Where to get acrylic rods

Chelsey · #1 01/04/2008, 03:13 PM

I'm working on a 100 gallon cube and I'm getting all new rock. I've read on various threads about using acrylic rods to support cool rock structures so that they don't come toppling down and kill everything, but I'm not sure where to get them. Can someone point me in the right direction? Thanks!

Chelsey

dsandfort · #2 01/04/2008, 04:42 PM

From my experience, I would recommend that you find fiberglass rods. They are much more rigid than acrylic. I used 1/2" fiberglass rod in my rock work and it's strong/rigid as steel. Unless you use pretty thick acrylic, they tend to bend and flex.
I got my fg rods from a local plastic place that carries acrylic as well. I found this place with a quick search.

http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=159

Good luck.

yetiman · #3 01/04/2008, 09:15 PM

E-bay

rtecanoe · #4 01/04/2008, 10:32 PM

What thickness would you suggest on the fiberglass rods?

Lunchbucket · #5 01/05/2008, 10:51 AM

I think usplastics has them too.

Lunchbucket

yaktop · #6 01/05/2008, 10:55 AM

if you have job lots or any type of discount stores in your area or even home depots use driveway markers they use for snow , the ones with reflectors, they have white fiberglass rods perfect for this. they color up and you'll never now. a buck or two for 48" rods.

yaktop · #7 01/05/2008, 10:55 AM

ps. idea from marcorocks

FEEDERFISH · #8 01/05/2008, 08:25 PM

I ordered from here and fast shipping.....
http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=147&

Lunchbucket · #9 01/05/2008, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by yaktop
if you have job lots or any type of discount stores in your area or even home depots use driveway markers they use for snow , the ones with reflectors, they have white fiberglass rods perfect for this. they color up and you'll never now. a buck or two for 48" rods.

I thought I remember someone saying something about this but I wasn't sure if they were Reef Safe. If they and the paint they use are then I'm excited as they are CHEAP

Lunchbucket

yaktop · #10 01/05/2008, 10:27 PM

I checked, rods looks good as new except they are redish now.

dme330i · #11 01/05/2008, 10:51 PM

www.mcmaster.com for fiberglass rods

Search item 8543K51 for 1/2". 3/8" is almost as strong.

Konadog · #12 01/06/2008, 12:56 AM

McMaster Carr also has rods made of the same stuff starboard is made from, that's what I used to build my pillars.

Chelsey · #13 01/07/2008, 12:25 AM

How expensive is shipping for those things?

Konadog · #14 01/07/2008, 12:39 AM

Not sure as I have a neighbor that works for them......... free shipping!

LockeOak · #15 01/09/2008, 10:17 PM

If you want to go the cheap route, buy some plastic coathangers from WalMart and cut out the middle span.

boydx6 · #16 01/10/2008, 12:12 PM

I have heard of others using the solid mini blind adjustment rods.

rtecanoe · #17 01/10/2008, 01:33 PM

I ordered them from McMaster Carr and they were about $12 shipping for three 5' rods. I used the regular ground shipping but they were delivered the next day anyway because they shipped out of ny or nj. I had bought the home depot driveway markers but decided against using them because they said something like 'fiberglass coated for extra durability' and I didnt want to take the chance on what else was inside.