DIY live rock and rock salt

[sunfishh]

I am sure this is a dumb question but how exactly is rock salt used with DIY live rock. Does it go in the cement mix or around the rock once it is formed?

 

[jarhed]

Both.

It will dissolve while curing in water and leave a lot of crevaces and leave the rock very porous.

 

[tekknoschtev]

I didnt really think using rock salt would make much of a difference, especially after our first batch which used 4 parts sand, 1 part cement, and 1 part rock salt. Our next batch used about 4 parts sand, 2-3parts rock salt, and 1 part concrete and it came out MUCH better and much more porous. They are still curing now, but as mentioned above, during the curing process, the salt will disolve and leave the rock much more porous than it otherwise would have been.

 

[rustybucket145]

That is very interesting, I'll have to try that on my next batch.

I recently did my first batch and I am waiting on them to cure. How long does it usually take? It has been about 6weeks and my ph is still off the chart. Any ideas?

 

[CarlJr]

Can someone tell where I can get info on making the the live rock? I am just starting saltwater and want to make my own. Thanks to all.

 

[Paul B]

Look them all up and see which type you like. Here is an article I wrote a few years ago and some rock I build. These pieces are PVC with cement and are hollow.

http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Hangar/6279/RaiseCementHomemadeConglomerateRocks.html

Here is the construction of that 3' piece.

Good luck.
Paul

 

[blusporttrac]

heres some i did
Reef Central Link

 

[sunfishh]

Paul I love your rock. Do you think rock salt would improve your design?

 

[Paul B]

No not this design. I think it would make it too weak. It is a coating of cement on PVC.
There are many pictures in my gallery. About a quarter of my rocks are homemade. Some of my other designs may work with rocksalt. I will have to try it.
Paul