The Ultimate DIY Rocks!
- Thread starter Travis L. Stevens
- Start date
- Status
Travis L. Stevens
New member
The next time I stock up on Rock Salt, I'm going to make it in a bucket of salt so I can free form caves and crevices without having a man made look to it.
rstark33
New member
I just mixed some salt to cement only, about 2 to 1 salt and the rocks are drying as we speak. The two pieces seem fairly heavy for their size. Also, as I mixed, it occured to me that cement by itself is rather fragile. Its strength comes from the gravel/rebar or sand that is mixed into it.
I think I might try adding oyster shell or sand to help with the strength and the density.
I think I might try adding oyster shell or sand to help with the strength and the density.
speckled trout
New member
Here's some branching rocks I made awhile back. They were made with oyster shells and portland cement. Use your imagination, the sky's the limit. I try to give may fish as much room to swim around through the rocks as possible. Also, the rocks with legs allow you to securely stack rocks on top of them. The legs also allow water to circulate underneath them. This reduces detrius from building up in areas of low flow.
Travis L. Stevens
New member
SHHH!!! I plan on that..... 
Travis L. Stevens
New member
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7430433#post7430433 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by speckled trout
Truer words could never have been spoken *points to the bumper sticker on the truck* :lmao:
Last edited:
Reef_|<eeper
New member
I've been thinking about making LR for awhile. This is probably the breaking point. Everyones rocks look great!! I better get making. Thanks for the thread Travis.
acidlittle
New member
Those are some sweet looking rocks. Just be careful in an AGA that you don't put too much on top of them because that will focus all the weight to a very small spot, possibly cracking the glass. I'm sure you already thought of that and have something under those pieces with the legs.
Otherwise, how the heck did you make them look so natural????
Josh
Otherwise, how the heck did you make them look so natural????
Josh
Travis L. Stevens
New member
I don't know how trout did it, but I was thinking salt in a bucket a layer at a time, or taking a bunch of small pieces and piecing them together. I've seen thread where people use PVC pip. One person melted and contorted a PVC pipe for some interesting shapes.
bkiba
Premium Member
Did you guys ever try embedding some pipes into the rocks themselves? I know people use pipes and plastic coat hanger bits to hold LR together in different shaped. Maybe you can incorporate 1/2" or 3/4" PVC pipe inside your rocks to make some more durable structures, hey maybe even plumb those pipes into a closed loop? 
Travis L. Stevens
New member
Just like regular DIY Rocks; 4-6 weeks.
Travis L. Stevens
New member
Update!
I found a bulk source for rock salt. Sorry it took so long. Sleep, work, and family took up most of my time
Yesterday afternoon I made my way up to Lowe's; Stillwater's only chain hardware store. I requested where they kept the Water Softener and/or Rock Salt. They directed me to the far right corner of the store in the back. It was on my left. (In case your Lowe's is set up like mine, now you know ) They carried three kinds of water softener. A Pellitized form in a yellow bag, a crystaline form in a blue bag, and an Iron Fighting crystal in a green bag. I went to the customer service desk and requested a copy of the MSDS Sheet for the crystaline one. It turns out that this is actually pure Sodium Chloride (NaCl; Salt). So, I picked myself up 5 bags for a fraction of the cost. I can't wait to get cracking at making rock! Here is the information:
Diamond Crystal Solar Salt Water Softener (Click the image to go directly to the Lowe's website for more information)
Yup, that's right! $25 for 200 lbs of rock salt!!!! This form of rock should be ULTRA cheap. Also, the Item # is 25656. They come in 40lb bags for $4.43. Look for a type up of the MSDS Sheet in my next post.
PS - Does anyone know where and how much a small cement mixer is?
