DIY live rock

[izzie]

Im thinking of making some live rock for my 1 year old reef tank. Im a student and cant afford to buy real live rock. I was going to do the salt and cement way i saw on here not to long ago. I was wondering what everyones thoughts on it is. Im scared salt will disolve in my tank after the rock is in it. Also how long will it take befor it colours up and looks natural? Also how much can i put in befor the concrete would affect the water if it will at all. I was thinking of adding around 20-30lbs. Thanks.
Izzie

 

[Skaman386]

I don't believe you use salt to make the rock, it's sand. I've never heard of anyone using salt. That would definately give you unwanted affects. Sand is what you're looking for.

 

[izzie]

There was just a recent post on it. You use rock salt then soak it for a week to disolve all the salt out. I had the same concerns as you about the salt. Its made with cement, araganite and rock salt.....makes it porus.
Izzie

 

[salty3]

Go to garf.org they have recipes and videos on making your own rock.

 

[izzie]

Where do i go once im at that site?

 

[cmersman]

go to the DIY forum here and there is ahuge thread on how to make them. easy and cheap....message with questions if you have any.

 

[jgb23]

Izzie,

There are quite a few different recipes around. I used a mixture of Argonite Sand, Portland Cement and oyster shells. I made up about 70-80lbs and I used it primarily as base rock and bought live rock to cover it up. I have had it in my tank for about 5-6 months and most of it has good coralline algae growth. It just takes time.
One thing to remember is that you need to cure this rock. Cement releases calcium hydroxide (I believe) as it cures and can raise the PH of your tank if its not cured long enough. I cured mine in a large garbage can outside and changed the water every other day for two months. I took PH readings every week and waited until the numbers were below 8.
Once again, just read up on it and dont rush it. Good luck

 

[Aqua Keepers]

Click on my red house. I use salt in my mix. There's pics of my rocks in there and theres a link to the thread that I learned from.