Reef Ceramics
- Thread starter jerryz
- Start date
Jens Kallmeyer
New member
Your example of Riffkeramik is the best I've seen, but your presentation of the Speedo was a little traumatic for the North American audience.
HI
Thanks for your appreciation. The trick was to make a really detailled sketch of what I wanted, fax it to Korallenwelt and then discuss it over the phone. Thorsten, the owner of Korallenwelt talked me out of a few things and brought up some completely new ideas, eventually we came up with a final design. Although it was all discussed before, I was quite surprised when I saw the pieces for the first time. What I found most important when finally installing the Keramik was to have enough of that special Riffkeramik glue to patch up the seams. Many people try to save some money and just put the pieces into their tank without covering the seams. I think this is saving on the wrong end. The glue isn't cheap, but for my whole tank I needed one cartridge, which is around 20 Euros or so.
Regarding the investment upfront, I don't think that it is so much worse than other types of decoration. With live rock you would never be able to build a structure that high on such a small footprint. Costs for the rocks would be at least equal if not even higher (at least in Germany).
If you count the hours and the mess of making aragacrete or other stuff like that, plust the hassle of rinsing/curing and the weeks/months you have to wait before the pH is not affected anymore, plus the potential hazard of getting that one batch of cement with the higher chromium content, then I am more than happy to pay the additional money for a custom made Riffkeramik that perfectly fits into my tank with all the little gadgets like built in Wavebox and Stream holders. Between the first scetch and pick up of the finished pieces were less than 2 weeks.
I'll keep you updated on the development of the reef
Jens
PS: I know about Americans and speedos, that's why I put a warning on the link
mr.wilson
.Registered Member
I agree with your comparison to live rock cost and performance. My comment with regard to the upfront investment was more of time than money (if the two can be separated ).
I'm sure you were cursing in several languages as you applied the fast-curing polyurethane foam substrate. Now that it's done, it will make your maintenance duties easier for years to come.
I too, dislike the look of a bare bottom (tank), but your solution appears to be an excellent compromise. It also looks like your tank is now bullet-proof on most sides.
). I'm sure you were cursing in several languages as you applied the fast-curing polyurethane foam substrate. Now that it's done, it will make your maintenance duties easier for years to come.
I too, dislike the look of a bare bottom (tank), but your solution appears to be an excellent compromise. It also looks like your tank is now bullet-proof on most sides.
impur
New member
This is a great thread.
I've got all the components to make my rock, but using portland cement, the grey stuff, takes 90+ days to cure for me. We do not have quikrete here, or fast set mortar repair, or hydaulic water stop, , or white portland cement, or any of the stuff you guys are using. Apparently Oregon is WAY behind the times as far as construction goes, but at any rate the only stuff i can find that is even close is PakMix fast setting concrete mix
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...N=10000003+90054&marketID=54&locStoreNum=4003
MSDS: http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/pdfImage/55cfd774-2053-480a-a872-89aa86c40a64.pdf
I am far from an expert on cement, so mr.wilson i hoped you could tell me if this will work as a suitable replacement. I sent them an email and called them, but their customer service...leaves something to be desired.
I've got all the components to make my rock, but using portland cement, the grey stuff, takes 90+ days to cure for me. We do not have quikrete here, or fast set mortar repair, or hydaulic water stop, , or white portland cement, or any of the stuff you guys are using. Apparently Oregon is WAY behind the times as far as construction goes, but at any rate the only stuff i can find that is even close is PakMix fast setting concrete mix
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...N=10000003+90054&marketID=54&locStoreNum=4003
MSDS: http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/pdfImage/55cfd774-2053-480a-a872-89aa86c40a64.pdf
I am far from an expert on cement, so mr.wilson i hoped you could tell me if this will work as a suitable replacement. I sent them an email and called them, but their customer service...leaves something to be desired.
Last edited:
mr.wilson
.Registered Member
It's all that wood you have out there. No need for concrete.
Of course the home of portland cement has a limited selection of portland products.
It looks like a good product. If it isn't certified as food grade, it is only due to the higher than neutral PH, as found with just about any cement mix. I have used a similar product by Bomix and had good results. It costs a little more than portland
Do some tests for PH stability after 24 and 72 hours. Let us know how it works out.
Of course the home of portland cement has a limited selection of portland products.
It looks like a good product. If it isn't certified as food grade, it is only due to the higher than neutral PH, as found with just about any cement mix. I have used a similar product by Bomix and had good results. It costs a little more than portland
Do some tests for PH stability after 24 and 72 hours. Let us know how it works out.
Insane Reefer
New member
Do any of these fast sets come in white? I have a custom order that would be easier to make with the fast sets, and I like the idea of the 20 minutes work time (will really need the extra work time) that Bomix has, but it was requested in white.
Any idea's?
Any idea's?
impur
New member
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10183522#post10183522 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mr.wilson
It's all that wood you have out there. No need for concrete.
Of course the home of portland cement has a limited selection of portland products.
It looks like a good product. If it isn't certified as food grade, it is only due to the higher than neutral PH, as found with just about any cement mix. I have used a similar product by Bomix and had good results. It costs a little more than portland
Do some tests for PH stability after 24 and 72 hours. Let us know how it works out.
LOL ironic isn't it? I emailed Quikrete and they said their main retailers are Lowes and Home Depot. We don't have a Lowes, but we have 3 Home Depots with another going up in a month or so. I called them all and not one of them has heard of the company Quikrete. Or maybe i was speaking chinese? LOL Its amazing how HD can hire such incompetent people.
At any rate thanks for the info. I've emailed the company as well but have yet to get a response. I think i'll pick some up and give it a shot. I'll report back!
Insane Reefer
New member
Actually...
