1st batch of homemade LR!

[vinnyraptor]

mixed equal parts of argonite sand and portland cement. here's a few pics...

 

[vinnyraptor]

a few more pics.... these pieces are in a freshwater bath now with a small powerhead for movement.

 

[spanko]

So you used aragonite and portland, did you put in any rock salt or anything that will dissolve in the fresh water curing to make pores in the rock?

 

[vinnyraptor]

no, but i ran several different sized tubes through it and removed them to make tunnels. i also scratched and carved into them creating pockets and pores.

 

[bambam1369]

Looks really good.But how did you get your shapes? Did you use some kind of form or what?

 

[alix2.0]

i like them! i really want to make some LR some time. i think itd be fun. plus i dont wanna use my "real" LR as base rock.

 

[renogaw]

which portland cement did you use? and great idea on the rocksalt!

 

[vinnyraptor]

no forms, all by hand just playing...

 

[vinnyraptor]

i think it was made by quik crete

 

[renogaw]

Originally Posted by VinnyRaptor
http:///forum/post/2886757
i think it was made by quik crete
but portland I/II or portland III? one is silica based, the other is i think aragonite based.

 

[vinnyraptor]

Originally Posted by renogaw
http:///forum/post/2887005
but portland I/II or portland III? one is silica based, the other is i think aragonite based.
type 1 Dont tell me thats bad....

 

[renogaw]

the silica based portland cement will help fuel algae after a while..

 

[vinnyraptor]

Originally Posted by renogaw
http:///forum/post/2888138
the silica based portland cement will help fuel algae after a while..
im not too concerned about algae, i have a nic cuc and 2 tangs...

 

[florida joe]

Originally Posted by VinnyRaptor
http:///forum/post/2887088
type 1 Dont tell me thats bad....
actually i dont know if #1 is bad but every one i know that has made their own used type #3 with a 4 to 6 part aragonite sand to one part cement

 

[florida joe]

Another trick is to go to a local craft store if you don’t live near a beach and add shells as the mixture sets up for a very nice effect. The addition of plastic beads to the mixture will also make the man made rock lighter if weight is an issue.
Great looking rock by the way

 

[vinnyraptor]

thanks!

 

[steelgluer]

Type 3 is used. Make sure you cure them or your ph/alk will be off the charts.

 

[snakeblitz33]

lol, I tried this too. After a year of curing and every day water changes - I couldn't get the pH any lower then 12.5 Finally I said to heck with it and threw the project away.
Mind you - it can be done, just takes time.

 

[adee]

although time consuming that is really a neat idea! The rocks looks really nice too. Would be AMAZING for base rock especially.. i have at least 5lbs of rock hiding in my sand

 

[life~reefer]

Originally Posted by ADEE
http:///forum/post/2928369
although time consuming that is really a neat idea! The rocks looks really nice too. Would be AMAZING for base rock especially.. i have at least 5lbs of rock hiding in my sand

A nice trick I use for this is cutting about an inch or more (depending on your sand bed) and placing them under the rock! No one even sees it if you have the right size!