Diy rock-what cement?
 

I have a few months until my young Greenspotted Puffer will be in marine water so I thought I would make rock this time and get exactly the pieces I want. I know it takes a long time to cure! I can't find the portland cement that everyone seems to recommend. Any other type that should work well?

You don't have to get the white Portland Cement. Go to Home Depot or Rona and buy a bag of general purpose portland 10 cement. It's about $11 - 12/bag. It's really heavy. The only difference is that it's grey instead of white. I made some and have it in my tank and most people can't tell the difference. My coraline algae hasn't even really kicked in yet either. Hope this helps.

White cement is best, as it has less contaminates.. which is why its white. It also has less silicates.

I have a big bag of it. The only place I could find it was at some hardware place that starts with an S.. sorry I dont remember off hand.. I can split it with you if you like. I made walls for my nano and it turned out really well. It took 6 weeks to cure and to get the PH down from like 14 to 7ish.

Lemme know

Thanks for the info. I think for now I will just keep looking around for it. I doubt its worth shipping considering it should be cheap. I did find another white cement at home depot but I'm not sure its safe. I forget the name now too.

If I can't find any, maybe I will talk to you about getting some of yours. Thanks for the offer!

I think you are referring to Steels. Two locations: Burnaby and Surrey.

Last time I got some it was from Vancouver Brick and Block. They used to be 1st and Boundary. I don't know where they moved to. I may still have half a bag if it hasn't solidified I can donate to your cause.

A great way to cure small sized rocks is to put them in the bank of your toilet tank. Each time you flush they get a fresh bath.

BTW Glad to see you back GSP.

Thanks Franklin, I will call them and see if they have it.

the only noticable differance between white and grey cement is white is twice the price.

here is a Q&A right from Portlands website

"
What is white portland cement?
White portland cement has essentially the same properties as gray cement, except for color, which is a very important quality control issue in the industry. It is readily available throughout North America.
The color of white cement depends on raw materials and the manufacturing process. It is the metal oxides (primarily iron and manganese) that influence the whiteness and undertone of the material. White cement is manufactured to conform to ASTM C 150, Specification for Portland Cement. Although Types I, II, III, and V white cements are produced, Types I and III are the most common."

FYI, you need silica in any cement as one of the 4 basic ingreadiance, so you will never find cement with out silica.

Steve

Ok I will look into them.

The plan was only to take a few months break and grow up a Greenspotted puffer from fresh water to marine. I was never actually without a tank :)

Going to be much simpler this time though (not much if any sps). Going back to the simple "lagoon" style tank with macro and softies.

Hey GSP, nice to hear from you. :D