Fiberglass in tank - Question?

[Lew90]

Here's what I'm thinking.

I would like to rearrange some of my rocks in one of my display tanks. I was talking to Moortim about this and he memtion that KevinPo gave him the idea of using parts of plastic clothes hangers as straight short pin. With small holes drilled into each rock.

I stopped by local Wal-Mart last night and after looking at the plastic hangers and knowing the rock size I had in mind. I decided to try those plastic flag poles that you mount to bicylces for saftey.

The rod is smaller and seems to be a lot stronger. I looked like plastic in the store but when I started cutting into it, the rod is fiberglass.

So there's my idea.

My question is should I worry about any leeching back into the water from the fiberglass pins or any resin issues?

While I'm asking for help what about drilling live rock? I haven't ever tried this but I thought a concrete drill bit would probrably be the better choice?


Thanks in advance for your help!

Regards,
Lew90

 

[Meche]

Epoxy is a very stable thermoset plastic. The glass fibers are as chemically safe as your tank walls. I'm not sure if the size and shape would cause a problem.

Persionally, I wouldn't think twice about the rods being safe. You may want to give them a good wash though. There may be residual chemicals, from processing, on them.

I've never drilled LR but I agree that a mason drill bit would be your best bet.

 

[Lew90]

Thanks Meche!

That's what I kinda thought, after I cut the rod into short pieces I rinsed them off. I wanted to ask first to see if anyone had opions before I started rearranging the rock.

Thanks Again!

Regards,
Lew90



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[prbhasson]

You should be fine. I used the driveway markers to do mine. Same stuff, Fiberglass rod, and i just cut them to the sizes I needed. Drilled holes in the rocks how I wanted them and put them together. Works great and no more falling rocks!!!

 

[Lew90]

Cool Thanks,

I also thought that arrows for archery might work but Wal-Mart didn't sell them.

Thanks for your help.

Regards,
Lew90

 

[IAP Brian]

As far as drilling live rock, Masonary bit it fine but regular drill bits work fine too. (Just don't plan on the bit being worth a crap when you're done! )

Acrylic Rod is also very light and strong. In small diameters it is also not very expensive. I don't know what plastic distribs are in your area but Tap Plastics.com is a good online source.

Fiber glass should be no problem at all. Many things in aquarium set-ups are made with it. I would be more worried about any dyes, paints or other chems that may be on or in the particular item.

Another method I have used is zip ties. drill holes, zip tie and a little of the epoxy putty for fragging and there you are.

 

[darklcd]

with the bit all you have to do when your done is sharpen the bit if you know how and if not find someone to do it for ya if you have anyone around you that can do tha stuff lol

 

[Lew90]

Thanks everybody...I'll try to post some pictures tomorrow. Maybe some before and after shots.


Good night,
Lew90

 

[dragoneggs]

Acrylic rods would be best... the fiberglass will work. The fibers will absorb water over time and weaken a little bit but not nearly enough to give you any trouble. The thermoplastic resin is very stable.

If you have a masonry bit that is best. A regular twist drill bit will work pretty good if your rock is not too dense but it will get ruined.