just got about #150 of "black velvet" slate type rock. Started the hardscape on my 56 gal, tall and wide, and realized how difficult it is to stack slate type rock without making it look unnatural. :help: Anyone have any "artistic" type tips that apply to slate rock stacking? :icon_roll
I'm sorta making a slate mountain/cliff from both back corners and leaving them unconnected in the middle for a nice white sand path. This makes for a some stability issues so if anyone wants to throw engineering tips in as well that would be much appreciated :hihi: Ex: a safe way to secure rocks when support from the rocks below them isn't quite sufficient
generally place the larger rocks at the bottom and gradually work up to the smaller ones, don't make this a hard and fast rule though. Just try and be really random and dont think about placement too much.
Use aquarium safe sealant to adhere the pieces together. Start with larger pieces at the base and then alternate small and medium sized pieces the rest of the way up. Connect the smaller columns with an occasional long piece. I just finished building a slate wall this way this past weekend, I'll post a pic in another post (since I have to send it from my phone). Also, chip the edges of the slate with your hammer or chisel so you don't have the smooth edges.
Aha! thanks for the pics and help. I think I finally got something that looks decent. I will post pics as soon as my phone quits acting up. I can't decide between two looks, but I'm sure I will get help as soon as the pics can be posted:hihi:
As has been said, use silicone sealant, aquarium/fish safe quality. If you're looking for a more "natural" look, i'd leave most of the slate horizontal, since that's the way it would likely rest in nature.
Maybe instead of propping that big piece across the top, lay it down diagonally into the substrate (you end up making a cool cave in the process as well.)
yea I've silicone everything down but most silicone wont hold up a 40lb rock lol. Surprisingly this ended up with a much more natural look than I was able to create by simply stacking. I don't think the photo gives this effect justice but I'll take another once the glare goes away.
I have a 56g column and those are some HUGE pieces of slate to take up that much space. If you are going to be doing that much slate I would really advice using some eggcrate on the bottom.
Yes they are quite large, I think about 120lb total. I wish I thought of that crate idea but already scaped it up. Both sides have a long flat base rock that they are sitting on that is cushioned underneath by ~ an inch of substrate to even out the psi so I'm not too worried about the weight. Pretty much the same concept as the egg crate
looks cool, that big one would make me nervous too
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