Aquascaping questions

Planning on how to aquasacpe my new 125g 48x30x18 rimless. Wanted to run some thigs by your guys and ask some questions:

I am thinking 1 - 1.5" of sand. Probably will go with sand from www.reefrocks.net. Thinking DSB in the sump with the same sand.

Will get about 200lbs of dry rock. Mostly from www.reefrocks.net as well. Also thikning one or two jumbo pieces of Tonga Shelf Rock with base from BRS for future coral placement.
BRS Tonga Shelf Dry Live Rock - Bulk Reef Supply

Don't think I'll do eggcrate or starboard at the bottom. Will place rock directly on glass, just find some flatter pieces.

Before i always just stacked rocks. Never had a big collapse, but def had stuff shift on me. This time I'll try acrylic rods.
Acrylic Rods, Clear Plastic Rods, Plastic Rods : TAP Plastics

Questions:

- For acrylic rods, I assume the smallest diameter is all I need? 1/16th?
- I believe a diamond hole saw of slightly larger diameter is all I need to drill the rock?
- What epoxy/glue/cement do I need to secure rods in the rock? Can someone link a particular product from home depot/lowes/etc?
- What can I use to cut the rods at home to desired length? Just regular hack saw? Any particular blade?

If you have any other suggestions or advice, please post or PM.

Thank you.

 

I did something similar, but only used the rods to support an arch. It's amazing what a bit of epoxy putty will do for holding rock in place. You can use any of the 2 part epoxy puttys. I used this one HoldFast Epoxy Stick. Just be warned that this stuff cures white and seems to stay that way. A coral seems to encrust it fine, but I haven't seen much as far as algae growth on them. You start to notice it more as your tank matures. Works great for aquascaping though. Just make sure to conceal it as much as possible.

I used a masonry bit for drilling with no problems. A hammer drill works better than a regular drill if you can get your hands on one.

A hacksaw of similar should work for cutting.