Silicone Rocks?

[drcrook]

Hey Folks,

I'm putting together a new tank as I'm moving. I have somewhere around 200lbs of live rock which unfortunately will have to die in the move. Anyways; I plan to use a miter saw to cut the rock into 1-2" slices kinda like the stackable rocks.

I was planning to use aquarium safe silicone to "glue" the rocks to the back of the aquarium as well as to each other. I intend to make some big arches and plateaus etc.

Anybody try this before? Will it work?

 

[reefwiser]

Maroc Rock makes a cement that work for this type of use. Silicone doesn't hold ever well long term.
Also think about removing the rock in the future when you secure it together. You always want to be able to remove a piece of rock if you need to in the future.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/e-marco-400-aquascaping-morter-complete-kit-grey-marco-rocks.html

 

[drcrook]

Sweet. Do folks have a drill bit they recommend for drilling into the rocks btw? Based on how crazy of overhangs I want to try to achieve; I may need to PVC reinforce some stuff.

 

[reefwiser]

You a concrete drill bit. I use them for anchoring equipment to the floor.
https://www.homedepot.com/b/Tools-Power-Tool-Accessories-Drill-Bits/Concrete/N-5yc1vZc248Z1z0mzpu
Then use acrylic rods to secure pieces of rock
https://www.eplastics.com/plexiglass/acrylic-rod/clear-cast

 

[davocean]

I always drill and use rods myself.
Make sure to use a masonry bit that is slightly larger than rod diameter so you have some wiggle room, so like a 5/8" bit for 1/2" rods and so on.

Be careful cutting live rock, not just in it breaking while cutting which could be hazardous, and eyes from chips, but also you don't want to breath in any steam or mist that may come if blade gets hot.

Just FYI, just because you are moving or transfering, or even drilling and scaping out of water for a short period does not mean your rock will or has to die, you could keep it moist and have little dieoff.

 

[Brittany Marie]

Sweet. Do folks have a drill bit they recommend for drilling into the rocks btw? Based on how crazy of overhangs I want to try to achieve; I may need to PVC reinforce some stuff.

I did a pvc skeleton and attached rocks with zipties, anything loose got a shot of aquarium silicone.

 

[Even Further]

I used Aquaforest Stone Fix on my scape. It's very strong. I did shape the rock bottom and added feet so to say to stabilize on a flat surface.