Making Rocks, Rocks
- Thread starter TheOtherDB
- Start date
karimwassef
Active member
Not really. There were walls on the left and right, but the rest are suspended platforms or tree structures. The back is just open glass.
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Is that clearer?
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Is that clearer?
Last edited:
karimwassef
Active member
here it is from another angle
<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/0D18FD9A-4F04-49C4-B4EB-8292622AF64F_zps2oy54j0h.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/0D18FD9A-4F04-49C4-B4EB-8292622AF64F_zps2oy54j0h.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 0D18FD9A-4F04-49C4-B4EB-8292622AF64F_zps2oy54j0h.jpg"/></a>
and pre-curing
<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/3EDE37F6-EB53-4801-84B4-0196CD793668_zpsbvhrvh2j.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/3EDE37F6-EB53-4801-84B4-0196CD793668_zpsbvhrvh2j.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 3EDE37F6-EB53-4801-84B4-0196CD793668_zpsbvhrvh2j.jpg"/></a>
and post-drilling
<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/DB1A1E02-55F2-46DE-8A49-22FCD7685A95_zpsiqvqigi3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/DB1A1E02-55F2-46DE-8A49-22FCD7685A95_zpsiqvqigi3.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DB1A1E02-55F2-46DE-8A49-22FCD7685A95_zpsiqvqigi3.jpg"/></a>
<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/F26DC014-8B1C-4E55-B6E2-B885FDF7547A_zpsxngrdgxx.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/F26DC014-8B1C-4E55-B6E2-B885FDF7547A_zpsxngrdgxx.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo F26DC014-8B1C-4E55-B6E2-B885FDF7547A_zpsxngrdgxx.jpg"/></a>
<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/F927B2AC-C6ED-4592-9992-E9FCDDCAC076_zps8hspav4i.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/F927B2AC-C6ED-4592-9992-E9FCDDCAC076_zps8hspav4i.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo F927B2AC-C6ED-4592-9992-E9FCDDCAC076_zps8hspav4i.jpg"/></a>
this one has the background blue light on - shows that it's mostly open
<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/91B5F77B-239D-4D4D-B31A-36A0B4931C4E_zpsjukpzkue.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/91B5F77B-239D-4D4D-B31A-36A0B4931C4E_zpsjukpzkue.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 91B5F77B-239D-4D4D-B31A-36A0B4931C4E_zpsjukpzkue.jpg"/></a>
it's a complicated structure... maybe easier to share by video. Here's the middle of my tank thread with the vids:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2545088&page=4
<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/0D18FD9A-4F04-49C4-B4EB-8292622AF64F_zps2oy54j0h.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/0D18FD9A-4F04-49C4-B4EB-8292622AF64F_zps2oy54j0h.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 0D18FD9A-4F04-49C4-B4EB-8292622AF64F_zps2oy54j0h.jpg"/></a>
and pre-curing
<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/3EDE37F6-EB53-4801-84B4-0196CD793668_zpsbvhrvh2j.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/3EDE37F6-EB53-4801-84B4-0196CD793668_zpsbvhrvh2j.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 3EDE37F6-EB53-4801-84B4-0196CD793668_zpsbvhrvh2j.jpg"/></a>
and post-drilling
<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/DB1A1E02-55F2-46DE-8A49-22FCD7685A95_zpsiqvqigi3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/DB1A1E02-55F2-46DE-8A49-22FCD7685A95_zpsiqvqigi3.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo DB1A1E02-55F2-46DE-8A49-22FCD7685A95_zpsiqvqigi3.jpg"/></a>
<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/F26DC014-8B1C-4E55-B6E2-B885FDF7547A_zpsxngrdgxx.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/F26DC014-8B1C-4E55-B6E2-B885FDF7547A_zpsxngrdgxx.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo F26DC014-8B1C-4E55-B6E2-B885FDF7547A_zpsxngrdgxx.jpg"/></a>
<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/F927B2AC-C6ED-4592-9992-E9FCDDCAC076_zps8hspav4i.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/F927B2AC-C6ED-4592-9992-E9FCDDCAC076_zps8hspav4i.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo F927B2AC-C6ED-4592-9992-E9FCDDCAC076_zps8hspav4i.jpg"/></a>
this one has the background blue light on - shows that it's mostly open
<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/91B5F77B-239D-4D4D-B31A-36A0B4931C4E_zpsjukpzkue.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/91B5F77B-239D-4D4D-B31A-36A0B4931C4E_zpsjukpzkue.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 91B5F77B-239D-4D4D-B31A-36A0B4931C4E_zpsjukpzkue.jpg"/></a>
it's a complicated structure... maybe easier to share by video. Here's the middle of my tank thread with the vids:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2545088&page=4
Last edited:
DeepSeaReefer94
New member
Just curious but is the pvc in the middle for support?