I found a bulk source for rock salt. Sorry it took so long. Sleep, work, and family took up most of my time
Yesterday afternoon I made my way up to Lowe's; Stillwater's only chain hardware store. I requested where they kept the Water Softener and/or Rock Salt. They directed me to the far right corner of the store in the back. It was on my left. (In case your Lowe's is set up like mine, now you know
) They carried three kinds of water softener. A Pellitized form in a yellow bag, a crystaline form in a blue bag, and an Iron Fighting crystal in a green bag. I went to the customer service desk and requested a copy of the MSDS Sheet for the crystaline one. It turns out that this is actually pure Sodium Chloride (NaCl; Salt). So, I picked myself up 5 bags for a fraction of the cost. I can't wait to get cracking at making rock! Here is the information:Diamond Crystal Solar Salt Water Softener (Click the image to go directly to the Lowe's website for more information)
Yup, that's right! $25 for 200 lbs of rock salt!!!! This form of rock should be ULTRA cheap. Also, the Item # is 25656. They come in 40lb bags for $4.43. Look for a type up of the MSDS Sheet in my next post.
PS - Does anyone know where and how much a small cement mixer is?
Last edited:
acidlittle
New member
Would you also get a picture of the bag/box/tub it came in? I have a lowe's in my town and I would like to see what the package looks like. I'll be making some rock very soon I hope!
keep up the great page!
Josh
keep up the great page!
Josh
Travis L. Stevens
New member
MSDS Sheet
MSDS Sheet
Cargill Salt Material Safety Data Sheet
1. CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY INFORMATION
Chemical Product Name: Sodium Chloride (Salt)
Chemical Family: Alkalii Metal/Halide
Chemical Name: Sodium Chloride
INCI Name: SODIUM CHLORIDE
INN Name: Sodium Chloride
Formula: NaCl
Molecular Weight: 58.44
Commercial Name: Diamond Crystal Solar Salt - Extra Coarse, Diamond Crystal Solar Salt - Coarse
Manufacturer: Cargill Salt - P.O. Box 5621 Minneapolis, MN 55440
Emergency Telephone Numbers: 952/984-8214 During Normal Business Hours
2. COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
Description: White Crystalline Solid
Ingredient Name: (CAS Number) Sodium Chloride 7647-14-5
Exposure Limits: --------
Concentration (%): 100
3. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW
None - GRAS Substance (Generally Recognized as Safe)
Potential Health Effects
Route(s) of Entry: Ingestion, skin/eye contact, inhalation.
Human Effects and Symptoms of Overexposure
Acute Inhalation: Irritation of the respiratory tract.
Chronic Inhalation: No applicable information found for chronic system effects
Acute Skin Contact: Large amounts can cause irritation, and, if applied to damaged skin, absorption can occur with effects similar to those via ingestions
Chronic Skin Contact: No applicable information found for chronic system effects
Acute Eye Contact: Irritation with burning and tearing (salt concentrations greater than the normal saline present)
Chronic Eye Contact: No applicable information found for chronic system effects
Acute Ingestion: Intake of large amounts has generally occurred for deliberate reasons: suicide, absorption, and to induce vomiting. The following effects were observed; nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, restlessness, irritability, dehydration, water retention, nose bleed, gastrointestingal tract damage, fever, sweating, sunken eyes, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, dry mouth and nose, shock, cerebral edema (fluid on brain), pulmonary edema (fluid in lungs), blood cell shrinkage, and brain damage (due to dehydration of brain cells). Death is generally due to cardiovascular collapse or CNS damage. Less that a few grams would not be harmful. For larger quantities, drink large amounts of water or milk.
Chronic Ingestion: No applicable information found for chronic system effects
Carcinogenicity:
-NTP: Not listed as a carcinogen or mutagen
-IARC: Not listed as a carcinogen or mutagen
-OSHA: Not listed as a carcinogen or mutagen
Medican Conditions aggravated by Exposure: In some cases of confirmed hypertension, ingestion may result in elevated blood pressure.
4. FIRST AID MEASURES
First Aid for Eyes: For eye contact, flush with water immediately, lifting eyelids occassionally.
First Aid for Skin: Remove clothing from affected area. Wash skin thuroughly. Rinse Carefully
First Aid for Inhalation: If person breathes large quantities, remove to fresh air at once. If breathing stops, apply artificial respiration immediately
First Aid for Ingestion: Less than a few grams would not be harmful. For larger quatities, drink large amounts of water or milk
5. FIRE AND MEASURES
Flash Point: N/A
Extinguishing Media: N/A This product is nonflammable
Special Fire Fighting Procedures: N/A
6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
Spill or Leak Procedures: Contain spills to preven contamination of water supply or sanitary sewer system. Vacuum or sweep into containers for proper disposal.
