Aragacrete Tanks

[Bob 1000]

Does anyone use aragacret? The first of many projects to come...

 

[delv]

I've used it many times. I don't use it any of my current tanks though, I use Thickened resin, Poly Gem 2 part Zoo-Poxy, or casting resin.

I usually reserve Agrocrete for large installations...it's much much cheaper.

What do you want know?

d.

 

[Bob 1000]

I need to make about 800 pounds.What kind of time do I need to allow to have the ph stablize? I made a 2 pound rock soaked it vinegar24hrs then soaked it in RO for 24hrs then put it in my nano 1 week ago it only made the PH jump from 7.8 to 8.4 Will it keep going up or is the jump in the first 8 hours the last?

 

[Deanos]

It takes weeks if not months for aragocrete to cure.

 

[Bob 1000]

Deanos you say weeks to cure but the only PH jump I've seen was a week ago..Please be more tell me more.. It doesn't need to go through die off. The only effect I've seen is PH.

 

[delv]

If you used portland it will keep pushing it up until it's done...depends one the mixture, the porosity, etc. I would run it in garbage cans, change water one a week and drop the PH with vinegar...plus lots of water flow.
It may take a while. I can't really tell you, if it's just a few rock (not a custom installation) just make it now and soak until it's ready...

It's really easy stuff to sclupt, especially with a frame...

d.

 

[Bob 1000]

One of my nanos is doing fine with 2pound piece 1 week old. Why soak in water so long. Please describe what needs to cure or stabalize..Besides PH

 

[delv]

It's made of calcium oxide (lime) and Silicon dioxide (sand). The excess or unbound CaO has to dissolve off. It should be OK, it's just high in PH. The soak is to dissolve the Ca.
I would go slow and be safe. If you're in a rush and must use cement do what you want...it's not mine or my customers tanks...

d.

 

[Bob 1000]

Oh okay I understand a lot more now but its for my room tank 8by8ft. 2 to 3 yrs from now.Thank you..

 

[delv]

When you're ready I'd give you a hand...there's a lot more possible than just throwing some rocks in there...I've worked on much much much bigger...

d.

 

[Bob 1000]

Thanks I'll send you a message?

 

[Eznet2u]

Vinegar won't help...Actually extends the time for curing the rocks.

Here is a really good thread on how to do it...It explains all you would
EVER need to know.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1094586

 

[aaron]

I made a tank full of rock argocrete rocks and cured them in a garbage can. I changed the water every week and it took about three months for the water's PH to stabilise and stop going up. running water would cure it faster, if you live on a stream (that you know isnt filled with phosphates and pesticides) you could put it all in a plastic crate and throw it in there. Or if you have a small mount put it in the toilet cistern (the top part NOT the bottom part). if its only a small amount of rock (like 5% of a system) you could probably get away with curing less but to answer you question i would say about 2-3 months to cure fully.

 

[SIReefer]

If you go to www.garf.org they have a video and instructions on how to cure aragocrete. They also sell it. I ordered frags from them once but never again, I was not satisfied with their service or quality.

 

[Bob 1000]

I've read all they have to offer...tell me somrthing else.... Please

 

[Tonyscoots84]

what is this thread about ??? :scratch:

 

[Bob 1000]

This thread is about me trying to make 3 aragocrete walls in a nano, and wondering how long it will take to cure.. Me and my crazy ideas..:fishhit:

 

[jhale]

I've read all they have to offer...tell me somrthing else.... Please

not much else to do but wait for it to cure. rangehat

 

[Bob 1000]

okay will do..

 

[creo568]

um from what i know cement never fully cures. we do tests at 7 days 14 then 28days but never fully cures.