aquascaping with acrylic instead of PVC supports

[debbythefowler]

Folks,

has anyone done this? If so I have a few questions:

1: what kinds of materials can be used to join acrylic rods to create 'base and stands' to stack live rock onto?

2: what kinds of 'glue or epoxy' work with acrylic and are reef safe?

3: Is there any reason I should steer away from acrylic and stick with PVC?

I'm laying out 2 'stands' for rockwork in a new tank - the ground surface area will be 30" x 72" and 20" deep. I'm looking for the minimalist look with a good deal of sand for both space, separation and balance - more realistic than I've had / have currently.

Ideas?

 

[ravi197699]

When you say acrylic, I assume you meant acrylic rods, There is nothing bad with using acrylic rods as long as you are using that are rigid and thick so they won't wobble. you will need acrylic glue to bond those pieces together and I am not sure how well they will hold the weight of the rock though, I have never used them as base. What I have used personally over years is hydraulic cement to bond my rocks together. It sets fast, holds rocks pretty well and if you let it sit overnight it gets even harder.. it is cheap, you can buy 10 or 20 lbs buckets from Lowes or Home Depot for under 20 bucks...

 

[ssminnow81]

I use acrylic rods, it's pretty easy. Just drill a hole thought the rocks and try to get a nice stable heavy bottom rock for the base. If it's a little wobbly use they epoxy stick
In a few spots on the structure.

 

[ssminnow81]

 

[fizzy]

simple, use some weld-on 16 to bond the acrylic rod to a acrylic base plate

 

[thirty6]

I have two rods in my tank. I have a think PVC sheet on bb tank. Two PVC connectors attached and they hold rods in place. I bought from another member here when he broke his tank down