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Old 04-18-2008, 04:01 AM
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Default cement for DIY rocks
headaches...

Ive read through a bit of the literature online about making DIY rocks out of sand cement and rock salt, but what kind of cement should i be using? I know types I through III are fine, but that's American labelling. Canadians use types GU through HS... anyone know what type "I" is in Canadian?

oh and hardware stores don't stock rock salt after winter. if anyone has some that i can snag let me know
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Old 04-18-2008, 04:15 AM
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we used portland cement 10 or 20 , crushed oyster shells,sand, water
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Old 04-18-2008, 04:32 AM
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^ Yep, Portland 10 or 20. Try feed stores for the oyster shell, and rock salt.
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Old 04-18-2008, 05:55 AM
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I have 30 bags of rock salt, but its here in Victoria.
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Old 04-18-2008, 06:31 AM
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use type 10 cement. Water softner salt is better anyhow, its cleaner. Also always available.

The mix I used was 1 part cement to 3 parts "other" other being salt, sand OS ect. With mine I used 2 parts salt, 1 part Caribsea seaflor special grade sand (cause I had some). And 1 part type 10 cement.

I just put my first piece in my sump about 2 weeks ago and today I noticed a few spots of coraline on it.
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Old 04-18-2008, 06:42 AM
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Water softener salt would work too, and is around all year
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Old 04-18-2008, 07:40 AM
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I've got a couple bags of water softener pellets. Let me know if you want them.

As for the cement, I looked all around town for the low alk cement but no one carries any, so just normal type 10 from homedepot works.
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Old 04-18-2008, 11:42 AM
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I picked up some quick setting cement, sets in 20 mins. Hopefully it will work okay.
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Old 04-18-2008, 02:04 PM
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The quick setting has an additive in it to make it set quick (pretty sure)...not sure if that would harm the critters or not...?
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Old 04-18-2008, 05:32 PM
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I've been told post haste concrete isn't as strong as regular portland cement.

Checking in one of the books here at work, Target (brand) says ... "Where superior salt resistance or strength characteristics are required, consult target
products for advice on appropriate products" when it comes to post haste

I forget which one it is, but its either calcium or lime that is added to make it cure faster
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