reef plugs

[kribbz]

what are reef plugs? where do you get them?

 

[loganj]

Actually...you make them. You'll need, for best results, some white iron free portland cement, some aragonite sand or fine gravel (CaribSea Seaflor Special Grade or Aragamax), and some paper dixie cups. Mix the portland and sand/gravel with water to a consistency that will allow you to squeeze it into a ball and have it hold its shape. Put about 1 1/2" in the bottom of the dixie cups and let it set for 48 hrs. Then cure the plugs in fresh water, preferably with some current (powerhead), for about three weeks. Change the water at least every other day. Some may say that's overkill, but better safe than sorry. You can use some white vinegar in the water for the first week to speed things up some if you wish. Then you have reef plugs ready to glue your coral frags on and watch them grow. Then you can sell me some of the ones I don't have yet .
Logan J
PS: Check out www.garf.org for more info on reef plugs and man made LR.

 

[fishfreek]

Good job logan. KUDOS...

Just wanted to help by explaning why they need to cure in freshwater.

The cement will leach chemicals for a period of time that will in effect cause your ph to skyrocket up. This is obviously not a good thing for our tanks so curing the plugs or manmade rock in a seperate tub or trashcan is best.

 

[kribbz]

thanks guys i appreciate it!

 

[Hara]

and what are those grate things that all of you fragging crazy people have?

 

[reefrunner69]

what are those grate

Not real sure, but that sounds like eggcrate, or flo lighting diffuser. They can be picked up at just about any hardware store, and they have lots of diggerent uses for aquariums.