Making Live Rock ???

[TheSaladCompany]

I read at GARF.ORG that making your own live rock is a relatively simple process. The website proposes that making live rock involves mixing the following:

6 parts argonite
1 part cement #3

The mixture is formed in argonite and set for 24hrs. The newly formed rock should then be cured under water for 5 days before being treated for 12hrs in a mild vinegar solution to treat elevated ph levels.

Anyone familiar with the process? What are the downsides? Got any suggestions? If this process is successful, I can make my own live rock for about $1 per pound. This is much cheaper (especially for a college student) than the $5 per pound from the LFS.

[creativereasons]

i have read about it but never have tried it i usally get uncured live rock and do it that way cause it is cheaper also.

[theplatypus]

Yes, there are fairly significant number of people that do this. Although, everything that I've seen said it took a few months to cure the rock. But, using vinegar to lower it quickly should work. Then just add a little live rock to seed it and your off.

[hng]

My tank is about 90% aragocrete that I got for free from Mojo. It looks pretty good but they do take a long time to cure. I would recommend making a bunch as a group and letting it cure for a few months before you use it. In the mean time, you can seed and cycle your tank with a few pieces of regular live rock. The aragocrete will quickly become "live" after they are added to the tank.

[LISound]

good base rock should be under a dollar a pound.

[hng]

Originally Posted by LISound

good base rock should be under a dollar a pound.

I don't think I've ever seen any type of reef rock go for that little. Lace rock or base rock is usually about $3 a pound around here.