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karimwassef
Active member
PVC is the backbone.. the eggcrate creates the platforms and I use concrete loaded cloth to form the skin and convoluted shapes.
The magnet-supported ledges are tiny. They structures are 3' x 2' and form foundation structures to attach more ridges, branches and overhangs.
I tried the magnets, but they can't support the smallest of my structures. The PVC with PVC connectors is the only thing that worked.
The magnet-supported ledges are tiny. They structures are 3' x 2' and form foundation structures to attach more ridges, branches and overhangs.
I tried the magnets, but they can't support the smallest of my structures. The PVC with PVC connectors is the only thing that worked.
TheOtherDB
New member
TheOtherDB
Your rock looks amazing and I would buy it if the price was right but the price of live and dry rock keeps dropping. I mean you can get dry rock shipped to your door through eBay for $3.70 a pound and dry rock for $2.40 a pound. And dry rock bought wholesale in bulk is less than $.25 per pound. What is the cost to make your rock?
Your rock looks amazing and I would buy it if the price was right but the price of live and dry rock keeps dropping. I mean you can get dry rock shipped to your door through eBay for $3.70 a pound and dry rock for $2.40 a pound. And dry rock bought wholesale in bulk is less than $.25 per pound. What is the cost to make your rock?
karimwassef
Active member
Making rock is very cheap. I wouldn't buy it. It's a work of art and passion. Epoxy is expensive.
As far as curing, I fast cured my many pieces in a week with heavy air injection to force the pH down.
<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/3EDE37F6-EB53-4801-84B4-0196CD793668_zpsbvhrvh2j.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/3EDE37F6-EB53-4801-84B4-0196CD793668_zpsbvhrvh2j.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 3EDE37F6-EB53-4801-84B4-0196CD793668_zpsbvhrvh2j.jpg"></a>
<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/B698FB86-15D0-48A1-A26A-985BBCB52182_zps8nn75r6l.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/B698FB86-15D0-48A1-A26A-985BBCB52182_zps8nn75r6l.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo B698FB86-15D0-48A1-A26A-985BBCB52182_zps8nn75r6l.jpg"></a>
I used my 12' monster skimmer and Apex pH meter
<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/320F8392-4BE8-4695-B1E9-F0C67309ABDC_zpstpgbvfnu.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/320F8392-4BE8-4695-B1E9-F0C67309ABDC_zpstpgbvfnu.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 320F8392-4BE8-4695-B1E9-F0C67309ABDC_zpstpgbvfnu.jpg"></a>
<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/FC19F6E3-4EDC-4186-9971-A607076A04BE_zpsfppdvfbp.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/FC19F6E3-4EDC-4186-9971-A607076A04BE_zpsfppdvfbp.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo FC19F6E3-4EDC-4186-9971-A607076A04BE_zpsfppdvfbp.jpg"></a>
As far as curing, I fast cured my many pieces in a week with heavy air injection to force the pH down.
<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/3EDE37F6-EB53-4801-84B4-0196CD793668_zpsbvhrvh2j.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/3EDE37F6-EB53-4801-84B4-0196CD793668_zpsbvhrvh2j.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 3EDE37F6-EB53-4801-84B4-0196CD793668_zpsbvhrvh2j.jpg"></a>
<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/B698FB86-15D0-48A1-A26A-985BBCB52182_zps8nn75r6l.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/B698FB86-15D0-48A1-A26A-985BBCB52182_zps8nn75r6l.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo B698FB86-15D0-48A1-A26A-985BBCB52182_zps8nn75r6l.jpg"></a>
I used my 12' monster skimmer and Apex pH meter
<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/320F8392-4BE8-4695-B1E9-F0C67309ABDC_zpstpgbvfnu.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/320F8392-4BE8-4695-B1E9-F0C67309ABDC_zpstpgbvfnu.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 320F8392-4BE8-4695-B1E9-F0C67309ABDC_zpstpgbvfnu.jpg"></a>
<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/FC19F6E3-4EDC-4186-9971-A607076A04BE_zpsfppdvfbp.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/FC19F6E3-4EDC-4186-9971-A607076A04BE_zpsfppdvfbp.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo FC19F6E3-4EDC-4186-9971-A607076A04BE_zpsfppdvfbp.jpg"></a>
karimwassef
Active member
I was thinking about making DIY live rock, til I realized it's months of curing in RODI with water changes, to get the pH down from 10. Did you end up having to go through that? I'm gonna be working on some casts to make 100% solids epoxy bonsai structures, like these.
