masonary bit to make aquascapes?

im ordering about 100lbs more base rock for my new tank but want to scape it and have it all set before i swap everything over. Has anyone ever drilled and used the nylon poles or just used mortar if so which has held better any pros and cons?

Thanks

 

I drill with a masonry bit and then put either acrylic tube or pex pipe in the middle. works well for me.

 

I've used 3/8" nylon threaded rod with nuts. Use a masonry bit to drill. Holds well. I get a 3/8" sheet of acrylic below the rock, drill and tap it and screw the threaded rod into it. Worked great for me in my last tank.

 

I do almost exactly the same thing. The only difference being that I use PVC sheet instead of acrylic. It's more durable and a little easier to work with.

Additionally, I use a grinder with a saw blade to cut flat spots on certain rocks so they fit snugly against either the bottom plate or back of the tank.

Lastly, for some rocks, I like to have semi-free standing structures. The 3/8" nylon rod isn't strong enough to support a whole piece standing on its end so I use PVC pipe anywhere from 1/2" to 1.25", depending on the weight of the free standing rock. I drill into the bottom of the rock in question and hollow out a space large enough for the pipe to fit in. I then glue/mortar it in place. Then I use a bulkhead through the PVC plate on the bottom to secure it.

The link to my build thread in my signature has some pics of how I did stuff.

 

very helpful thanks guys. Now i need to come up with a scape i like lol

 

It's a lot easier when you have the ability to cantilever, stand things on end, etc.

 

Most all of the live rock I've had in the past (and now), including Marco Rock, can be drilled using regular wood drill bits. It does chew them up more, and you don't get as many holes per drill bit as you would with a masonry bit, but they also cut a LOT LOT faster. A spritz of water while drilling keeps them cool.


If you only have a dozen or so holes to drill, just use a wood (ie, high speed steel or carbon steel) drill bit instead of a costly masonry bit. If you have a LOT to drill, a masonry bit is the way to go. Just clean it good when done so it doesn't become a rust-sickle.