Newbie looking for a mentor and ID

Pescador · #1 07-26-2006, 06:54 PM

Here's a pic not the greatest but you can get the idea. Also the New Marine Aquarium by Mike Paletta has some info. The Reef Aquarium books by Sprung has more ideas. I'm in MacKenzie Towne if you want to have a look or check out some books send me a PM

TheReefGeek · #2 07-26-2006, 07:15 PM

Brian thanks for the pic.

What I am referring to (not sure about Albert) is a bit different though. In your pic, you basically have a PVC support structure so that you can get a larger reef wall without needing as much rock.

What I am referring to is drilling out the rock, and putting PVC inside the rocks, and connecting the PVC so that you can get rock to connect and be supported in ways you couldn't otherwise.

There was a great example of some rockwork done on RC but I can't find it right now.

WIth a PVC sub-structure as pictured above you want to be carefully to have good water flow through the substructure or you will get detrius build-up.

TheReefGeek · #3 07-26-2006, 07:23 PM

Brian, what is this in your pic?

Joe Reefer · #4 07-26-2006, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheReefGeek

Brian, what is this in your pic?

Looks to me like a red serpent star.

Delphinus · #5 07-26-2006, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheReefGeek

There was a great example of some rockwork done on RC but I can't find it right now.

You're probably thinking Marc/Fudge's tank... There's a link to his thread on RC in the thread here:
http://canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=19409

TheReefGeek · #6 07-26-2006, 07:43 PM

Lando, good call I think you are correct.

TheReefGeek · #7 07-26-2006, 07:45 PM

Tony, you read my mind, that is the exact thread I was thinking of, you're good!

This is what I am talking about with cool PVC structures to defy gravity:

Glennrf38 · #8 07-26-2006, 08:15 PM

I think I am getting the idea now. Went and saw Albert at lunch and after he ragged on me for being cruel to the shark he explained it too me. Off to home depot after work.

Getting 15 lbs of live rock tomorrow night and then in about 5 more week my first batch of concrete rock should be ready.

If any one has any more noobie sugestions and comments feel free to post them. Just remember though the tank is only 29G.......

andrewsk · #9 07-26-2006, 08:32 PM

Glenn,

What are you doing with the concrete and when are you going to start?

I would like to see it and perhaps try it myself.

Keith

Pescador · #10 07-26-2006, 09:10 PM

It's a red serpent star.

Rocks can be drilled for PVC pipe or PVC and acrylic solid rods.

There are lots of materials that facilitate reef construction, everything from cable ties, heavy mono fishing line, stainless steel wire, eggcrate, fiberglass grating, plastic screws, marine epoxy, Z-Spar epoxy, cements, Cyanoacrylate, hotglue, and combinations of all of them. The only limit is your imagination.

Rock can be sliced and glued directly to the back glass with polyurethane foam.

Having your rock supported on an open frame work actually allows better water circulation. Mine is barebottom under the rock with a shallow sandbed in front. I have never had a problem with detrius build up at all.
It's a more open rock work and you use less rock.

Some people have tied in their closed loops to the rock frame work for even more circulation.

Backgrounds can make a big difference in the 3-d effect of your tank as well. Rear lit translucent backdrops or removable in-tank backdrops can give the illusion of depth as does hiding the line where the bottom meets the backdrop.
A lot of people let coraline cover the back wall but it can be spotty and messy looking. (see The Reef Aquarium Vol.3)

For inspiration look at pictures of real reefs, and make a sketch or a model of the footprint of your tank and play around with what you would like to do.