Anyone tried DIYing liverock?

philagothos

philagothos

New member
In an effort to keep the new tank under a tight budget, I'm going to be giving this a shot in the next couple weeks. I've read as many resources as I could find and think I'm ready to give it a shot. It will probably have to wait a few weeks for spring break before I have time for it though. I was just curious if anyone local had tried it and might have any pointers they would want to pass along.

Thanks,
Kevin
 
You can get base rock for $1/lb. That's as cheap as they come. As long as you have 1-2 live rock in the tank to seed it, it's really just a matter of time. Reason most ppl pay $3-$7/lb for live rock is so they don't need to wait, plus there's an increase in diversity, new surprise in every rock.
 
Most rocks I see are predominantly purple, but I have red coraline algae in my tank. Contemplating on a project where I seed a tank with only Red Algae, and get all red rocks, that would rock..:D
 
Chemguy, thanks for the link. I've read through their site a hundred times. I'm having a hard time locating the exact materials, but I think I've found stuff to emprovise with.

Thanks for the info Runner. I'm a little suprised that with all of the DIYers in this club that more people haven't tried it.

XeniaMania, the cheapest I have found good base rock is from Hirocks. They have 60# (about the right amount for me) for $90 ($1.50/#). Whereas I can make it for ~$0.25/#. The only downside is I end up with too much rock (oh bummer!).

My wife is excited about making our own rock (she is more artisitic than I am) because we can make the shapes and sizes we want instead of hoping we get something we can make work. I'm excited because it will be cheaper. Still not too happy about having to let it cure a month before using it. Oh well...

-Kevin
 
I saw something about putting it in your toilet water tank to speed the curing -- water changeover with every flush! It wouldn't be a good idea if you ever put the blue stuff or other chemicals in your tank, though. Do a search in the DIY forums for more info.
 
Iââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢ve tried making it before, but I was never successful enough to make it look like actual rock. Mine came out very rough and dense. When you figure your cost per pound you need to add all the experience of your screw ups. After buying all the materials including white Portland and all the waste, I would have come out better buying the Hirock.

I use the toilet tank method for curing my frag plugs, It works great for them, but it may be cramped for larger rock.


:bum:
 
I read about the toilet idea a while back and it sounds pretty cool. Unfortunately, I was using the toilet tablets long before I ever got interested in the hobby. Also, I plan on making some pretty good sized pieces that probably would not fit in there.

The good news is that my water is free. I also have access to the French Broad River and have contemplated ways to put it in there. I also have a creek in my back yard, but it is loaded with algae and I'm concerned about the rock getting contaminated (I have no idea what might be in there).

-Kevin
 
Yes, I did it too. I kept maybe 1/4th of what I made. I was able to do arches and some neat pieces after about my 3rd attempt. Curing was worse than loosing 3/4 and the cause of some breakage.
 
So it sounds like it might be a little more challenging than I was hoping. :( What are some of the lessons you learned in the process? Any pitfalls to watch out for?

Thanks,
-Kevin
 
It's all in the consistency of the mixture which cant be described in words. I'd suggest making a small batch and forming 3 or 4 2"round x6"long logs with different consistencies (don't squish into logs, dribble into a sandbed since that is how you will be making the rocks). Write down how much Portland, sand, and oyster shell you used and vary the water amounts from garf's recipe from dry side to wet side of the recipe. TRY TO REMEMBER HOW THE MIXTURES FELT WHEN MIXING. After they set up, soak for a week in water and see which has the effect you desire. Some will crumble, some will be solid. You may want some of your rock very porous, and some with more strength for arches and such so knowing how to feel the right consistency is an important step.

Good luck. It's worth giving it a shot, in my opinion...
 
I made some and the biggest problem it was as heavy as....cement :) I made some caves and OK looking peices but overall wasn't as pleased as I had hoped. I did take the big macaronie shells, manticottie?, and got some good dips and dents with that. And I used the rollercoaster macaronie for added funky shapes also. I used a few peices but shelfed most of it or gave it away. It would be OK for use as a base and covered by the real stuff. I also used a hammer to re-shape some peices into better shapes.
 
I tried it a few times and never was real satisfied with it then when I brought two tons of HI rocks I would never try the DIY again. If you can wait a little time I will be ordering a couple of tons of rock for my new tank and can get it for a $1 a lb.
 
Kevin,
Please reconsider putting your rock to cure in any local waterways. First you could be picking up a few things you do not want such as copper. Second and more importantly, the cement curing would cause problems for the biotic community below your site. Even a small amount could cause pH issues in the water. Right now many larval fish are in the water column and probably would not be able to relocate far. Also, if there were any mussels downstream they could be stressed from the changes in pH causing disease or death.
I too have made DIY cement rocks with portland cement and crushed oyster shells (from the local co-op) and made some interesting shapes but the rock becomes brittle over time. I have around 90# of hirocks in my tank and am happy with it. It is heavier than other live rock but you could always lighten it with a mason bit for better flow. It has been in my tank for around a month now and it is already showing purple algae on it. Thanks.
Mike
 
Mike,
If for no other reason I would not put my DIY rock in the creek in my back yard because I'm almost certain it would pick up contaminates from the water. The creek is loaded with algae so I am certain there are things in there I would not want in my tank. I'm fairly certain I could not make that thing much more polluted than it is.

As far as the French Broad, I doubt 60lbs. of rock would have much of an effect on such a massive volume of water. However, I would have the same concern about contaminates from there as well.

If I do make my own rock I will likely just put it in a tub on my porch and drain the waterchanges into my driveway. I've read of people placing their rock in large bodies of water, but it just seems too risky as far as picking up contaminates. I've really not found any effective way to speed up the curing process. The concrete takes about a month to cure enough to be able to use in a tank, that seems to be regardless of the method.

I'm talking to someone now about getting some of their leftover Hirocks, that may be my most likely route.

-Kevin
 
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