DIY Rock and PVC Aquascaping

[akillian]

Check it. I've got a 20 gal rimless thats getting a complete makeover. getting rid of all my livestock and starting fresh.

The goal for this one this time is simplicity, low maintenance, elegance, and unusual.

Going bare bottom. Also making my own live rock. I'm trying to design a PVC frame that I can form the rock around.

Here are a couple of designs i've started with. Keep in mind, I'm shooting for simplicity, so I know there isn't a ton of space for corals, but i am going to be very selective in them, and i tried to design branches for added space.

I apologize for these my drawing skills. I'd make the rock look more natural, these are just basic structures. Also, I'm aware that the structures aren't very natural, but I'm also going for unusual; plus, how many good corals have you seen that look "natural."

Design 1:


Design 2:



Tell me what you think, which one's better? Advice? Ideas?

I'm probably going to do it this weekend, and I'll be sure to post good pics and step by steps if you guys like the concept.

[akillian]

Also, I don't want my pvc filled with water or have any openings for unwanted critters... does anybody know of good stuff to put inside the pvc that will help it sink and keep it's structure?

I was thinking that I'd make small, dime sized balls out of the rock mix, and fill the pvc with them once they're cured. This way it wouldn't be so heavy that it bends the arms of the structure, but would still add a good amount of weight to it.

[chrisrex]

I'm going to do the same thing, I was going to cap the PVC structure and drill super small holes in it every where like 1/16 holes this allows water to enter and leave and as well as keep most critters out anything smaller the 1/16 won't harm your tank, I thought about filling the Pvc with sand and cap it but I'm not sure if water would make it in then there is a possible problem of it becoming a leech factory

[chrisrex]

Also good luck I will be following your build, as for the aquacape I like more natural looking rock work but that's just my personal preference again good luck

[akillian]

Originally Posted by chrisrex

I'm going to do the same thing, I was going to cap the PVC structure and drill super small holes in it every where like 1/16 holes this allows water to enter and leave and as well as keep most critters out anything smaller the 1/16 won't harm your tank, I thought about filling the Pvc with sand and cap it but I'm not sure if water would make it in then there is a possible problem of it becoming a leech factory

I would do the same, except this scares me...
http://www.oregonreef.com/sub_worm.htm

I'm assuming its uncommon, but I don't want any organism in there whatsoever. There's no way I'd have the guts to pull that thing out, let alone work in my tank with any peace of mind lol

I do normally prefer the natural look, but I wanted to try something different this time. Since it's a pretty cheap project, I wouldn't have a problem with redoing it if I don't like it.

[akillian]

Originally Posted by chrisrex

I'm going to do the same thing, I was going to cap the PVC structure and drill super small holes in it every where like 1/16 holes this allows water to enter and leave and as well as keep most critters out anything smaller the 1/16 won't harm your tank, I thought about filling the Pvc with sand and cap it but I'm not sure if water would make it in then there is a possible problem of it becoming a leech factory

also, to avoid a leech factory... silicone the PVC together? Just thought of that... I'm so proud of myself lol

[maddmaxx]

well it all starts with a plan, and that is covered lol...20 rimless has potential.. do you have a pic of your tank know. so we can get an idea of whats to come?

[dmcrete]

Very Cool Idea, I Did a spray in foam 3-D back drop, used some plastic egg crate for the back bone, sprayed in some pond and stone foam, added live rock (dead rock) to it and i love it, nothing on the sand to create detrouse, or bad guy bacteria,, here are some pics




















this is where im at so far ??

[dmcrete]

here is what the aquarium looks like today

[maddmaxx]

Originally Posted by akillian

I would do the same, except this scares me...
http://www.oregonreef.com/sub_worm.htm

I'm assuming its uncommon, but I don't want any organism in there whatsoever. There's no way I'd have the guts to pull that thing out, let alone work in my tank with any peace of mind lol

I do normally prefer the natural look, but I wanted to try something different this time. Since it's a pretty cheap project, I wouldn't have a problem with redoing it if I don't like it.

woooooow that thing was serious. ive heard them getting big, seen some pics of monsters, but that thing is the lochness of the monsters, but this one was found...

[akillian]

Originally Posted by dmcrete

Very Cool Idea, I Did a spray in foam 3-D back drop, used some plastic egg crate for the back bone, sprayed in some pond and stone foam, added live rock (dead rock) to it and i love it, nothing on the sand to create detrouse, or bad guy bacteria,, here are some pics

this is where im at so far ??

Nice! that rock looks great. I cant do a wall though, my tank sits against the wall from the short side, and it's only about a foot long.

Originally Posted by maddmaxx

woooooow that thing was serious. ive heard them getting big, seen some pics of monsters, but that thing is the lochness of the monsters, but this one was found...

Wasn't found till he ate a bunch of coral! Thank goodness though.

[akillian]

This is my tank right now, I'm selling all of the livestock so that I can start over...





ALRIGHT
so here's what I've got so far.



PVC Skeleton (foil is the size of my tank):







Testing DIY Rock... I had just made these so they'll look much different when they dry/cure and the salt dissolves





Driest mixture:





Wettest mixture:





In-between:





Left is with all rock salt, middle is a mixture with rock salt and kosher salt, right is mixture with rock salt and coated in mixture with kosher salt:





Mixture with kosher salt:





Plan:




I would just use 1 1/2" plastic, but its like 400 bucks for that thickness...

I think I'll be using a combo of different salt mixtures to make the rock, but it depends on how they turn out when they're done! I like the idea of using kosher salt because that makes it porous enough for good bacteria, but gives the detritus nowhere to settle.

The pvc will be filled with sand, and the connectors will be siliconed to one another. This will prevent water or critters from getting into the PVC and causing unknown issues.


Opinions? Advice?