DIY Rock info....can't find info....

icebear · 09-19-2006, 11:36 AM

I know i'm doing something wrong, but i can't seem to find much on the concrete rock projects.. i know there have been many discussions in here about it, but i'm not coming up with the right search terms. What i need to know is the ingredient mix again, method of curing and how long it takes. Also, i would like the rock to be less gray and ugly if possible, was there some type of cement that could be used that has a lighter color.

i remember people using pasta for making shape impressions and making it porous, and i think oyster shell was in the mix...

basically i need the recipe/instructions again and any info on the improvements that i'm sure have been made in the last couple years...

thanks!

2003mikem · 09-19-2006, 11:40 AM

try these sites

http://saltaquarium.about.com/od/liv...ndsandfilters/

http://www.chucksreef.com/diy_live_rock.htm

http://www.thelebos.com/

http://www.angelfire.com/empire/fkha...yliverock.html

Jasontkd · 09-19-2006, 11:41 AM

check out www.garf.org

you should be able to find it there.

beware however. making your own rock takes a long time. if you are using it in a reef tank you will have to soak it for a long time because the concrete will leach harmful substabces. others will chime in, I am sure.

hope that helps.

icebear · 09-19-2006, 11:55 AM

Thanks!

i just kept getting concrete and cement suppliers and people who wanted me to buy molds for mongo poolside tiki bar boulders. these looked kinda fun and all, but not in a fish tank.... lol

hng · 09-19-2006, 01:01 PM

The GARF.org site is probably the best one to look at, I think they originated the whole concept of "aragocrete". The rocks won't necessarily look gray cause the rocks are placed into aragonite molds and aragonite will end up coating the surface - ie, it takes on the color of the aragonite for the most part. The concrete doesn't leach out harmful chemicals, it does however dramatically raise the pH as it cures. This is why the curing process requires you to do many water changes over a long period of time. Using vinegar has been said to help speed up the process. Oyster shell (crushed and brand new, don't use old stuff) is commonly used and some believe that coralline algae prefers to grow on oyster shells. Over time, the aragocrete will look pretty much like any live rock but you have to be real patient. Patient enough to make the stuff, let it cure properly, and then get coralline to grow on it. I have mostly aragocrete in my tank and 5 months later, I am just now getting coralline on my rocks. HTH

Wiskey · 09-19-2006, 02:25 PM

I have a fair amount of DIY rock in my tank, if I were to do it again I would buy real live rock. I don't think the DIY rock gives you the anarobic/antitoxic layers that real LR provides.

HTH,
Whiskey