Aquascaping Techniques

[wcolwell88]

I'm going to be getting all Marshall Island Live Rock from Premium Aquatics once they get it back in. This is going in a 29 gal. 30Lx12Wx18H. I want to build it high to almost the top of the tank with large open spaces where things can swim through and around and maybe some caves or something. I want a spiny urchin which are known for knocking down rock piles. I want it to be very stable but I still want to be able to take the live rock back out or rearrange it. I know a lot of people use PVC pipe. If I used this, I don't want the pipe to be visible and it can't be hanging in the tank, it would have to be sitting on the bottom somehow. Also, if you drill holes in live rock, what kind of bit is recommended? I know they have glues and things to glue live rock together. If you use one of these glues or epoxies, can I still get the rocks back apart? They are expecting a shipment at either the end of september or beginning of October so I have about a whole month to plan and decide how I am going to set up the tank. Any suggestions?

[Max]

I'd just glue a few rocks together like 2 or 3 per group depending on the size of the rocks and or use plastic electrical ties. Just trim the ties and your coraline will cover them pretty fast and you won't know that they are there unless you really look for them.
hth
Max

[wcolwell88]

Is there anything that you can put on the end of a piece of PVC pipe that would make it set on the bottom of the tank better. I think I might do what you are suggesting but a little different. I'm thinking about a frame made of 1" PVC pipe that would set on the bottom. I would still glue a couple of rocks together here and there and then use the wire ties to the pvc pipe. I'd like to have big open spaces. Maybe keep the lower area more open and have more rock toward the top. Kinda like "Carl's 150g Reef" video here:
http://www.reefvideos.com/
Except a smaller version. A version for a 29 gallon tank. Having more live rock toward the top, I think it might take more to keep it stable. But then again, I don't know. My idea would be to let the fish have the bottom, and use the upper area with a little more light for lower light corals(I have PCs)

[wcolwell88]

I noticed on that video he said he used Thorite Cement and that he could smack the rocks apart and put them back together. Is anyone familiar with this product?

[trainedkilla]

I have known people who build frames from PVC pipe to lay their rock in and around. It is also good for building layers in larger tanks.. It can be difficult to hide sometimes.

[Devilish]

Depending on the diameter of the PVC you use, you can drill the LR and slide it onto the PVC, or acrylic rods if you choose to use these. Also, PVC isn't easily hidden initially, but the coralline will eventually grow and cover it, making a pretty natural look.