DIY Rocks

[jejton]

Anyone ever use one of the DIY rock recipies - i.e. GARF or one of the many on RC ? If so, how did it turn out? Post photos if you have any. I'm setting up a new tank and was planning on going mostly with Marco dead rocks and a small percentage of live to seed it but then I thought if I am already using dead rock, why not make my own rock and save the money. Before I do it it though, I'd like to hear of other people's experiences.

 

[inkblue]

have fun readiNg...

http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/diy-do-yourself/6464-making-my-own-rock.html

 

[jejton]

Thanks but there is no info on how he made it or how it turned out once it was in his tank for a while.

 

[Bob 1000]

I make my own rocks... I let it sit in my top off ro bucket for 2 weeks first, then cure it in a big system like 200 or better for 2 weeks before it is totally covered in coralline and the ph has precipitated enough not to raise you ph to much in a small system like anything under a 90...

 

[Bob 1000]

The circle rock to the left is made of portland #3 cement and crushed coral(or aragonite sand) what ever you choose...

 

[jejton]

looks the same as real lr to me. did it take any longer to become ' live ' than regular dead rock?

 

[Bob 1000]

Nope and I think it grows coralline faster.. And you can make your own shapes as well...

 

[archangel]

hey i made it too a while back. i didnt have much luck with it. i had to cure it for a long time.. it grew stuff on it, but for me it was mainly green algae and nothing else. it is cheap and seem to work for few people. lookin on these forums, i got about 100lbs of mostly live rock with alot of coralline for 80 bucks. i guess i did get lucky though. i think its best to get like 20lbs for "marco rock" price from people selling on here so u can get variety. as long as its the good variety. i got a rock with blue coralline that looks pretty cool. i never seen blue anywhere else.

 

[Bob 1000]

i got a rock with blue coralline that looks pretty cool. i never seen blue anywhere else.

I'd love to see the blue coraline...:shocked:

 

[Paul B]

I have been building rock for many years out of cement. The 3' skinny rock in this picture is cement on PVC pipe. It is hollow and the center is perfect for harboring anerobic bacteria. It is in the picture to the right of the moorish Idol.
Also here is an article I wrote a long time ago about making rock from scrap small pieces. This piece is in my tank somewhere but I really don't know where it is. It has been in there for about ten or fifteen years and looks like any other rock.
http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Hangar/6279/RaiseCementHomemadeConglomerateRocks.html