? where can i find it and what kind the rod should i use? where can i find and what kind the glue?
thx for looking
Li

Graham · 10-24-2005, 11:22 PM

Glue probably won't work - lots of epoxy might help and I've used it in the past for small pieces (with the help of rods and cable ties.) I think the fiberglass rods from Home Depot are the usual choice, but acrylic rods are also an option and are better IMO, since they are clear - not dayglo orange.

To drill holes, use a masonry drill bit sized slightly larger than the diameter of your rod. Be careful - saltwater ruins drills. Drill at least 2-3" into the rock.

Cable ties work wonders, but if the structure is extensive, you'll probably need some PVC support beneath the rock to keep things tight.

JnS · 10-24-2005, 11:46 PM

http://www.tcmas.org/Aquascaping.htm

Clownnut · 10-24-2005, 11:59 PM

thx for the info.
sorry. i didnt do the search b/f post the thread.
Li

Brandon L · 10-25-2005, 08:51 AM

I have been slowly stocking my acrylic rods from the window blind section at home depot. They usually have a few spare acrylic rods used to open and close the window blinds just laying around. If you ask pretty please, they are usually happy to give you a few.

Clownnut · 10-25-2005, 09:39 AM

which is more strong? the acrylic rods or the fiber rods? i just want to do it right this time so i dont have to do it again...

JnS · 10-25-2005, 01:05 PM

use fiberglass rods. acrylic will get break over time.

David Grigor · 10-25-2005, 01:48 PM

Acrylic rod break is definatley not as rigid as the fiberglass. So if building a tall structure with acrylic rod it can lean and/or sway in the current. If using just small lengths of the arcylic rod it should be fine. The other downside to the acrylic rod it is exactly 3/8" in diameter while the fiberglass is just slightly less so when you try to slide the rod through the drilled hole it is more difficult ( and can get stuck because of the grit ) as opposed to the fiberglass slides in easily......

Clownnut · 10-25-2005, 02:10 PM

thx. i think fiberglass will be better for a long run.