That looks great. I think I can replicate it in concrete with drilled plastic plates!
Joe Lydon
New member
I own a decorative concrete company, so I've always got epoxy on hand. Plus, it doesn't take much to create a structure similar to the one I posted. The disks will be easy to cast. I'm still debating on the best way to cast the branching/base.. Probably cut 3/4" PVC down the center, then put the two halves together and tape it closed, pour in epoxy, and then take it out once it starts to set up, but still malleable. I can bend it however I want, and then allow it to harden.
Joe Lydon
New member
I like the design, as well. Easy flow through. Tons of coral mounting space at different heights. The end goal for a reef tank is to see as little rock, as possible. So, this would look great filled out with SPS.
karimwassef
Active member
The reason I went to concrete was the ability to create intricate and complex structures that natural live rock doesn't offer. I wanted overhangs, suspensions, bridges, tunnels, crescents, trees, caves, and large donut structures with substantial flowthrough without compromising coral attachment area.
I tried with other rocks and found the pain of getting them to form into my vision to be excessive. Sculpting (or forming) my vision directly in concrete was much easier (and much more solid). It offers the strength of the PVC connections with the porous manmade live rock. I drilled the structures through and through to create attachment nodes, which also became pod access points into the hidden PVC zones... works and pods can proliferate in safety there without losing water flow.
I did seed it all with real (and very rich) live rock.
I tried with other rocks and found the pain of getting them to form into my vision to be excessive. Sculpting (or forming) my vision directly in concrete was much easier (and much more solid). It offers the strength of the PVC connections with the porous manmade live rock. I drilled the structures through and through to create attachment nodes, which also became pod access points into the hidden PVC zones... works and pods can proliferate in safety there without losing water flow.
I did seed it all with real (and very rich) live rock.
karimwassef
Active member
I made the mistake of making too much rock. It looked great with a few small colonies but now it's overgrown and the corals are in constant combat for space.
Next time I design a reef, I'll look at it top down. Make sure the surfaces created by the structure are making the most of the available sunlight without encroaching directly on each other.
I had created platforms under ledges.. those are so inacceible that they only support corals that accidentally fall there. I have used them for low light corals, but what a pain.
Next time I design a reef, I'll look at it top down. Make sure the surfaces created by the structure are making the most of the available sunlight without encroaching directly on each other.
I had created platforms under ledges.. those are so inacceible that they only support corals that accidentally fall there. I have used them for low light corals, but what a pain.
karimwassef
Active member
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I've resorted to just dropping large daughter colonies of SPS into the sand to make use of the sun-lit regions there.
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I've resorted to just dropping large daughter colonies of SPS into the sand to make use of the sun-lit regions there.
<a href="http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/karimwassef/media/AE174174-2BF1-4DB9-8A95-C1F125B21FA3_zpsewnmlpcn.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1062.photobucket.com/albums/t496/karimwassef/AE174174-2BF1-4DB9-8A95-C1F125B21FA3_zpsewnmlpcn.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo AE174174-2BF1-4DB9-8A95-C1F125B21FA3_zpsewnmlpcn.jpg"></a>
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Last edited:
Joe Lydon
New member
I'm a huge fan in keeping detritus in suspension, and keeping a tank near sterile. I'm going bare bottom, with epoxy rocks, and a mega amount of siporax in the sump. I can feed like crazy, and skim it all out. I feel that after a few years of running a reef tank, with stacks of rocks, it puts you at high risk of a crash. Waste is the monster you can't see IMO.
karimwassef
Active member
Agree but... I love sand.
I have a ton of flow, & I set up a settling tank to capture detritus instead of a skimmer. Then I decided to keep the detritus contained and grew an ATS garden over it. Now that's my primary filter.
I have a ton of flow, & I set up a settling tank to capture detritus instead of a skimmer. Then I decided to keep the detritus contained and grew an ATS garden over it. Now that's my primary filter.
TheOtherDB
New member
Hey, Jack ....
It's hard to estimate cost since I had all of the materials on hand. And, at the end of the day, for me, it was not about cost, but rather the extension of my learning in this hobby. Even more so, it was about aesthetic freedom to be able to build shapes I wanted rather than just whatever I could find.
Just perusing online, 100 pounds of Portland cement is about 10 bucks, crushed coral about 20$ .... So, maybe 30 cents per pound plus time ... ?
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