Aquascaping

In a couple of weeks, I'm going to be using about 85 pounds of live rock to
set up a new 75 gallon reef/fish system. I've read in several places about
using plastic ties, PVC frames, waterproof epoxies, plastic dowels, and
even drilling in the rock to build a solid rock structure. Is that kind of
"hard-wiring" necessary? Or is it possible (easy?) to build a pretty solid
structure without tying everything together in that way, just by careful
stacking and adjustment? I'm currently planning to set up a 2 "island"
structure within the tank, trying to avoid the solid rock wall setup.

Thanks in advance for thoughts on this.

I've re-aquascaped several times. I'm glad that I didn't do anything
"permanent" to the rock. That way it can easily be changed if needed.
Also when drilling LR you have to be careful because you could end up
with rubble.
One thing I have seen is those racks that you put in your tank & they look
like they have the advantage of being easy to re-do.
http://www.marinedepot.com/a_mi_reefholder.asp?CartId=
Steve

"Scott Bennett" <> wrote in message
news:Xns941CE680F9FCEsbennettpsuedu@68.168.78.12.. .
> In a couple of weeks, I'm going to be using about 85 pounds of live rock
to
> set up a new 75 gallon reef/fish system. I've read in several places
about
> using plastic ties, PVC frames, waterproof epoxies, plastic dowels, and
> even drilling in the rock to build a solid rock structure. Is that kind
of
> "hard-wiring" necessary? Or is it possible (easy?) to build a pretty
solid
> structure without tying everything together in that way, just by careful
> stacking and adjustment? I'm currently planning to set up a 2 "island"
> structure within the tank, trying to avoid the solid rock wall setup.
>
> Thanks in advance for thoughts on this.

the only time I'd recommend "hard wiring" your rockwork is if you build an
overhanging ledge that might come crashing down and out the glass.

kc

"Scott Bennett" <> wrote in message
news:Xns941CE680F9FCEsbennettpsuedu@68.168.78.12.. .
> In a couple of weeks, I'm going to be using about 85 pounds of live rock
to
> set up a new 75 gallon reef/fish system. I've read in several places
about
> using plastic ties, PVC frames, waterproof epoxies, plastic dowels, and
> even drilling in the rock to build a solid rock structure. Is that kind
of
> "hard-wiring" necessary? Or is it possible (easy?) to build a pretty
solid
> structure without tying everything together in that way, just by careful
> stacking and adjustment? I'm currently planning to set up a 2 "island"
> structure within the tank, trying to avoid the solid rock wall setup.
>
> Thanks in advance for thoughts on this.