Aquascaping with LR & PVC

Hi Everyone!

I'm getting ready to start building my aquascaping (210G tank) and want to use the PVC method....where you hang the rock onto the PVC using plastic ties. I have a design drawn that I think will work OK...rock on both sides with an arch. I want the tank to look uncluttered and have good water flow. Can anyone offer advice or how-tos? Pics to share? I'd like to hear from someone that's already done this. Also, what size PVC would work best? Many thanks! Kathleen (KAS)

 

Check out the links in this thread. Marc has the best aquascaping I've ever seen and he has done it all with zap straps and PVC. He comments in his build thread on many ways he has done it

http://www.3reef.com/forums/bc-reef-network/holey-crapola-tank-tour-40631.html

 

Check out Otty's rock setup... there are some pics on here somewhere!!

My 265 Gal. Tank Thread

He glued all his rock and man does it look great!! Very open design and with the peninsula you can see 3 sides, nothing can hide! By far my fav. setup, if I ever go with a larger tank I will do something like this...

 

Here is a pic of the "early days"

 

its easily done with no glue
drill holes in the rock for pvc, make your pvc structure, no zip ties needed.
only your imagination holding you back

 

Drilling the holes large enough in the rock to slide them onto the tubes sounds like a good idea. What size PVC should I use? I don't want massive rock formations....just something neat and simple. Also, should I use a concrete bit to drill the holes? Thanks! Kathleen (Kas)

 

You can also get acrylic dowels. This means you wouldn't need to drill such massive holes.
you drill a 1/4" hole in 2 pieces of rock and cut the dowel to the correct size and use it as a pin.

J

 

That's ingenious! Where would I find acrylic dowels? Can't remember seeing them in the home improvement stores. For the framework, would 3/4" PVC be large enough or should I use bigger? K-