RC's Tank of the Month & Reef Ceramics

[Larry Robison]

Does anyone know if there is an over-the-counter or on-the-web product like the Reef Cermanics stuff shown on the Tank of the Month page for RC? I am thinking about making some for my tank, but would like to get as many specifics before I start. And if it is not too $$$, I might buy one just to see and feel it. Anybody?

Larz

 

[shiveley]

well, it may not be exactly the same type, but there's this:
http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/catalog/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=reef ceramic

and then there's this stuff from overseas:
http://www.reefstock.co.uk/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=130_131

 

[shiveley]

but why not just make your own using agro-crete?

 

[Larry Robison]

EXACTLY!! I really want to see what they used, if anything, for the support (like rebar). I was thinking of eggcrate, band-sawed in half (the hard way). I have a ton (actually 150 lbs.) of old sand from my tank that I can use for molds, and lots of different sizes of arrag grains. I was really, REALLY interested in what the base was -it sounds like ceramic - could I use a tile? I wonder if anyone has ceramic tile in their tank, and how it is working out. I need to hide the plumbing in the tank, and I was going to make mine not so much just a plane. I liked the rock-salt in the aggrogate idea, and I guess I need to start a new thread on arragocrete form, molds, etc.

 

[shiveley]

Well, I don't know if it helps, but I found this info on one of the links I posted above:

Small ceramic rocks are heatsealed to a very thin inert plastic base. Note: sand is used in excess during the process and it is normal that a quantity will fall off at first.

But I think you might be on the right track with the whole egg-crate interior support idea. and yeah, using rock salt in your agro-crete mix will not only add to the porosity of the rockwall, but should also help significantly in reducing the overall weight.

Good luck!

 

[Backinthegame]

If you want to get them locally, go see Dennis over at H2O. I too want 2/3 pillars for my tank. He's got a method for DIY too. The Reefforms are not cheap. We talked in the upper $200's ea for the pillars. Is its worth it? ??? but they make easy eye catching centerpieces.

 

[Larry Robison]

$200 - naww - sinceI will just cut them apart to see what makes them tick. Anybody with any knid of tiles in their tank? I was thinking of using a tile as a substrate, I just want to explore all options- it's not like I've been in a hurry !