Covering PVCpipe idea?

[Ratpack]

I made a rack for my LR and was thinking I would like to make some parts of it disguised. What I was thinking, is covering the pipe with some epoxy or glue and roll it in crushed coral. Anyone know a good epoxy or glue that is reef safe and will stick to crushed coral?

[cracker]

I've done something similar but used silicone. It's messy but worked well.

[BigAl07]

tagging along to get some ideas. Good luck

[Ratpack]

Originally Posted by cracker

I've done something similar but used silicone. It's messy but worked well.

That might be an idea since I have the tube left from building the sump.

[framerguy]

I used silicone also. I would imagine any of the reefsafe epoxies would do the trick as well. You will want to rough up the pvc with 60 or 80 grit sandpaper to help the silicone (or whatever you use) stick. Algae would also grow on the pvc better after sanding. Maybe cut some irregular shaped holes for swim throughs, and basically pit and score the plastic with a drill and bit, jig saw, gouges, etc. If you cut large "caves" so that the inside will be visible make sure to rough the inside as well.
I saw a very good article recently about what is called "live reef framing". You drill a hole in a large (3 or 4"pvc) pipe. The hole should accomodate a 1/2 or 3/4 inch pipe, then flatten the bottom of the hole with a file. Next drill a hole in your live rock and epoxy a short length of 1/2 or 3/4 pipe into the hole leaving a couple of inches sticking out. (Larger rocks will need larger piping).If it's live rock, let it cure in saltwater. Notch the part sticking out to about half the diameter of the pipe and enough distance from the rock so it can easily slide through the hole you drilled in the large pipe then slip down in the notch you cut in the small pipe. You can "hang" rocks on a large frame made of several pipes of various heights and diameters that are fastened together with nylon bolts and nuts to make a really cool looking "outcropping". If anyone needs a visual I will try to get one.

[Ratpack]

I would like to see how that looks. What I did is create two racks that will fit inside the 75 on each side and then connected them with two runs of pvc that will form a bridge. That is the section I want covered with crushed coral or something because it may be visible from the bottom until algae starts to grow. I will try to post a photo of what it looks like. My main goal is more swimming area for fish. At least to start with.

[BigAl07]

Originally Posted by framerguy

I saw a very good article recently about what is called "live reef framing".

BigAl needs some type of visual. I can't get my mind around it without pictures.

Originally Posted by Ratpack

I would like to see how that looks. What I did is create two racks that will fit inside the 75 on each side and then connected them with two runs of pvc that will form a bridge. That is the section I want covered with crushed coral or something because it may be visible from the bottom until algae starts to grow. I will try to post a photo of what it looks like. My main goal is more swimming area for fish. At least to start with.

I would like to see pictures of that. Sounds very interesting.

[framerguy]

The mag is at the house, I'll see what I can do when I get home.

[tbittner]

Is anyone concerned about the dead flow zones these pipes would create? Could they turn into nitrate factories?

[framerguy]

OK, to avoid copyright infringement, I redrew it myself. I hope you can tell heads or tails from it.

[framerguy]

Originally Posted by tbittner

Is anyone concerned about the dead flow zones these pipes would create? Could they turn into nitrate factories?

With the holes that are drilled and sawn into the pipes, water should flow nicely. You can even camoflage a powerhead INSIDE a large diameter pipe. It's the most innovative move in aquascaping I've seen in a while.

[cracker]

Excellant visual Framerguy Thanks

[BigAl07]

Great diagram. In the magazine is it an "Add" where there is a website?

[Ratpack]

Here is the rack I built. LR will be stacked on the racks on each side and then some across the bridge. I am hoping to find some good table rock for the bridge. You will also note the "T" on each end, that is to attach a powerhead on each end to push flow through the rack. I had thought of drilling holes in it that point into the structure thus givig some flow under the LR. I know it wouldn't be much with all the turns and such in the rack, but any little bit would help and also keep from having stagnant water spots in the pipes. Nothing is glued so some of the pipe has shifted in the pic and I also plan to cap the end of each pipe on the base.

[framerguy]

The article is in "Marine Fish and Reef" magazine 2008 annual. It's written by Gregory R. Sykes and he can be reached at gsykes@gmu.edu. The whole magazine has been a good read.