cement for DIY rocks

brizzo · #1 04-20-2008, 05:19 AM

The other thing I considered making some rock out of ... was colored, sanded grout .. It comes in almost any color you want .. so why not have purple base rock?

Though I imagine they would have to be 'ph cured' for a long time

justinl · #2 04-20-2008, 05:02 PM

cool thanks guys. always dependable. Ill go buy some type 10 tomorrow and get down to makin the rocks on tuesday (or the next sunny day). thanks for the offer spoot, but i think ill just buy the water softener salt when i go get the cement.

Kronk · #3 05-04-2008, 06:42 PM

I am goign to be making up a batch of DIY rocks soon and I am wondering why Oyster Shells? Is it just for the texture or does it help by adding calciuim?

By the way Buckerfields right off #1 Hwy in Abbotsford has crushed oyster shells in Bulk.

Doug · #4 05-04-2008, 07:04 PM

This is a piece of homemade rock, that Mike did a few years ago. Cant tell it form the other now, except for the different look from its materials. Its supporting a main portion of my reef.

I can take a better pic if you wish. rock.jpg

Reefer Rob · #5 05-04-2008, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kronk

I am goign to be making up a batch of DIY rocks soon and I am wondering why Oyster Shells? Is it just for the texture or does it help by adding calciuim?

By the way Buckerfields right off #1 Hwy in Abbotsford has crushed oyster shells in Bulk.

Oyster shells are just to add texture. I used aquarium gravel in mine, but I think oyster shells would give a coarser look.

justinl · #6 05-04-2008, 10:22 PM

thanks guys. i endeed up getting the specialty white portland type 10 cement. little bit expensive but I think it will blend in better in the tank than gray cement. A small batch has been curing for a week or so now. I think i might crack one open later to see how it went.

Zylumn · #7 05-04-2008, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reefer Rob

Oyster shells are just to add texture. I used aquarium gravel in mine, but I think oyster shells would give a coarser look.

How did the aquarium gravel work? I have some kicking around and was considering a DIY batch.
Kevin

Reefer Rob · #8 05-04-2008, 11:41 PM

It made it a little bumpy, it depends on how much you use. Do some small batches an experiment until you get the look you want.

Kronk · #9 06-02-2008, 12:01 AM

I have made some test batches and the softening salt thats in the rock will not disolve. I have had one piece soaking for 3 weeks to a month and still when i crack it in half there is undisolved salt. Salt that is 1cm from the outside of the rock and still it doesnt look the slightest bit disolved. Anyone else notice this ?