Portland cement is named after the high quality limestone quarried at Portland, England - which is close to the town that the gentleman who developed it lived in.
It is not named after Portland, Oregon.
It is a common misconception.
And OT, Impur, your signature line reminds me of this.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6224538.stm
Portland cement is named after the high quality limestone quarried at Portland, England - which is close to the town that the gentleman who developed it lived in.
It is not named after Portland, Oregon.
It is a common misconception.
And OT, Impur, your signature line reminds me of this.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6224538.stm
Insane Reefer
New member
Special comes to mind...
Anyway, I've been reading back through these posts, and wondered if someone might condense a list of known brands, brands that folks have actually used? All the names floating around are starting to confuse me...
Anyway, I've been reading back through these posts, and wondered if someone might condense a list of known brands, brands that folks have actually used? All the names floating around are starting to confuse me...
mr.wilson
.Registered Member
You'll have to hit the manufacturers and big box stores for that one. It would likely be a grout (with a small amount of silica sand) rather than a pure mortar. There are lots of quick setting white grouts out there, but make sure there are no anti-fungal agents added.
Be prepared to spend a little more money as well.
Insane Reefer
New member
Yeah, that $2.89 price tag the stuff Impur posted did sound attractive, lol. I can't get the link to load though - even if I search it through Homedespot.com, it has a search hit link to it, and then says "Item not available" or some-such.
Is the Bomix you said had the 20 minute work time the only product you have found that can be worked that long, or have you found others with a long work time?
Is the Bomix you said had the 20 minute work time the only product you have found that can be worked that long, or have you found others with a long work time?
Insane Reefer
New member
Thanks Mr Wilson.
I'm going to try to stop at the local masonry shop on my way to take some rock to the LFS, and wanted to clarify what I am looking for, ideally.
1. Fast set cement, or is it quick set? Or are the terms being used interchangeably here?
2. Long working time
3. No additives - no fungal/mildew stuff, no sand if possible
4. non-water-proof
While I am there I am going to look into microsilica and aluminum powder for my traditional stuff. Do you see any reason that aluminum couldn't be used? I know some metals are a no-no, but have no idea if this is one to avoid...
Thanks!
I'm going to try to stop at the local masonry shop on my way to take some rock to the LFS, and wanted to clarify what I am looking for, ideally.
1. Fast set cement, or is it quick set? Or are the terms being used interchangeably here?
2. Long working time
3. No additives - no fungal/mildew stuff, no sand if possible
4. non-water-proof
While I am there I am going to look into microsilica and aluminum powder for my traditional stuff. Do you see any reason that aluminum couldn't be used? I know some metals are a no-no, but have no idea if this is one to avoid...
Thanks!
Insane Reefer
New member
Isn't that the truth. They had a saw that my husband wanted and I called to see if they still had them so I could get it for fathers day. I called - had the product number from the paper, and the guy I talked to looked it up on the computer system, ask a buddy, and finally told me, "No, we are out."
I ended up going there anyway to see what they did have, and Lo! Right in front of the Customer Service Desk, there is a shelf end display with the saws stacked on them, and a sign with the product number. Right up front...
LOL
BeanAnimal
Premium Member
Most modern concrete mixes have alumina in the mix... at leat the "fast set" stuff. A guick google search will give you more than you want to know
kolokefalo
New member
24 hour live rock binding
24 hour live rock binding
First and foremost it is great to be a member and not a troll here. Now for my first post:
Mr. Wilson,
How are you able to sustain the live rock for 24hrs while the Quikrete sets when you are bonding the live rock together? Do you mist the rock? Moist towel?
I am asking because I am prepping to set up a new reef tank with a "fore reef slope" microhabitat. I am looking at ways of constructing vertical live rock walls. In the past I have used fiberglass screen superglued to a PVC base structure covered with black handifoam to accomplish this. However, I believe covering a base support structure of PVC with the Quikrete and the either bonding the live rock to the structure would work much better than cable ties or drilling the core and inserting acrylic rods.
Thanks for any and all responses.
24 hour live rock binding
First and foremost it is great to be a member and not a troll here. Now for my first post:
Mr. Wilson,
How are you able to sustain the live rock for 24hrs while the Quikrete sets when you are bonding the live rock together? Do you mist the rock? Moist towel?
I am asking because I am prepping to set up a new reef tank with a "fore reef slope" microhabitat. I am looking at ways of constructing vertical live rock walls. In the past I have used fiberglass screen superglued to a PVC base structure covered with black handifoam to accomplish this. However, I believe covering a base support structure of PVC with the Quikrete and the either bonding the live rock to the structure would work much better than cable ties or drilling the core and inserting acrylic rods.
Thanks for any and all responses.
mr.wilson
.Registered Member
Re: 24 hour live rock binding
Re: 24 hour live rock binding
I wet it a few times as I'm working, then give it a good soak before I leave. As long as the aquarium lights are off, and you have a temporary lid on the tank, it will not dry out.
Towels will also work, but it takes a lot of towels to do a big tank.
Many live rock suppliers leave rock in boxes for weeks at a time. This dry-out period is very stressful for the rocks inhabitants, but the overnight cement cure is comparable to low tide.
It sounds like it would make a nice Gulf sponge tank.
Re: 24 hour live rock binding
I wet it a few times as I'm working, then give it a good soak before I leave. As long as the aquarium lights are off, and you have a temporary lid on the tank, it will not dry out.
Towels will also work, but it takes a lot of towels to do a big tank.
Many live rock suppliers leave rock in boxes for weeks at a time. This dry-out period is very stressful for the rocks inhabitants, but the overnight cement cure is comparable to low tide.
It sounds like it would make a nice Gulf sponge tank.
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