Drilling Live Rock !?!

[the_bull82]

I plan on drilling my live rock, so I can have free standing rock formations. I was wondering on the type of silicone or glue (safe for saltwater underwater use) that I could use and also does it matter on the drill bit and drill itself ?
Thanks,

 

[ruaround]

marine epoxy or super glue...

 

[the_bull82]

I plan on using acrylic dowels attached to plexi-glass to hold my frestanding rock formations in place. Basically I will slide the rock down onto my acrylic dowels. Will the marine epoxy or super glue hold the actualy weight of the rock when I have the dowel glued onto the plxi-glass?

 

[hatessushi]

It should hold it but would depend on the weight or what kid of stress you put it under. Also, any of the super glues is good also the super glue gel is what I used, works great.

 

[the_bull82]

Does it matter on the drill bit or even what type of drill you use when you are thinking about drilling live rock ?

 

[hatessushi]

Well I wouldn't use a drill meant for wood or metal. You can get a carbide bit and run water on it while drilling so it doesn't get to hot. If the rock is mostly calcite (from corals) it should go through it pretty easily but there is probably rock there to so just take it slow. I do lapidary has my main hobby and cut and drill different minerals all the time. Just make sure you keep water dripping on it and don't apply pressure to much. Let the bit do the cutting. Depending on how deap you are drilling it may take a while to drill. Good luck

 

[the_bull82]

Thanks, for all the help.
I'll post pictures when I get some of my tank. I just bought it so it will be awhile. It'll be worth the wait though, a true magnificant aquascape masterpiece. BREATH TAKING.

 

[peckhead]

i would think the rock would break into peices when drilling it.

 

[hatessushi]

Originally Posted by peckhead
i would think the rock would break into peices when drilling it.
It could break depending on how deep he drills it, how much pressure is applied, and how fractures run through the rock which may be difficult to tell with this type of rock. If it's mostly calcite it should be ok since calcite is fairly soft. He just needs to take it slowly. If a piece breaks well then change the configuration a bit to incorporate the boken pieces into the end product.
the most difficult part will be where the calcite and rock connect. That will be the weakest areas.

 

[hatessushi]

Originally Posted by the_bull82
Thanks, for all the help.
I'll post pictures when I get some of my tank. I just bought it so it will be awhile. It'll be worth the wait though, a true magnificant aquascape masterpiece. BREATH TAKING.
I can't wait to see the pictures ***)