The Foam/rock Projects Here Thread

[zack1a]

I just built a similar return bar, today actually. Then I noticed you had something attached to your tank. I didn't want to put it in the tank because the white pvc would show. So my bar sits on the top edge of the aquarium then the loc-line screws in so I can position it how ever I want. I hope it turns out the way I have it planned.

 

[flyguy1821]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14624635#post14624635 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by customcolor
opps i forgot to say it was just crystal salt for a water conditioner....and there was NO EPOXY involved in this process.

Noticed in your gallery you had some driveway salt. Did you use this on any project? Is it any different? All my local box stores have pelletized salt, no rock.

 

[tdkarl]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14625393#post14625393 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by zack1a
I just built a similar return bar, today actually. Then I noticed you had something attached to your tank. I didn't want to put it in the tank because the white pvc would show. So my bar sits on the top edge of the aquarium then the loc-line screws in so I can position it how ever I want. I hope it turns out the way I have it planned.

Thats a great idea for a close loop also. Just run it along the top edge all the way around the upper rim area of the tank.

I have a question, its not really related, but it is since the down town will be because of the time it takes to build the foam wall. If I sell my current display I think it will take me about two weeks before I am ready to setup the new DT.

Anyone know of a way to store or keep LS and LR alive for about 2 weeks? I need some way to store my LR and LS without doing any major harm or having it go bad? I am thinking of getting a new large rubber garbage can from home depot and running a skimmer on it. Also I would like to be able to store it in the garage during this time. any suggestions? What would be the requirements to keep it alive? Filtration, light, act...????

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14624635#post14624635 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by customcolor
opps i forgot to say it was just crystal salt for a water conditioner....and there was NO EPOXY involved in this process.

I thought I read in one of the thread somewhere the crushed coral / sand doesnt really adhere well to the foam, thats why so many people apply the epoxy even though they are using the touch and foam. Whats your expereince been with that?
Thanks!

 

[tdkarl]

Btw what makes the salt dissolve, do you hose it down after everything is hard and dry?

 

[flyguy1821]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14625910#post14625910 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tdkarl
Btw what makes the salt dissolve, do you hose it down after everything is hard and dry?

I think he put it in the tank and let it dissolve.

 

[flyguy1821]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14625621#post14625621 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tdkarl
Thats a great idea for a close loop also. Just run it along the top edge all the way around the upper rim area of the tank.

I have a question, its not really related, but it is since the down town will be because of the time it takes to build the foam wall. If I sell my current display I think it will take me about two weeks before I am ready to setup the new DT.

Anyone know of a way to store or keep LS and LR alive for about 2 weeks? I need some way to store my LR and LS without doing any major harm or having it go bad? I am thinking of getting a new large rubber garbage can from home depot and running a skimmer on it. Also I would like to be able to store it in the garage during this time. any suggestions? What would be the requirements to keep it alive? Filtration, light, act...????


I thought I read in one of the thread somewhere the crushed coral / sand doesnt really adhere well to the foam, thats why so many people apply the epoxy even though they are using the touch and foam. Whats your expereince been with that?
Thanks!

I currently have my LR in a rubbermade container with light on a timer, 2 X Hydor 3s and my skimmer running. Also have a heater and fan hooked up to my control for my chiller for temp regulation. Interesting I have actually grown coraline in the tank, more so than what it came with?!?! I dont see any issue putting the LS in there too, except the light might not make it to the bottom, but pretty sure the active water will.

 

[customcolor]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14626467#post14626467 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by flyguy1821
I think he put it in the tank and let it dissolve.

well kinda....i didnt use salt water i just used fresh water and soaked it till it was all gone.

 

[customcolor]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14625582#post14625582 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by flyguy1821
Noticed in your gallery you had some driveway salt. Did you use this on any project? Is it any different? All my local box stores have pelletized salt, no rock.

that pic was from along time ago when i was asking if that calcium carbonate driveway heat was the right stuff to add to a tank for calcium to randy holmes farly.

