Drilling holes in LR

[MontanaBay]

So I planning to do my aquascaping by drilling holes and using 1/2 acrylic rod, both for the base support and connections. Can I just use a standard 1/2 drill bit or will the LR dull it quickly? If I remember right they make a hard bit for concrete, but they are pretty pricey.

Any pointers on this technique in general? I picked up a 6ft piece of 1/2" acrylic dowel from TAP, if I do it right will I still need to epoxy tack to keep pieces from sliding apart?

Thanks,

Josh

 

[Gomer]

get a masonry bit.

 

[Mr. Ugly]

Yep on the masonry bit.

 

[MontanaBay]

Back to the hardware store!

Thanks!

Josh

 

[GreshamH]

Oh and use fiberglass. Acrylic (extruded) rod gets brittle rather quickly when submerged. McMaster Carr (www.mcmaster.com) or US Plastics (www.usplastic.com) or both a good source for fiberglass rods

It's not cheap, but if your trusting the safety of your tank on it (supporting weight) it's worth it.

http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=8719&product%5Fid=4894
1/2" dia is $1.77 a foot


McMaster it's a bit cheaper:

8543K51
Structural Fiberglass Rod 1/2" Diameter, 5' Length
In stock at $6.49 Each

 

[orientalexpress]

use 5/8 drill bit for 1/2 fiberglass .

 

[GreshamH]

good point Lap

 

[MontanaBay]

TAP had fiberglass rods too, think it was around $6 for 6ft.

Do you guys lightly "tack" with epoxy or is 5/8 hole with 1/2" rod snug enough that they stay put?

Cheers,

Josh