I have been pondering my rock work for or if I upgrade. My idea is simple, I want to get more rock from reefcleaners or macro rock ( dry, lots of holes and no organics). I then want to take this rock to a tile saw and create lots of slices from said rock. These slices I will stack slightly off set from the prior to create a step like scape. I may even apply them to the back wall of the tank as well as the return. When done it should look like Art Deco meets Fortress of Solitude! Thoughts anyone or have you done this?
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Idea for the rock should I upgrade
- Thread starter Zippy69
- Start date
When you say “slices,” realize a tile saw cannot cut thick stuff. It’s good for cutting tile…..maybe an inch or so in depth at max…that’s it. If you want to make slices of the rock, like slices of bread, you’ll need a bandsaw with a diamond blade (a frag saw). And with that, you’re limited by the throat measurement of the saw.
Sounds like a cool idea. I highly suggest you use reef rocks instead of the other two that way you can add directly without currying first. At least in small amounts. You can get it online(slow process) or take the hike to ultra corals as they stock it. Though I would call them first before you go.
How would you secure these pieces to the wall. I had a few pieces that I tried it will and they held for a couple of days but once a fish bumped it it came down. I was using pretty small pieces too. If this will go into a new tank then you could use silicone. I think thirty5 did the same in his tank to hide the overflow.
How would you secure these pieces to the wall. I had a few pieces that I tried it will and they held for a couple of days but once a fish bumped it it came down. I was using pretty small pieces too. If this will go into a new tank then you could use silicone. I think thirty5 did the same in his tank to hide the overflow.
Paul is right about the saw. I think most frag saw are also pretty limited in size also. I was able to accomplish my cuts with two different saw. The first saw i tried was a reciprocating saw. It was a pain to do and I could not get slices very thin. The second saw I used was my chop saw. I was able to get thinner slices and the cuts went pretty fast but they were dry cuts so it got pretty dusty and messy. The thinnest I was able to accomplish with that was about 1/2".
The biggest problem I had was that the rock has some many nooks and crannies that it was very difficult to get a full slice of the main rock.
The biggest problem I had was that the rock has some many nooks and crannies that it was very difficult to get a full slice of the main rock.
Yes, a concrete saw....and the large ones wouldn't have a problem cutting through a 7 or 8 inch piece of rock.
I wasn't even thinking about these saws, but that might be the way to go......however, real messy...do it outside.
I wasn't even thinking about these saws, but that might be the way to go......however, real messy...do it outside.
Not making paper cuts, more like 1-2" thick cuts. If I get around to it 2 options 1) work like a charm or 2) fail in spectacular fashion!
Doesn't hurt to try. For what it's worth, when me and sunny went up to ultra corals he had some of that rock in shelf pieces that was anywhere from 1/2" thick on up. These were nice flat on both side pieces.
Well, I saw Stan this eve, amazing tank and sps collection, words can't do justice! If I upgrade, going bare bottom and have a more open rock scape. Forget the sliced look, although it might be nice for covering the return. Just let the corals grow, sooner or later they will cover everything.