 

[customcolor]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14625621#post14625621 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tdkarl



I thought I read in one of the thread somewhere the crushed coral / sand doesnt really adhere well to the foam, thats why so many people apply the epoxy even though they are using the touch and foam. Whats your expereince been with that?
Thanks!

i havent tryed the crushed coral or sand but here is my thoughts on that..i thing the crushed coral would have to be pushed in to the foam to stick but the sand i dont think it would work for to long....the snails and crabs may pick at it and take it off...your right that alot people use the epoxy to get the sand to stick...spread the epoxy first then sprinkle the sand on top of that...what sticks,,,sticks....if you put the eposy on after then it will get shiny

 

[tdkarl]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14626505#post14626505 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by customcolor
well kinda....i didnt use salt water i just used fresh water and soaked it till it was all gone.

What if I take my DSB, put it in the bottom of a big rubbermade garbage can, then pile the LR on top of it and put same water in there from the old display then hook up a skimmer, light, korila's for flow and a heater. Will I be OK for a couple weeks.

I would like to keep it in the garage during this storage time. If the temp goes up or down a little will I be ok?

Since this is a DSB I am moving will I have a huge melt down when I move every thing to the storage container? I have some mushrooms on the LR I would like to keep alive if possible.

I plan to keep the fish in a QT tank and not in the same unit with the sand and rock.

Someone told me when I move it back into the new display after a couple weeks I will need to clean the sand with saltwater. Is that true?

 

[zack1a]

Tony, I never really tried to keep my live rock alive. In fact, I had it sitting in a brute can sealed up for a few months. My live sand is still sealed up in a coulpe of salt containers. I dont even want to know what that smells like.
My theory is the nastier it is the more amonia it will contain so I should be ready for the cycle to start once the I add the water. With extensive skimming, water changes, and 2-3 months, I think I'll be fine.

 

[tdkarl]

I went ahead and started my own thread on my DIY rock, so I wouldn't be taking up pages and pages in this one. Since I figure this thread is more for questions and answers in regards to the topic. So if you want to see this weeks progress on my DIY foam rock check it out here:

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1604098

 

[tdkarl]

I want to incorporate a closed loop on my background. Anyone have any suggestions or guidence? I dont plan on drilling the tank for this. I am just going to run the PVC down the egg crate and spray over the top of it with the foam.

 

[Kacey]

Finished my rock wall with the final 2 panels installed this weekend. The first 2 panels were installed roughly 2 weeks ago ( right side and right back of tank). The final 2 pieces that I installed this weekend came out much better, because I took my time with applying the epoxy resin and sand in small areas. The first time I coated the entire foam 1st and then sprinkled the aragonite on.

I used the red can of handy foam and Zpoxy finishing resin.

Here are some photos of the project. I also have a blog that I started up for my reef tank that has more pictures if anyone is interested. It can be found here: http://kassuns-reef.blogspot.com/

Thanks,
Kassun

 

[zack1a]

tdkarl: That is exactly what I am doing. I built everything last week and I'm just waiting on the Loc-line. I'll post some pictures for you tonight.

 

[tdkarl]

I am looking at going probably 2500 - 3000 gph flow. Any suggestion on a good external pump?

I havent ever used a external before and I know it a little different that a under water pump. I dont have far to plumb, everything will be setup under my stand. I would like to use either Ocenas Motion or 2 SCWDs. I just really cant afford the oceanas motion right now and may just temporarily go with the two scwd's so I can get the background plumbed. I want to setup the tank in 2-3 weeks.

Where you ordering your locklin from?

Also what size pvc are you running on your close loop?

I have never plumbed with the flexible lock-lin before, anything I should know or is it self explanitory? Looks fairly simple.

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_AquariumPage~PageAlias~plumbing_parts_fittings_loc_line_flexible_ball_socket_2.html

 

[tdkarl]

Posting a few pics of my progress, check out my build thread if you want more details:
tdkarls 110 build thread

 

[CoRPS]

I know it's been a while since I updated but I haven't done much. Here's the newest FTS shot. I got the local hardware store ordering me the great stuff pond foam and it should be there on Tuesday. Hopefully I'll finish the wall by next weekend and have it cycling. I wouldn't put money on it though

 

[2_zoa]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14690368#post14690368 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CoRPS
I know it's been a while since I updated but I haven't done much. Here's the newest FTS shot. I got the local hardware store ordering me the great stuff pond foam and it should be there on Tuesday. Hopefully I'll finish the wall by next weekend and have it cycling. I wouldn't put money on it though

I was gonna ask where you have been?

 

[Triadguppies]

Here is mine installed in the tank. total time under water so far 5 days