LR columns

[GreenSpottedPuffer]

What have you guys used as rods to build LR columns? Im looking for something quite thin if possible and easy to find. Someone had recommended fiberglass parking rods but I have not been able to find any. Any other ideas? I do not want to use PVC because I want something thinner if possible.

Thanks!

[clipperfish]

You can use plexes glass rods 1/2" they work well .

[GreenSpottedPuffer]

Yeah I keep hearing about plexi rods...Anyone know where I can get them?

[DanG]

I'm swinging by home depot tonight to try and find the same thing. I've seen pictures here of people who have built and H at the bottom and had a 1/2 inch of pvc pipe hooked up to the middle and the rocks with 1/2 inch holes stacked through their holes. Looked pretty damn good IMO.

[Swordtail]

You could get them at Coast Fiber Tek.There're located on 1306 Boundary Rd.

[fishface]

i used acrylic rods and a masonary bit followed by hyraulic cement for a more natural bond. looks great and solid too.

[robzilla]

i got some rod from a place in langely, some sort of plastic manufacturer. i cant remember the name but i got the name of this board.

[Delphinus]

Check Industrial Paints and Plastics ( http://ippnet.com/ ), that's where I got some and they are a franchise so there should be one near you ...

[mr_alberta]

How about plastic coat hangers cut up? Would that work?

[Chin_Lee]

I have read many different ideas and i thought this guy's is one of the better ones so far. I would have done this if I had sand to cover the legs.
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-10/totm/index.php

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o309/chin_lee/tn_pillar1copy_jpg.jpg http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o309/chin_lee/tn_pillar2copy_jpg.jpg

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o309/chin_lee/tn_pillar3copy_jpg.jpg

[GreenSpottedPuffer]

I ended up getting fiberglass rods from Canadian Tire. There are pics in my Tank Journal thread if anyone is interested. They work great and are very easy to use!

[Edmonton Eskimo]

I've heard of people using fiberglass arrow shafts. I think I'm going to give that a try and see how she goes.

[GreenSpottedPuffer]

I've heard of people using fiberglass arrow shafts. I think I'm going to give that a try and see how she goes.

Yeah that would be about the same thing as these. The ones I am using are 1/4" and are working great. Nice and easy to cut and hopefully easy to paint. All I did was drill about 1/3 of the way into the "base" rock, which is of course big and heavy and then right through the rest. I was worried at first about the base holding or the other rocks snaping the rods but theres no way. The fiberglass is very strong. I doubt I could break it by hand even.

[Delphinus]

That reminds me that I saw fibreglass rods at IPP last time I was there, and I was wondering how well they'd work. Cool, now I know. :) I didn't realize Canuck Tire sold them too, that's good to know. :)

[GreenSpottedPuffer]

Yeah CT does...they are the fiberglass parking rods. With the reflectors on the top. Someone had recommended them to me. I was worried about the yellow paint on them but I guess with the Krylon coating it, it should be fine. Plus the guy who recommended them to me has apparently been using them as is (yellow) for a few years with no issues.