PVC pipe/rock structures

DKorbut · #1 10-28-2008, 07:30 PM

Hi, I was wondering about using pvc pipe to create rock structures with.

I have seen some set ups use this methood. Can anyone give me some advice/tips on the best way to go about it? Thank-you for your help.

justinl · #2 10-28-2008, 07:36 PM

drill and zip ties.

i think a lot of it depends on what kind of general structuring you're looking for. For example, there are pinnacles, islands, arches and overhangs, just to name a few. Personally Ive been interested of late in midwater suspended rock structues.

DKorbut · #3 10-28-2008, 07:48 PM

Is there a special type of zip ties to use or will any kind do? My idea is to create caves for the fish to hide in.

spreerider · #4 10-28-2008, 07:50 PM

make sure the zap straps are either stainless steel latch (the little thing that makes the clicking sound) or all plastic, some cheaper ones use a spring steel clip that will rust away,
also the white ones are not UV resistant black ones are so your lights wiill degrade them over time unless they are black.

DKorbut · #5 10-28-2008, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spreerider

make sure the zap straps are either stainless steel latch (the little thing that makes the clicking sound) or all plastic, some cheaper ones use a spring steel clip that will rust away,
also the white ones are not UV resistant black ones are so your lights wiill degrade them over time unless they are black.

Good to know, thank-you.

justinl · #6 10-28-2008, 08:03 PM

personally, I would stick witht he plastic ones. The black ones would probably be a bit less visible too rather than the stark white zip ties. Over time they would probably get covered in all sorts of sessile invertebrates and algae, so i don't think UV would be a problem.

Chin_Lee · #7 10-28-2008, 09:24 PM

plus even if its stainless steel, its not going to be high-grade SS16 so it will probably rust away

Chin_Lee · #8 10-28-2008, 09:26 PM

Personally I'm a fan of this idea from some guy in RC:

you make make 4-5 of these in a big tank and join them together with bridge pieces in between.

inspector · #9 10-28-2008, 09:30 PM

Hi I used a black milk crate that I modified to make a cave then used the large black plastic zip ties, you can not see any of it.

inspector · #10 10-28-2008, 09:43 PM

http://www.canreef.com/photopost/dat..._FOR_SALON.jpg

The great thing about a crate is you can cut it down and make what ever shape your wanting and it is very strong.In the picture I made a cave as you can see.

paul