The Ultimate DIY Rocks!
- Thread starter Travis L. Stevens
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Insane Reefer
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I think it is the salt in part that makes the rock take longer to be handled. Seems to retard the process. I can leave the salt out of the mix entirely, and be able to handle within 24 hours, but find that it is best to leave the rock alone for at least 36 hours before moving or handling it much. Kills me; I'm a very curious monkey...
Travis L. Stevens
New member
Why yes I did. As well as Sapulpa. I'ld place money down that you probably do know me
Kentrob, that is exactly what I was going to do for my tank in the corner by my overflow. I planned on setting my tank on it's back and building the rock into it. Then, I was going to create some pillars and neat stacking formations with PVC inserted into some drilled rock. Also, the back of the tank might have rocks zip tied to them so they don't look like they are one large rock (thought yours looks quite nice!)
Travis L. Stevens
New member
That would be him! *pulls out his dice bag and looks around for someone to play with* Anyone up for a game?
An idea i just tried yesterday. blow up baloons and form your rocks around it. leave a small hole to pop the baloon after the rock is hard. this allows the fish a large hiding cave. it looks great and the rock is hollow and not near as heavy. i made about 30 lbs of rock this way yesterday and will post pics as soon as i get my camera back.
Insane Reefer
New member
Hooker - if you have problems with the balloons breaking while working, try filling the balloons with water - seems to make them tougher.
I've also been playing with tissue paper. Use like 2 pieces to make a CC/CO "ball", lay the "ball" into the cement and cover. Idea is the tissue paper will disolve rather quickly, leaving a solid core of CC that is captive within the rock form.
I've also been playing with tissue paper. Use like 2 pieces to make a CC/CO "ball", lay the "ball" into the cement and cover. Idea is the tissue paper will disolve rather quickly, leaving a solid core of CC that is captive within the rock form.
tammiescritters
Premium Member
I love the look of all your rocks.. I have been playing all day mixing mud and have myself a nice big mess outside. has anyone thought of using ceramic? I was browsing the forums and under a lighting one i found a picture of a tank that had a ceramic made backing
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=897077
I was wondering if anyone has tride this? also i looked ont the web page that sells these backings wow expensive but caught my eye on maybe trying to do it myself
http://www.captiveoceans.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=CO&Category_Code=BWP
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=897077
I was wondering if anyone has tride this? also i looked ont the web page that sells these backings wow expensive but caught my eye on maybe trying to do it myself
http://www.captiveoceans.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=CO&Category_Code=BWP
Rhodophyta
New member
If the balloons aren't tough enough, rubber gloves will work fine to make a cave, and you can have five tunnels if you want them. There is also another balloon-like product that is generally sturdier than a balloon. I don't think I'd use it since someone might look at my tank and realize what was used.
tammiescritters
Premium Member
Ya i dont think it would be to hard to make.. Im just courious if ceramic is safe to use.. But it sure looks nice.. I wonder if a sand mold would work taking jagged rocks and making impressions in the sand and pour the plaster around a fram. i may play tomorrow with the live rock mix and looking in to a plaster mix next week when i have more time to play in the mud.
i hope you aren't planning on making rocks out of plaster. plaster will disolve in water.
ceramic isn't necessarily cheap. there is thread on here about it somewhere. it's basically a type of clay, then you have to fire it. that means you need a kiln or know someone who does. they aren't cheap and people that have them use them so they would probably charge you to use it as well.
ceramic isn't necessarily cheap. there is thread on here about it somewhere. it's basically a type of clay, then you have to fire it. that means you need a kiln or know someone who does. they aren't cheap and people that have them use them so they would probably charge you to use it as well.
tammiescritters
Premium Member
No I looked into it a bit.. i called a local hobbie outlet in town.. she's going to look into it for me.. she said not to use plater also. I did try using the recipe for live rocks.. just poured it but made it a little more runny to fill in the groves i made.. I guess ill find out latter tonight to see if it turns out. It may end up in the rock pile but you dont know unless you try it. Ill post a pic if it turns out half way decent.. may be one of thouhs trial and errors till you get it right.
jefathome
New member
Re: The Ultimate DIY Rocks!
Travis,
Have you thought about using some of the crushed limestone you mention in this thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=889622&perpage=25&pagenumber=2 in your DIY rocks?
Travis,
Have you thought about using some of the crushed limestone you mention in this thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=889622&perpage=25&pagenumber=2 in your DIY rocks?
Travis L. Stevens
New member
Yes, I have thought of it. I personally like to use just salt and cement. But for those that like something more, it would be worth it. The Pulverized Limestone is coarse enough to give a good texture without being sharp like Crushed Coral or Crushed Oyster Shell.
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