gonna re-scape!!

[cuz]

thinkin about re-doing my rock work this weekend to try and organize some clutter. Everything growing into each other and a few are getting mad at there neighbors. so along with some heavy fragging i think i'm gonna try a change of scenery as well. My question being: what does every one suggest for some nice tall rock structures? i've searched on the pvc and acrylic rod method and think it would work awesome but i'm leary on pulling peices out for drilling and causing to much die-off on my rock. Should i go with an epoxy putty to support the stuctures between the peices? (along with them inter-locking naturaly, just as bracing around the outer edge of them joining)..Should i use my drillbit extension and keep my rock submerged in a pail of water while i drill it for an acrylic rod?
Just lookin for opinions feel free to shoot whatever suggestions anyones got please...

[cuz]

right on!!ttt

[sarzeff]

I've used the epoxy to secure corals and rocks and it works well, just be careful as it can actually kill your fish. It doesn't say this on the package but the talc gets into the water and if it's too much can take the oxygen out of the water. Online I read that it's supposed to only happen if you use ALOT of putty and in poorly oxygenated tanks however I did not use very much and my tank has a filter and a skimmer that is more than enough for it and I still lost a damsel from the talc. It can be avoided by mixing the putty together and instead of putting it right into the tank rinising it in water, letting it dry and then reworking it. This was Aquascape putty I used, not sure about how other brands work but I got this stuff because it was recommended and dries the colour of coraline.

[blake374]

I used 1/2" pvc and a 1/2" masonary drill bit to drill the rocks. It was really easy. If you keep the rocks fairly moist I wouldn't worry to much about die off. Drilling is really quick. You could drill a rock in about 10 seconds and then put it back in salt water. You could also stack the rocks on underwater.

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/blake374/P1010390.jpg

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/blake374/th_212.jpg (http://s252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/blake374/?action=view&current=212.flv)

Check out this thread if you want more info on building pillars

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=746318

[Myka]

I bought the acrylic rods, and enough epoxy to glue my car into the garage with these great plans of making super awesome overhangs and piers. So I start drilling rocks, and inserting rods. I do this for 3 hours before I get frustrated, pull all the rods out, and put the rock back in the tank in a pile. I found it very difficult to get the rocks to line up exactly the way I wanted to because the holes you drill have to line up perfectly, which is quite tough. A week later I buy a bunch of black zip ties, and give it another go. I used a masonry bit to drill holes just like the acrylic rods, but they holes don't have to line up perfectly for you to tie them together. Waaaaaaaaaaaaaay easier! I was able to make the structures I wanted (although I have decided I don't like them anymore, but that's a different story lol). Four months later the zip ties were overgrown with coralline, and you can't see them unless you're looking for them.

This is what I ended up with just using zip ties (no epoxy):
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k43/Myka82/Oct2520092.jpg

[cuz]

thanks for the tips all!! I ended up going with the drilling and acrylic rods. Was suprised how easy some of the rocks drilled!! Theres a few that are pretty dense as well!!
I'll have to post some before and aft pics tonight, see what everyone thinks!!