Aquascaping Supplies: Acrylic or Nylon Rods

revhtree · Aug 8, 2016

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 · Aug 8, 2016

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

revhtree · Aug 8, 2016

alonso24k said:
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 · Aug 8, 2016

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

broach · Aug 8, 2016

@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 · Aug 8, 2016

broach said:
@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 · Aug 9, 2016

I guess I'll try a hammer drill.

RedoubtReef · Aug 10, 2016

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 · Aug 10, 2016

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 · Aug 10, 2016

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

andys · Aug 10, 2016

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

FishAddict87 · Aug 10, 2016

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 · Aug 10, 2016

jkopfishman · Aug 10, 2016

revhtree said:
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 · Aug 11, 2016

Nice job on the aquascapes!

What did you say that cement was called?

jkopfishman · Aug 11, 2016

jkopfishman · Aug 11, 2016

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

Richard · Aug 11, 2016

revhtree said:
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.