Build your own rock for practically free

2tankhank · Dec 22, 2016

Great info and even better read Paul. Setting up a 125 now and will definitely make some of these for reef support! Thanks!

Empress · Dec 22, 2016

Question: How do you screw a flat piece of acrylic to a hollow pipe?

And no, I'm not a supermodel nor is this a knock-knock joke.

Paul B · Dec 22, 2016

Much of my 45 year old tank has home made rock in it. The SPS seem fine.

Paul B · Dec 22, 2016

Empress said:
Question: How do you screw a flat piece of acrylic to a hollow pipe?

And no, I'm not a supermodel nor is this a knock-knock joke.

You sound like a Supermodel.
You stick the screw through the acrylic and fill the bottom of the PVC pipe with glue gun glue, stick the screw in and have a glass of Merlot as it cools.

Empress · Dec 22, 2016

I'd rather have a Heineken instead. Thanks for the tip. Your super-cool humor cracks me up! [emoji23]

Tsev03 · Dec 22, 2016

Mortar question for dummies: does it have to be a certain type of mortar? I see type N regular strength mortar mix. Will that work?

Empress · Dec 22, 2016

And what kind of torch do you recommend for someone who's never used one before? Do Supermodels even use blow torches?

Paul B · Dec 22, 2016

I use Quickcrete Mortar Mix. It's like 2 bucks for 5 lbs. Don't use any quicksetting cement or stuff with acrylic binders in it. This is the cheapest mortar there is and is for setting bricks.
I don't think a Supermodel could use a torch, it's probably a law. A Supermodel would use her hair drier and so should you, if you have a good one. I personally have no use for a hair drier.
If you feel you must use a propane torch, you have to do it outside with the wind blowing toward your Mother N Law. You would also need a bucket of water in case your Mother n Law is thirsty, but also because PVC goes on fire very easily and you need to put it out fast so you don't go running around looking for a fire extinguisher. A heat gun is safer and your hair drier may work. I don't like to talk about hair, it makes me sad.
Wear gloves if you are using mortar or you will be able to go on those commercials for the heartbreak of psoriasis. It will peel your skin. Not mine as I have real Man hands but if you have Supermodel hands, wear gloves.

Tsev03 · Dec 22, 2016

Thank you!!

Paul B · Dec 22, 2016

Your welcome, (I don't know what type N Mortar is. )

Tsev03 · Dec 22, 2016

Me either, I'm at work now so I was using Amazon app. The type n has me worried so I'll just go to Lowes and get the one u use that way I won't have to wonder if it's safe. I'll definitely use gloves. I'm not a super model but I'm sure my hands are just as fragile as theirs.

redfishbluefish · Dec 22, 2016

Empress said:
And what kind of torch do you recommend for someone who's never used one before? Do Supermodels even use blow torches?

This might explain why Paul has no hair

.....I would not put a torch to PVC!!! WARNING, burning PVC emits chlorine gas. When this gas comes in contact with water (your eyes, mouth and lungs) it immediately forms hydrochloric acid.....a very strong acid!!!!! Please do not use open flame on PVC. I'm not sure about a heat gun, but I'd do that with great caution...and outside the house.

Empress · Dec 22, 2016

Paul B said:
I use Quickcrete Mortar Mix. It's like 2 bucks for 5 lbs. Don't use any quicksetting cement or stuff with acrylic binders in it. This is the cheapest mortar there is and is for setting bricks.
I don't think a Supermodel could use a torch, it's probably a law. A Supermodel would use her hair drier and so should you, if you have a good one. I personally have no use for a hair drier.
If you feel you must use a propane torch, you have to do it outside with the wind blowing toward your Mother N Law. You would also need a bucket of water in case your Mother n Law is thirsty, but also because PVC goes on fire very easily and you need to put it out fast so you don't go running around looking for a fire extinguisher. A heat gun is safer and your hair drier may work. I don't like to talk about hair, it makes me sad.
Wear gloves if you are using mortar or you will be able to go on those commercials for the heartbreak of psoriasis. It will peel your skin. Not mine as I have real Man hands but if you have Supermodel hands, wear gloves.

Your killin' me. [emoji23]Laughing so hard I gotta go back and read your advice all over again since I don't know what I just read. Are you a stand up comic in your spare time?

Paul B · Dec 22, 2016

There is no place for humor in this serious and austere hobby.

And I am sitting down. (Empress stop laughing. You may like this thread about what happened to me not to long ago. But it is not funny at all https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/bees-bees-bees.92912/)

Yes burning PVC will kill you. But I said that a lot of times. If you choose not to listen, you will die. If you do, don't call me because I said you should not use a torch especially if you are a Supermodel.
Tsev03 you may have better luck at a hardware store. Lowes does not sell it in those small bags and unless you are making rocks to place in the Atlantic Ocean, you may not have any use for fifty pounds of mortar.

Tsev03 · Dec 22, 2016

Paul B said:
There is no place for humor in this serious and austere hobby. And I am sitting down. (Empress stop laughing. You may like this thread about what happened to me not to long ago. But it is not funny at all https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/bees-bees-bees.92912/)

Yes burning PVC will kill you. But I said that a lot of times. If you choose not to listen, you will die. If you do, don't call me because I said you should not use a torch especially if you are a Supermodel.
Tsev03 you may have better luck at a hardware store. Lowes does not sell it in those small bags and unless you are making rocks to place in the Atlantic Ocean, you may not have any use for fifty pounds of mortar.

OMG that was soooo funny!! I really do enjoy your stories!!!