Newbie looking for a mentor and ID

Delphinus · #1 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 · #2 07-26-2006, 07:43 PM

Lando, good call I think you are correct.

TheReefGeek · #3 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 · #4 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 · #5 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

Glennrf38 · #6 07-26-2006, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewsk

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

Just making "live rock" are you still coming over tonight? If so I will show you..

andrewsk · #7 07-26-2006, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glennrf38

Just making "live rock" are you still coming over tonight? If so I will show you..

Ill call you tonight. It will either be tonight or tomorrow depending on the wife

TheReefGeek · #8 07-26-2006, 08:44 PM

Glenn, what process did you do in order to make your own rock?

Glennrf38 · #9 07-26-2006, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheReefGeek

Glenn, what process did you do in order to make your own rock?

Rock Salt and #10 concrete. Some I made in a sand form others I made free hand. It is in a bucket outside curing right now.

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.