Aquascaping Supplies: Acrylic or Nylon Rods

[revhtree]

Ok I think I am in for a rude awakening!

I got my masonry bit and started to drill some Real Reef Rock and......whoa it won't hardly drill a hole in the rock!

Did I miss a step?

 

[alonso24k]

Did you try with a hammer drill? That's I use with concrete but I've never drilled rock before

 

[revhtree]

Did you try with a hammer drill? That's I use with concrete but I've never drilled rock before

No just a regular drill!

 

[alonso24k]

Mason bits are pretty dull. Meant to be used with a hammer drill

 

[broach]

@revhtree concrete bonding is a sure safe bet. Also you can do large over hangs. Build the rocks in 3 pieces incase you need to remove for dipping etc.

There are a few products available that work well.

 

[revhtree]

@revhtree concrete bonding is a sure safe bet. Also you can do large over hangs. Build the rocks in 3 pieces incase you need to remove for dipping etc.

There are a few products available that work well.

Yes I agree and have done this in the past and planned on it for this build. BUT I do want to create some extreme structures using the rods.

 

[revhtree]

I guess I'll try a hammer drill.

 

[RedoubtReef]

I've used acrylic rods in the past. they were supported by two large 1/2" plates that were drilled out to attach them. I didn't reuse them this last time after re-aquascaping my tank for a couple reasons.
One, I mostly went with epoxy as my new rock work is lower in height to allow more room in the top area of the tank for the tangs to swim around and is sitting on about an inch of sand bed. In the past I had a two inch sand bed so it was enough to cover the plates.
Two, I've had rock break apart when drilling it and I didn't want to risk that this time around.

 

[revhtree]

I have actually about talked myself out of drilling the rock. With the advice given by some of you, the warnings, etc..

I just bought some 2 part epoxy and lots of super glue gel. I may make a run at it that way!

 

[rlugo113]

What kind of two part? There's so many out there

 

[andys]

I used carbon fiber rod from tap plastics. you could also use carbon fiber arrow shaft from your local sporting good store

 

[FishAddict87]

I used a masonary drill bit and a drill. Just carefully drill and let the bit do the work so your rock doesnt break and I used nylon threaded rods from marco rocks along with their emarco mortar. I have created some amazing structures for my new upgrade and now my tank looks great. I will have a build thread soon and show the aquascape in there

 

[FishAddict87]

 

[jkopfishman]

I have actually about talked myself out of drilling the rock. With the advice given by some of you, the warnings, etc..

I just bought some 2 part epoxy and lots of super glue gel. I may make a run at it that way!

Hey Rev check out the aquascape i made last night using th hydraulic water stop cement from homedepot i told u about. Its made from 17 different rocks. And strong as can be.

 

[revhtree]

Nice job on the aquascapes!

What did you say that cement was called?

 

[jkopfishman]

 

[jkopfishman]

Only mix what u will use connecting each rock at a time cuz it hardens fast. Very fast.

 

[Richard]

Ok I think I am in for a rude awakening!

I got my masonry bit and started to drill some Real Reef Rock and......whoa it won't hardly drill a hole in the rock!

Did I miss a step?

Always start with a bit about 1/3 the size you want to end up with, it will drill easier and stop the rock from cracking.