Aragacrete for substrate rather than sand?

[jbrinker]

I was reading this guy's website (no idea if hes a member here):

http://www.rockcanyon.com/reef/aquascaping.htm

and thought, wow, what a neat idea. A modified "berlin" method, with the look of a DSB. I've had no good luck with sand. It looks great, but leads to trapping too much crud, and I wind up with hair algae, or other problems.

I'm sure there are tons of people who have sucessful DSB's, but Ive had no luck. I've tried the original "plenum" back in the day, Ive tried crushed coral and undergravel circ, shallow sand beds with aragonite sand, and DSB with fine aragonite. Never have had one that I'd consider "self mainitaining and clean". Always had problems.

So, what does everyone think about that idea above? I'm putting together a new 90gal to replace my 55 reef. I am considering creating a 1-1.5" thick "base" with aragacrete, then putting all my rock in towers/arches as he did (using acrylic rod) and covering the substrate with a thin layer of sand in front, where visible. This sand could then be vaccumed up and replaced as necessary.

Looking for thoughts...

Thanks!
Jeff

 

[mcrist]

I remember his site and I also liked his idea. The two things that concern me are that the aragacrete expands as it dries so you could end up with a damaged tank and if you don’t like it you’re pretty much stuck with it.

 

[jbrinker]

I was thinking that I'd make "patio blocks" in a form, outside of the tank. Perhaps 3 or 4 pieces that will fit together inside the tank. A little smaller than the tank so they fit easily.

It seems like such a good idea. Berlin type cleanliness, and the look of sand.

Jeff