How to build this?

mrdc

mrdc

Active Member
I visited all the local pet stores today to give me something to do and I ran across something that I really liked and would like to see if you DIYers could help me build one. It was a piece of live rock that had been cut into, had magnets I guess glued into the back and was held to the glass with magnets on the outside of the glass. The piece was perfect to use as a ledge to hold frags. I didn't buy it because I wasn't going home for hours and didn't want to leave it in the car.
So I am wondering what tools do you think were used to cut the rock and grind it so flat to lay against the glass. Also, were would you but big enough magnets to hold something like that. The store wanted $30 for it which is an ok price but the piece might have been 10 inches across, 3" high and 3" thick. It was corralined all over too so I might go get it tomorrow but I still would like to know how to make one since I have a lot of unused rock that would be good for making more of these.
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
LOL...If I liked it that much I would have just bought it HAHA...why make it yourself when you can keep someone in business by buying theirs
 
2quills

2quills

Well-Known Member
It really depends on how thick the rock is. Typically you could probably cut it with a brick saw or radial arm saw that is set up for cutting stone (something along those lines, anyway). Live rock is pretty soft as far as rock goes, I mean it's really just calcium right? Could probably cut it with a band saw. I wouldn't use my favorite blade on it though.
There's lots of places that sell magnets if you look around on line. I don't have any links off the top of my head but I looked into them before and there's lots of stuff out there. Just need to search for something the right size. You'd probably have to carve a relief into the back of it with like a dremel or something. Then could epoxy the magnets to the rocks.
Might be cheaper and easier just to buy it if you don't already have the equipment or know someone who does.
 
mrdc

mrdc

Active Member
I understand but this is one of my least liked stores because I have found the employess to be aholes. Basically they never say hello and never ask if you need any help. I guess treating the customer well does go a long way. I do plan to go back tomorrow to buy it but I also want to learn how to make them. Maybe make supplemental money for corals. They also have some yellow polyps that I want.
 
2quills

2quills

Well-Known Member
Understandable. Good customer service seems be just about all but gone nowadays. I would look into a bandsaw and a diamond coated blade. That's the type of blade one would normally use when working with stone. Maybe Acrylic51(Shawn) will show up and offer some input on a good epoxy. For magnets I'd maybe look into some ceramic disk magnets.
 
mrdc

mrdc

Active Member
Cool. Thanks for the info. My local club is interested in his idea so I would like to be the one to build some.
 
mrdc

mrdc

Active Member
Where would you get magnets like that? Plus the magnets on the outside of the glass were incased in plastic. I assume he bought them like that.
 
mrdc

mrdc

Active Member
Good question. Most magnets I used are encased in plastic like with my powerheads.
 
2quills

2quills

Well-Known Member
Well the disks themselves you could try somewhere like here....http://www.magnet4sale.com/disc-ceramic-magnets/
The plastic covers though, I don't know. Would it be feasable to ask him?
Just FYI...there's probably better tools for cutting a rock like substance than a bandsaw but most folks don't have a few grand laying around to buy a real masonry saw to try something out. I just think the bandsaw would be a cheap way to start and try. Most saws aren't arent really designed for that kind of thing and the hard substance of the material and debri could reak havoc on a saw over time.
Good luck with the project, definately keep us posted on how it comes along.
 
mrdc

mrdc

Active Member
Well they said that a customer "gave" it to them even though they are selling it. I plan to get out tomorrow to buy it so I will observe it a lot more and update this thread.
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
I'm always late!!!!!! Any good epoxy....I won't and can't comment on the stuff you get at Lowes or HD, but I will vouch 100% on either West Systems epoxy, MAS, System 3 or 3 System, or US Composites.....All of these listed above have been tested and proven to be 100% safe, and trust me will secure the magnets in place without a hitch......The first 2 products I mentioned I know you can get really small amounts and a good place to look for epoxy is Jamestown Distributors.....
As far as cutting, the rock can easily be drilled with a concrete bit, so most definitely a wet tile saw would be perfect for cutting the rock......You could even take the rock and use the same blade to grind the backside smooth.
 
spanko

spanko

Active Member
Easier and probably less expensive in time and money than trying to reinvent the .....ummmmm.........floating rock. Building your own you would have to ensure that the metal from the magnet was totally enclosed in something that the saltwater couldn't dissolve. There are a few different sizes aren't there on that site?
 
mrdc

mrdc

Active Member
I didn't check out the sizes so I will need to look again. I guess I will need to pay careful attention to the one I am getting to be sure that the magnet is fully encased. I guess I will need to put in a spot in the tank where I can easily check on it from time to time. I would not want to see a $30 destroy my tank.
 
spanko

spanko

Active Member
I meant building your own about the magnet. Pretty sure these would be well encased as they are made for aquariums.
 
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