diy rock

[counrygirl]

would like to know how to make my own rock

[Reefscape]

Here's a few link to read through...

http://saltaquarium.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=saltaquarium&cdn=homegarden&tm=20&gps=433_596_1276_734&f=22&su=p284.8.150.ip_&tt=14&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.athiel.com/lib3/arago.htm

http://www.reefs.org/library/talklog/t_miller_052498.html

http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Hangar/6279/RaiseCementRock.html

Niko

[snailrider]

I just started doing it, lots of fun.
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=136821

Get some tubs at walmart depot or other, the size that is large enought to build your rock shapes.

Buy some portland cement, rock salt, and water softener pellets.

Get 5 or so bags of sand. For the molds. Dampen sand to keep its shape.

Now just start mixing and have a ball. The more salt you use the more pourous your rock. You can add some sand to the mix, colored sand, sea shells or anything fish safe. Just remeber the portland is the glue so to speak.

The thicker (stiffer) will hold a shape, while a runny batch will pour into a mold.

Then you have to cure the concrete. Let is soak in water after you remove it from the sand mold. This will also dissolve the salt pellets etc. from your piece.

Some sites talk about spegetti, plastic shavings, and other things. I am thinking of using dental floss or stranded nylon to help create porosity and strength.

Fishing line, plastic tubing, might be able to be pulled after concrete cures, leaving holes for critters.

Your imagination is key. Basic ingredients are

Portland cement
salt
sand
water

Take a look at my first piece in the link I posted above

[counrygirl]

thanks for the info and site really help me under stand how to do this rock making will be trying this after I get the supplies needed will let you know how it turns out