7. HANDLING AND STORAGE
Storage Temperature (min/max): Avoid humid or wet conditions as the product will cake and become hard
Special Sensitivity: Avoid contact with strong acids
Handling and Storage Precautions: Becomes hygroscopic at 75% relative humidity
8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION
Eye Protection Requirements: Eyeglasses or goggles should be worn in dusty areas
Skin Protection Requirements: Protective clothing may be worn in dusty areas, but generally not required
Respiration/Ventilation Requirements: NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator for particulatres
Exposure Limits: Not listed
9. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Physical form: White crystalline solid with slight halogen odor
Color: White to opaque
Odor: Halogen odor when heated
Boiling Point (760mm Hg)(Ã"šÃ‚ºC): 1465
Melting Point/Freezing Point (Ã"šÃ‚ºC): 801
pH: 6.7-10.0
Solubility in Water (g/cc)(%): 26.4
Specific Gravity (H2O = 1): 2.16
Bulk Density (lbs/ft^3): 35-83
% Volatile by Wight: N/A
Vapor Pressure (mm Hg/747Ã"šÃ‚ºC): 2.4
Capor Density (Air=1): N/A
10. REACTIVITY
Stability: Stable
Incompatibilities: Avoid contact with strong acids. Becomes corrosive to metals when wet
Decompostition Products: May evolve chlorine gas when in contact with strong acids
11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Description: Not listed
12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Ecotoxicity: Not listed
Environmental Degradation: Not listed
13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
Waste Disposal Method: Follow applicable Federal, state, and local regulations
14. TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
DOT. Shipping Name: Not listed
Technical Shipping Name: Not listed
DOT. Hazard Class: Not listed
UN/NA Number: Not listed
Product Rq (lbs): N/A
DOT Label: Not listed
DOT Placard: N/A
Freight Class Bulk: N/A
Freight Class Package: N/A
Product Label: N/A
15. REGULATORY INFORMATION
OSHA Status: Not listed
TSCA Status: Listed as non-hazardous
CERCLA Reportable Quantity SARA Title III:
-Section 302 Extremely Hazardous Substances: Not listed
-Section 311/312 Hazard Categories: Not listed
-Section 313 Toxic Chemicals: Not listed
RCRA Status: Not listed
EINECS Number: 231-598-3
ENCS Number: 1-236
ECL Serial Number: KE-31387
SWISS Number: G-2580
HMIS Rating: 1 0 0 A
16. OTHER INFORMATION
Reason for Issue: Regulatory compliance
MSDS Sheet
Cargill Salt Material Safety Data Sheet
1. CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY INFORMATION
Chemical Product Name: Sodium Chloride (Salt)
Chemical Family: Alkalii Metal/Halide
Chemical Name: Sodium Chloride
INCI Name: SODIUM CHLORIDE
INN Name: Sodium Chloride
Formula: NaCl
Molecular Weight: 58.44
Commercial Name: Diamond Crystal Solar Salt - Extra Coarse, Diamond Crystal Solar Salt - Coarse
Manufacturer: Cargill Salt - P.O. Box 5621 Minneapolis, MN 55440
Emergency Telephone Numbers: 952/984-8214 During Normal Business Hours
2. COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
Description: White Crystalline Solid
Ingredient Name: (CAS Number) Sodium Chloride 7647-14-5
Exposure Limits: --------
Concentration (%): 100
3. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW
None - GRAS Substance (Generally Recognized as Safe)
Potential Health Effects
Route(s) of Entry: Ingestion, skin/eye contact, inhalation.
Human Effects and Symptoms of Overexposure
Acute Inhalation: Irritation of the respiratory tract.
Chronic Inhalation: No applicable information found for chronic system effects
Acute Skin Contact: Large amounts can cause irritation, and, if applied to damaged skin, absorption can occur with effects similar to those via ingestions
Chronic Skin Contact: No applicable information found for chronic system effects
Acute Eye Contact: Irritation with burning and tearing (salt concentrations greater than the normal saline present)
Chronic Eye Contact: No applicable information found for chronic system effects
Acute Ingestion: Intake of large amounts has generally occurred for deliberate reasons: suicide, absorption, and to induce vomiting. The following effects were observed; nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, restlessness, irritability, dehydration, water retention, nose bleed, gastrointestingal tract damage, fever, sweating, sunken eyes, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, dry mouth and nose, shock, cerebral edema (fluid on brain), pulmonary edema (fluid in lungs), blood cell shrinkage, and brain damage (due to dehydration of brain cells). Death is generally due to cardiovascular collapse or CNS damage. Less that a few grams would not be harmful. For larger quantities, drink large amounts of water or milk.
