Aquascaping issue: glue for rock and acrylic rods?

Jim you might get alot more input on this if you ask on Reef central DIY forum.

 

Drill the holes the same size as the rods and they should fit snugly and won't need much glue as for glue don't use glue use two part epoxy putty I use loctite epoxy which you can buy from walmart its cheaper then ocean wonders and you don't have to pay shipping and wait for it

 

I drilled the same size as the rod.  I used a 12" masonry bit and was able to drill almost all of it without breaking any.  Take it slow.  Also, take a dremel and round off the end of the rod and you will be able to drive them into place easier.  Some will not fit snug...at least they didn't with mine, but that may be because my rock is extremely porous.  Also, there may be areas where the rods show.  In cases like this, I used an epoxy base and rock rubble to cover the rod.  I don't know anything about the LocTite epoxy, I used the Oceans Wonders stuff.  The rod will flex just a little so some glue or epoxy couldn't hurt, but is not required.  My motivation to rodding my rock was to prevent avalanches and improve my ability to stack the rock high and it accomplished those goals.  I look forward to seeing the aquascape that you end up with!  Make sure and post lots of pics!
--AJ

 

A few months ago i resealed a 150gallon that was 4'x2'x2.5' with 3 tubes of silicone. I had a fourth tube of silicone but never used it. I also used a pre manufactured corner trowel for a nice corner bead on the silicone. I used a fifty pack of razors and alcohol to clean the old silicone first. It went better than i thought it would have, and i was very happy with the results.

I also tackled the same issue with debating on how to support my rock work. i was going to use rods, but got lazy, and used two part epoxy putty. I started out with a stick i ordered from marinedepot, and ended up buying the loctite epoxy putty at the local hardware store. I double layered my putty for a good hold; and the rockwork seems to be nice and firm. As the "aquarium brand" epoxy putty label says, it will make your skimmer go crazy for a day or three. I would use the two part epoxy again.
However, i think if i had that much rock i would probably use the rods too!

 

Marc gave a presentation at MACNA and has some tips for building rockscapes, here: http://www.marcorocks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=49

 

Marc gave a presentation at MACNA and has some tips for building rockscapes, here: http://www.marcorocks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=49
Sorry....don't know why it double posted