My DIY Rock/Foam Reef

[Kannin]

I used about 12 ounces.

 

[77railer]

Im inspired by your patience in this project. I have none in this area,lol...looks good so far.


Leroy

 

[ShipOFools]

http://www.acehardwaresuperstore.com/bondo-polyester-fiberglass-resin-p-70704.html?ref=42

I think this is the stuff to use right? Also do you need to use a hardener or no?

 

[NightBreed1369]

The stuff I picked up is in a yellow can at HD for 15$

 

[pimpinitup6969]

sweet very nice
Matt

 

[rsteagall]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11657509#post11657509 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Kannin
...
Then I zip tied 150 lbs of Marco Rock to it...

150lbs...not 25.

So, if you're using that much rock...whats another 20lbs of mortar to keep from messing with great stuff and any kind of resin?

 

[ed102475]

HIS TANK IS 220 GAL... MINE IS 55 GAL.

 

[rsteagall]

I'm sorry. "You're" was supposed to be in general terms. I wasn't speaking directly to you initially...wires got crossed.

 

[ed102475]

I admit I may need a little more rock like 15 lbs or so but not 150 lbs for a 55 gal.This is why I am using mortar at the bottom to help weight it down.
I see what your saying I think that you think the great stuff looks unrealistic and that the cement/ mortar would look better IYO but I disagree.
I love the way the great stuff fills in and I think the mortar wouldn't fill in as well or and is much harder to shape IMO.

 

[ed102475]

 

[ed102475]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11729753#post11729753 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rsteagall
150lbs...not 25.

So, if you're using that much rock...whats another 20lbs of mortar to keep from messing with great stuff and any kind of resin?

I'm sorry. "You're" was supposed to be in general terms. I wasn't speaking directly to you initially...wires got crossed.

I ordered 25 lbs. of macro rock. I might still cover with the cement also.Will QUIKRETE® be ok?

I think it may have been but thats ok. .

 

[Kannin]

If someone uses cement instead of foam... I would be very interested in seeing how it turns out... and if it is harder to work with.

 

[Erikk]

Maybe a stupid question.

In the netherlands (holland) we only use live rocks because of the bacteria's who will clean with te skimmer the water.

How do you get youre starting bacteria's in this sort of tanks.

I must say that this project is awsome and for my next aquarium is this a good idea.

We think the nitrate an phosphate will rise without live rock to extreme levels.

Can you explain this to me?

Gr Erik

 

[Kannin]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11731806#post11731806 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Erikk
Maybe a stupid question.

In the netherlands (holland) we only use live rocks because of the bacteria's who will clean with te skimmer the water.

How do you get youre starting bacteria's in this sort of tanks.

I must say that this project is awsome and for my next aquarium is this a good idea.

We think the nitrate an phosphate will rise without live rock to extreme levels.

Can you explain this to me?

Gr Erik

Sure Erik... I will seed the tank with some small pieces of live rock. That life will multiply in the tank and, within a few months... my rock will be live. I may also use some purchased pods to speed up the process. The ramp up time is a little longer but, well worth the savings and also for the fact that I could not have accomplished this with live rock.

 

[Erikk]

Can you tell me what brand of purchased pods to speed up the process.

And how long do you whait before you put in some corals and fishes

Greeting Erik

 

[ed102475]

Kannin,
How many cans of foam did you use?

 

[Kannin]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11732438#post11732438 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Erikk
Can you tell me what brand of purchased pods to speed up the process.

And how long do you whait before you put in some corals and fishes

Greeting Erik

You can buy a bottle of liquid here in the U.S. that I think is called Tiger Pods. I've never used them before.

I'll put a few thing in... in a couple of weeks if my water is right by then. Then I'll focus on getting the rock to liven up and coraline growth.

 

[Kannin]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11732570#post11732570 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ed102475
Kannin,
How many cans of foam did you use?

7... I think.

 

[Phanman1]

maybe add some purple up too to speed up the coraline process

 

[Kannin]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11732772#post11732772 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Phanman1
maybe add some purple up too to speed up the coraline process

The two products I used and still use for my 54... are by Seachem. Reef Builder (for alkalinity) and Advantage Calcium w/ Strontium & Magnesium. That's what I will use to boost the coraline growth. I'll also aim MJ's at the live rock from the front of the tank to blow spores to the back wall and the pillars.