MMLR...anyone try it?
 

In an effort to save some cash, i started reading up on the Man Made Live Rock (MMLR)...has anyone made this stuff? If so...got any pictures of the end results?

I know it can take a few months to cure/kure properly but can be a massive $$$$ saver...plus can make the arches and towers you want that suit your tank size.

Long Read but worth it.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1286738
Kevin

www.garf.org.

Search for diy rocks on almost any reef site and you'll find something about it.
Fun to play in the cement with the kids, but only when Mom isn't home.

hehehe..if you go to page 5 of that thread, I am "WHAT IT IS" that suggested the pig's blood...

As for the entire thread...read many many pages of it...

If someone has used MMLR, please post your experiences with it.:biggrin: As well as some pics (if ya got some) to see how well it morphs into the appearance of real LR.

I've made two batches of DIY rock, cured for about 4 weeks in fresh, and 1st batch is in my tank. works real good and cheap, but raises ALK quite a bit at first. Starting to grow corraline and worms now. For my next batch I'l be using the method with Water softener salt in the mix for more porousness. (found on RC, ULTIMATE DIY rock thread) That is the one draw back i found, not as many little holes. I got around that on a few pieces by drilling tho.


here is some, cave worked good

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/c...s/IMGP1578.jpg

I made a batch last year and plan on making some more starting next month when its warmer outside.It takes a while but the end results can be great especially if you are trying to get specific shapes and sizes.

ARGAN...Looks like you used the oyster shell recipe. Do you remember what ratio of cement to oyster shell?? I tried a batch last night at a ration of 2:3 (cement to shells) but it looks too fragile. So today i thought i would try to crush the shell pieces more into sand (burned out my food processor in the process :sad: ) Monday I am going by a place that has type 50 Portland cement. So tomorrow will be when I start another batch of small pieces.

GLENNRF38...keep me posted when you think you might be making more. Maybe we can get together and make a sh#t-load of it at once!:biggrin:

I think I have some nylon screen laying around. Maybe I'll dice that up and add it to my mix for extra strength.

Sounds good to me. I have got the fine salt pellets/crystals. I got them at the local feed store. The most common mix is 1 part cememnt to 3 parts other stuff. It stays pretty fragile for about 1-2 weeks until the concrete starts to cure. The stuff I made last year broke apart for a week or so then it was and has been fine.

so can i cure this in the lake that my house sits on?

i put mine in a garbage can with a powerhead in it. Changed water every week or so.