Aquascape stability help.

[Robertellis30]

I’ve spent some time getting this sculpture I want. But a little afraid of the structure stability. The nyos cement doesn’t really hold well.

So I was thinking about getting a large piece of acrylic and placing it underneath the formation to better help with the transfer process into the tank with out risking the joints to crack.

 

[BlennyTime]

You could do that, sure. Or just move it over and re-glue in place what breaks, assuming the tank is empty.

Also, epoxy putty and gorilla gel super glue are a good combination to get solid connections between rocks. The putty helps fill the gaps to provide more surface area for the glue to work.

 

[Robertellis30]

Thanks! I’ve used gorilla glue and instant set while forming all the pieces. They went over it with the nyos cement. Can never be too cautious when it comes to our tanks. Haha.

 

[cvrle1]

Too late now but I would have made this into several smaller structures. Would have been easier to move, less chance to break, and in case you need to remove from tank for whatever reason, makes it much less work. Looks good though, I like it

 

[SMSREEF]

Looks really realy nice!
Are you gonna have someone else help you get it into tank?
When you do, put towels around the glass and in the bottom of the tank, just in case anything drops.
I made my scape in pieces that fit together. If it is already kinda weak in some joints, you may want to separate into 3 pieces that fit together like @cvrle1 said above.

 

[SMSREEF]

Also the Emarco 400 cement I used was stronger than the rock. I’m really happy with it. Not sure if you want to add some of that If you don’t trust the cement you used.
If you are in Miami I could give you some of my leftover.

 

[Robertellis30]

I honestly couldn’t be any further then Miami! Up here in PNW(Oregon). I originally had in separate pieces. But it was top heavy and kept falling over.

I wanted the marco cement but for some reason marine depot doesn’t carry it.

I think I might build another scape. Possibly trade this one the LFS see what kind of credit I can get.

I appreciate the input from everyone!

 

[SMSREEF]

I like it. Maybe try and move it. Not into tank, but the same movements you will need to do to get it in, and see if it stays together. The Nyos cement may hold great.

other thing you could do is make a few cuts with a masonry saw and separate into a couple pieces that can be moved easier.

 

[Weasel1960]

I like it any chance of breaking it select spots then reinforcing it with rods. That would still give you the stability while being easier to manage or remove. I would also check out BRS for mortar.