DIY Live Rock - Aquarium Advice

darknessheir · 04-28-2009, 11:48 AM

So I have looked into making my own live base rock and maybe some arches or shelves. Has anyone done this and if so what formula do you use for the agrocrete.

I have seen how to make a cave but I really dont know how to make arches or shelves. Or any other cool structures.

Also how to you lighten up the rock so it doesnt weigh a ton. I have heard noodles or salt, also read something about plastic shavings. Any ideas.

Thanks Brice

Tank2379 · 04-28-2009, 12:56 PM

You mean Frag Stations Shelves?

Kurt_Nelson · 04-28-2009, 04:21 PM

"Search" is your friend...

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums...earchid=959239

darknessheir · 04-30-2009, 03:06 AM

link does not work, just wanted some ideas on how to make cool structures

thincat · 04-30-2009, 04:45 AM

I've made a bunch of homemade rock. I used mortar cement and oyster shells with some reef sand.
Here are some pictures.

thincat · 04-30-2009, 04:48 AM

This rock is very porous. The problem that I had was curing the rock. The container was to small. I had it curing for 6 weeks before I realized the container was to small. I put them in a larger container and it cured out in another week and I have them in my tank now. Very porous and colored up with coralline real fast.

MichaelsLilGray · 04-30-2009, 07:36 AM

subscribing

Kurt_Nelson · 04-30-2009, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darknessheir

link does not work, just wanted some ideas on how to make cool structures

Hmm. The link worked when I posted it. The search must expire after a certain time period.

Go to search.
Click on "advanced search".
Type "live rock" in the keyword field.
Using the dropdown box under the keyword, click "search titles only"
In the "search in forum" window, choose "DIY Project"
Click "search now"

You'll find several threads regarding making DIY rock.

FishEggs · 05-10-2009, 11:08 AM

to reduce the weight you can mix in little Styrofoam balls. the white foam that is made up of those tiny little balls. they do that with man made stone veneer and it's surprising to pick up a big piece and almost throw it cause it looked heavier.

divedeep1689 · 05-13-2009, 11:48 AM

hey guys first batch of my rock came out today here is some pics i used 5 cups portland cement and 25 cups oystershell with a little pool filter sand in it. the bottom and a little on the sides are smoth from sand mould but visible part of rock looks great when i rinsed it the water just soacked straight into the rock its not to heavy either i have a arch and a cave drying right now in the mold they will come out tonight at about ten and be rinsed in the morning the arch may end up turning in to just a round rock but we will see