Breaking large rock

[kenny_scotland]

I’m in the process of cycling my tank but I’m unsure that the rock is what I want. I did want one large piece but this one isn’t quite long enough. It weights 18kg

My tank is only 15 inch high. Water level about 2/3 inches lower.

what would be the best way to break this apart to create a longer shallower scape? Or would I be best just starting afresh?

If broken apart what would be the best way to keep/reintroduce bacteria

Thank u in advance
K

 

[lapin]

The bacteria live deep within the rock. A few hours out of water will not hurt the overall population.
For breaking rock some options are; a hammer and chisel, electric saw, a tile saw.

 

[kenny_scotland]

Great thanks. I can get all that from work.

The tank has only been up and running for a few weeks. Will this still be ok to break it up just now?

I’d rather do it now than wait till I get fish etc in

 

[lapin]

Now is the time

 

[NeonRabbit221B]

This option may seem silly but worked for me the first time I tried to break up rock. Drop it onto concrete from a good height... Chisel works much better and will likely be more accurate.

 

[kenny_scotland]

This option may seem silly but worked for me the first time I tried to break up rock. Drop it onto concrete from a good height... Chisel works much better and will likely be more accurate.

Funny, that’s what I was actually thinking

 

[NeonRabbit221B]

Funny, that’s what I was actually thinking

Watch out for things like your toes, cars, toddlers and your toes. Wear some glasses and shoes.

 

[kenny_scotland]

If anyone has any ideas on which way to break it to make it look best I’m all ears

 

[PicassoClown04]

Hi! Go to your driveway and take a flathead screw driver (or a chisel but I’m on a budget here) and a hammer. Break it up as best you can, it will take multiple hits. Please do this sitting down! So rock on the driveway, you sit criss cross applesauce and chisel at it. Rinse in saltwater you get dust and dirt off then replace into aquarium

 

[boxofwater]

Also make sure to wear some type of safety eye protection. When I was breaking up some of my rock, small pieces were flying everywhere.

 

[PicassoClown04]

Try to break it into longer, branchy pieces instead of Boulder shapes. Your tank is very long so you’ll have more use for longer shaped rock

 

[kenny_scotland]

Yeah this is what I meant. I want it to look long and shallow if that makes sense. The one big rock isn’t what I thought it was gonna look like.

I’ve seen lots of long shallow scapes but I have no idea how to begin it

 

[southerntnreefer]

if you want just smaller pieces, im a fan of a towel. and a couple taps with a sledge...

 

[NeonRabbit221B]

You can always reglue the pieces with superglue and solidify it with mortar (this takes a few hours to set). Negative Space Aquascaps are all the rage

 

[Bfragale]

Hammer. Old Flathead screw driver. Eye protection. Superglue.... do it somewhere wife won’t have a fit about the mess. Trust me- the living room floor is not the best place ......

 

[southerntnreefer]

Hammer. Old Flathead screw driver. Eye protection. Superglue.... do it somewhere wife won’t have a fit about the mess. Trust me- the living room floor is not the best place ......

Neither is the new kitchen table, the counter in the kitchen, or like areas.... I know from experience.

 

[Jilly92]

I’m in the process of cycling my tank but I’m unsure that the rock is what I want. I did want one large piece but this one isn’t quite long enough. It weights 18kg

My tank is only 15 inch high. Water level about 2/3 inches lower.

what would be the best way to break this apart to create a longer shallower scape? Or would I be best just starting afresh?

If broken apart what would be the best way to keep/reintroduce bacteria

Thank u in advance
K

I used a chisel and hammer. Just keep a 5 gallon bucket of saltwater and keep the rock wet while you break it. Then you can add in dr tims all in one to add some bacteria and add some ammonia and everything should be great

 

[Spieg]

Big rock? Use a big hammer. I use an old maul that was ment for slitting fire wood.

 

[sfin52]

I really like hammer and chisel. You can get some very interesting shapes using them

 

[kenny_scotland]

Hammer and chisel it is. Going to buy a hacksaw too. I want to create almost like a shelf from part of it that’s raised off the sand and extends . Then I’ll just see what’s left and what can be done.

I’ll be attempting it tomorrow with the hours daylight left after I finish work.

we’ll see what happens though

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