pvc framework - stacking LR

[kkutac001]

Heya. I'm not able to picture how to use a pvc frame with LR. I just got done leveling my tank/stand, and will be filling with RO water soon to water-test the system. I am planning ahead on getting a big showpiece LR in there, however.

I've never found any pix of this sort of thing (which is described, for instance, in Calfo's Book of Coral Propagation). So, I made something out of 1/2" pvc. It'll have some extensions out the back crosses, to counterbalance a big rock I hope to put (angled) on top of this framework. I tested a dense 10 pound limestone rock; no probs with the weight. (I'll test with still heavier rocks before this is all over with.)

My problem is: I can't picture how I'm going to hide the frame with other LR. I had planned to drill holes or simply zip-tie around the 'legs', through various fist-sized pieces of LR. But I'm I just unimaginative? Seems to me I'll have huge, long piles of rock radiating out from the four legs. The tank's only 18 inches wide. Or is it simply that I need to trim down the lengths of the cross-bars (the horizontal elements)? Anyone ever do this? I want to support a big showpiece rock, more or less like a miniature coral head. Anyone know any links/URLs to where I can see the before and after pix? Thanks for any advice or info you care to give. ..Karl

[Ed]

When I last re-aquascaped my tank, I used a masonry bit to drill the holes and stuck 3/8" acrylic rod into the lower and upper pieces of rock to 'sculpt' the shapes and formations I wanted. Even if a little of the acrylic rod shows, it will soon be covered by coralline and go unnoticed. HTH.

-Ed

[Louis]

Hey Karl, this is a cool post I found. I'll post more as I run across them :)

Nice pictures of stacking techniques
http://aquariacanada.com/forums/showthread.php?t=407

How-To Aquascape article, unfortunately no pics
http://www.tcmas.org/Aquascaping.htm

Louis

[z28pwr]

I have 400 lbs of LR stacked on a PVC stand. I used 3/4" PVC and used pvc cement to glue them together, I then drilled a few holes in the two 3.5' racks I made. I'll try to get a picture.

[kkutac001]

z28pwr -- I'd really like to see a pic. Thanks for the offer to look.
Ed -- thanks for reminding me of that technique. I'd seen it discussed on WetWebMedia but had forgotten it. (I think the phrase I remember was "rock popsicles".)
Louis -- those pix of the 'spindle' technique are like nothing I've read about, but it might actually be just exactly what I need, since I'm thinking of a coral-head type of look. I glanced over the article; will peruse it tomorrow. Looks like great info if I'm going to need to drill (like for a spindle). "Guess what, honey? I need more power tools..." Heh heh.
Still, the rock popsicles seems easier since I'd not need to drill big holes, just use a masonry bit I already have. Seems like it'd be easy to add to, also. But the spindle technique might allow a steadier, taller structure. I'll look into both. Or even combine them for maximum effectiveness for what I'm trying to accomplish.
I suppose the pvc framework would be best applied to when you want a big wall of rock. (Which is not what I'm trying to create.) Maybe that is why I was having trouble imagining making a "coral head" from it. You fellas sure did loosen my brain from where it was stuck! Thanks so much! ..Karl

[ansonluna]

This is pretty good stuff also.

http://www.siouxfallsareaaquariumsociety.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=233&sid=80471d832af98d094cbc0dc0ce 2300f2

[kkutac001]

ansonluna -- that was some pretty thick rod he was using, eh? Big rocks, though. It was great to see pix, from start to finish. Thanks for that reference! ..Karl