View Full Version : Epoxy and rocks
Fish4Me2
02/19/2009, 09:30 PM
Anyone have any tricks for using grey epoxy putty (or anything else) to build structures with live rock?
I am aquascaping my new 180, and want an open look. I spent hours getting it right, and I used the grey epoxy putty to join rocks so that I'd have lots of open space. Today, days later, I discover that most of my epoxy joints aren't holding at all - the rocks will separate and fall over with gentle pressure. :confused:
Any suggestions on what to use to hold the structure I've got?
zlwags85
02/19/2009, 09:35 PM
A lot of people use zipties or drill the rocks and use acrylic rods to hold them together. I'm looking for ideas as well for my 300g and will be taggin along.
Fish4Me2
02/19/2009, 09:40 PM
I thought about drilling, but wanted many of the rocks to be just barely touching. That would have meant rods showing through. Here's the look I wanted (excuse the cloudyness from the sand):
http://solscope.com/gallery/d/2563-2/180+build+2_2009+029.JPG
Now if I could just get this to stay in place!
Brandon M
02/19/2009, 09:43 PM
Here are the rods I used to support my live rock pillars in my 315g FOWLR.
They are 3/8" acrylic rods:
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t234/bkmicek/Aquarium/rods.jpg
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t234/bkmicek/Aquarium/v3.jpg
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t234/bkmicek/Aquarium/v1.jpg
I used Weld-On 16 to attach the rods to the 1/4" acrylic sheets.
I got the weld-on 16 from a LFS in my area. You can buy it online here --> LINK (http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=132)
I got the acrylic rods at a local hardware store, but you can buy them online here --> LINK (http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=147&)
Also, for the 3/8" acrylic rods I used a 3/4" masonry bit that I bought at Home depot...it was like $10, if I remember correctly. Drilled the perfect sized holes for the 3/8" rods.
More info and pics can be seen by clicking here (http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1562380).
Good luck :cool:
Fish4Me2
02/19/2009, 10:19 PM
I really like the look of those pillars. Usually I associate rods with the rock wall look, but that looks great.
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