Chronic Ingestion: No applicable information found for chronic system effects
Carcinogenicity:
-NTP: Not listed as a carcinogen or mutagen
-IARC: Not listed as a carcinogen or mutagen
-OSHA: Not listed as a carcinogen or mutagen
Medican Conditions aggravated by Exposure: In some cases of confirmed hypertension, ingestion may result in elevated blood pressure.
4. FIRST AID MEASURES
First Aid for Eyes: For eye contact, flush with water immediately, lifting eyelids occassionally.
First Aid for Skin: Remove clothing from affected area. Wash skin thuroughly. Rinse Carefully
First Aid for Inhalation: If person breathes large quantities, remove to fresh air at once. If breathing stops, apply artificial respiration immediately
First Aid for Ingestion: Less than a few grams would not be harmful. For larger quatities, drink large amounts of water or milk
5. FIRE AND MEASURES
Flash Point: N/A
Extinguishing Media: N/A This product is nonflammable
Special Fire Fighting Procedures: N/A
6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
Spill or Leak Procedures: Contain spills to preven contamination of water supply or sanitary sewer system. Vacuum or sweep into containers for proper disposal.
7. HANDLING AND STORAGE
Storage Temperature (min/max): Avoid humid or wet conditions as the product will cake and become hard
Special Sensitivity: Avoid contact with strong acids
Handling and Storage Precautions: Becomes hygroscopic at 75% relative humidity
8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION
Eye Protection Requirements: Eyeglasses or goggles should be worn in dusty areas
Skin Protection Requirements: Protective clothing may be worn in dusty areas, but generally not required
Respiration/Ventilation Requirements: NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator for particulatres
Exposure Limits: Not listed
9. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Physical form: White crystalline solid with slight halogen odor
Color: White to opaque
Odor: Halogen odor when heated
Boiling Point (760mm Hg)(Ã"šÃ‚ºC): 1465
Melting Point/Freezing Point (Ã"šÃ‚ºC): 801
pH: 6.7-10.0
Solubility in Water (g/cc)(%): 26.4
Specific Gravity (H2O = 1): 2.16
Bulk Density (lbs/ft^3): 35-83
% Volatile by Wight: N/A
Vapor Pressure (mm Hg/747Ã"šÃ‚ºC): 2.4
Capor Density (Air=1): N/A
10. REACTIVITY
Stability: Stable
Incompatibilities: Avoid contact with strong acids. Becomes corrosive to metals when wet
Decompostition Products: May evolve chlorine gas when in contact with strong acids
11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Description: Not listed
12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Ecotoxicity: Not listed
Environmental Degradation: Not listed
13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
Waste Disposal Method: Follow applicable Federal, state, and local regulations
14. TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
DOT. Shipping Name: Not listed
Technical Shipping Name: Not listed
DOT. Hazard Class: Not listed
UN/NA Number: Not listed
Product Rq (lbs): N/A
DOT Label: Not listed
DOT Placard: N/A
Freight Class Bulk: N/A
Freight Class Package: N/A
Product Label: N/A
15. REGULATORY INFORMATION
OSHA Status: Not listed
TSCA Status: Listed as non-hazardous
CERCLA Reportable Quantity SARA Title III:
-Section 302 Extremely Hazardous Substances: Not listed
-Section 311/312 Hazard Categories: Not listed
-Section 313 Toxic Chemicals: Not listed
RCRA Status: Not listed
EINECS Number: 231-598-3
ENCS Number: 1-236
ECL Serial Number: KE-31387
SWISS Number: G-2580
HMIS Rating: 1 0 0 A
16. OTHER INFORMATION
Reason for Issue: Regulatory compliance
Travis L. Stevens
New member
Editted. I knew I forgot something. Thanks for the reminder.
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