DIY Liverock?

[aznt1217]

Hello Everybody,

I just saw this video on youtube of this guys 40 Breeder. He made his own liverock using shells, reef sand, and concrete... I think that's a pretty cool idea but I am wondering if a lot of people do this and how? do they take the concrete mix and blend it all in?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnPRlsuSStI

 

[Mr. Softy]

Reef Central has some great info on Man Made live Rock. You will be reading for days, but its worth it. Here is a pic of some rocks that i made for my small tank. 80% of the rock in this pic is DIY from info that i got from RC. I know that their are other members on MR that have some spectacular DIY rocks. Do your research and start small. FYI, I'm working on a special piece that i will reveal in the spring.

 

[JLAudio]

Hello Everybody,

I just saw this video on youtube of this guys 40 Breeder. He made his own liverock using shells, reef sand, and concrete... I think that's a pretty cool idea but I am wondering if a lot of people do this and how? do they take the concrete mix and blend it all in?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnPRlsuSStI

Hey ted, Lets get this project going, we'll split the cost of the material and make some sick rock, I could use some custom pieces to hide my overflows. Let me know

 

[JLAudio]

I found a pretty good article here, and it states the process but also the concern for spiking your ph from the cement. It gives a walk through of steps to negate this problem:
http://saltaquarium.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=saltaquarium&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.geocities.com%2FCapeCanaveral%2FHangar%2F6279%2FRaiseCementRock.html

 

[Alex]

this is a topic that many have undertaken with good results. If you do a search here on MR you'll find several members which have done some nice looking pieces ( bob1000 made some rocks in the shape of MR), also on Reef central. The first place I saw this being done was on GARF.ORG , they have a step by step with photos and suggestions. good luck and post some pics of your creations.

 

[JLAudio]

Im wondering during the curing process, should you use fresh tap water or RODI? They say to change water very regularly and that would be a real pain with rodi and if you use tap you might load the rock up with phosphates, silicates and other TDS and nutrients that might make the rock a algae problem

 

[Alex]

You should read some of these threads carefully for suggestions, however I've read were some people start with tap water for removal of fine particles for about two to four days. then they go with RODI for about two weeks, then they do a final curing with salt water for another two weeks or so. this whole process gets rid of the high PH and any other unwanted items. Similar to curing live rock to an extent.

 

[Alex]

forgot to mention that the water gets changed often towards the end of the process. Also a powerhead is used for water movement, and some people also use a heater in the final stages.

 

[Alex]

here's a link to bob1000 rock
http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/diy-do-yourself/47335-mr-rock.html

 

[JLAudio]

Thanks for all the good info alex

 

[aznt1217]

Definitely going to look into this way more in depth in Jan.

Jason I don't mind doing this project together either. I'll keep this in mind when I am in bahamas. I'll pick up as many shells and stuff as I can. :splitspin

 

[FLUKE411]

DIY Live rock instructions

:givebeer:Hello everyone I'm new to this site and already I've found alot of useful info, just thought this might help those wanting to try their hand at making their own live rock I've been contemplating doing it myself, but do I have the patience for the curing process?


www.garf.org