Diy live rock

[jwalsh]

Ours is pretty good a little phosphate and a ton of chlorine and fluoride. So I stick to r/o but for what I pay its not bad drinking water lol

[jwalsh]

Ok so I talked to mr. X last night for quite some time and got all my questions answered about the long term effects of cement on an aquarium. Basicly if its cured properly there is no effect what so ever on the tank.

[Bschowa]

What will happen if you don't cure it properly

[TomStav]

Originally Posted by Bschowa

What will happen if you don't cure it properly

It will continue to cure in your tank and leak out toxic chemicals. Take your time to make sure it's cured, the ph is a solid indication when it's ready.

[jwalsh]

What Ph are you stopping at? Or are you just going until it stabalizes for a while? That's what I figure ill do then 2 weeks in saltwater withe a good dose of colonize, some established live rock out of my tank, a heater and a power head. Try to get it seeded a little bit before it goes in the display tank

[Bschowa]

from what i have read it seems like it is ready to go into the tank when your ph is the same as the ph of your regular tap water,

[jwalsh]

Originally Posted by TomStav

It will continue to cure in your tank and leak out toxic chemicals. Take your time to make sure it's cured, the ph is a solid indication when it's ready.

I'm not exactly sure what chemicals are in the cement but there is a warning on the bag to wear goggles and gloves because it can burn your skin. And if you think about it that makes perfect sense since it dries chemicaly

[jwalsh]

Alright ladies and gents my rock is in the sand how long do I let it sit for?

[brainless chef]

I waited 2 days. After 1 day it was still fragile.

[brainless chef]

Here is a pic of my rock ready to go in the tank

[brainless chef]

Here is another shot in water my fish loves his new home

[TomStav]

Originally Posted by brainless chef

Here is a pic of my rock ready to go in the tank

Looks awesome!

[TomStav]

I have just discovered why my rock was taking so long to cure!

I read on a thread that the container can build up a slimy coat that effects the ph. So I changed the container, and wouldn't you know, it's cured and may have been for a while. So I've now put it in some heated saltwater and will test it again in a day or two just to double check.

[jwalsh]

How did you get such great detail on your rocks? I am afraid that mine is just going to look like round balls lol

[brainless chef]

You make your mold in the sand. A little wet. I used a rock to make diferent shapes. Then spred some lose sand over the mold to add texture. Then filed the molds little by little by hand. The mix has to be just wet enough to mix. (As dry as posible) almost looks like mud.

[jwalsh]

That's pretty much what I did. I packed a lot of salt both in the bottom of the molds and on top before I covered it up. Hopefully it turns out well. I guess we will see Monday. Ill post pics as soon as it comes out of the sand

[jjamontan]

Ok so made some rock it has been in water curing for about a month. I have not tested at all, I am not in any hurry. I think I will test tap water on Monday then see where it is at. I want to make it for my sump don't like the fake look for a DT (fake look of my rock not all DIY rock)