Drilling live rock

[bigyankfan]

I want to do some aquascaping using nylon rods a la Marco Rocks - can I use a standard masonry drill bit to drill holes in live rock or is the rock too brittle and just shatter when drilled? Anyone with experience, kindly kick in your 2 cents - thx.

 

[DrCooper]

hey, i recently used a screwdriver and hammer and the way the screwdriver went into the rock would probably be perfect for creating wholes in the rock for you. Maybe give that a shot!
Best luck and look forward to seeing it

Cooper

 

[bigyankfan]

I can try that on a test piece but I dont think I would get that tight a fit without a drilled hole. Also, when people use the treaded rods, do you use epoxy as well or just the rods and nuts? Thx again.

 

[kris]

I used standard masonary bits for the exact same purpose.
Start with a smaller bit to make a pilot hole and you'll be fine.
Do a search and check out JHale's excellent thread detailing his.

 

[grundig5]

Jhales thread was very helpful. I used a 1/2" masonry bit and an electric drill and it went through the rock very easily. I would use the nylon rods Marco sells since you can screw them down with washers and nuts, but they werent available so I used acrylic rods. Its a pretty easy process, but make sure you use an old cutting board or something or you'll have holes in your floor (ask me how I know).

 

[georgelc86]

Impact drill Yank, impact drill

 

[bigyankfan]

Where can I find Jonathan's thread? I tried searching this forum for "aquascaping" and "nylon threads" before I posted this so that I didn't have to re-invent the wheel. Thx.

- Eric

 

[grundig5]

http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/tank-threads/19415-sps-reef-version-3-0-a.html

 

[bad coffee]

no need for a hammer drill. Go easy with a normal masonary bit and you'll be fine.

LR is much softer than concrete!

B

 

[DontXtripNfall]

hey, i recently used a screwdriver and hammer and the way the screwdriver went into the rock would probably be perfect for creating wholes in the rock for you. Maybe give that a shot!
Best luck and look forward to seeing it

Cooper

Careful if you use the chisel technique I broke a nice cave because I didn't like this piece sticking out so I tried chiseling it off and the rock broke.

 

[duke62]

use a drill masonary bit and hit the drill nice and easy dont go fast.just remember the rabbit and turtle story. :bunnies:

 

[rookie07]

Thats a big foot

 

[BL007]

Hammer Drill and masonary bit will work But I find alot easier with glass drill bit and cordless drill.