HomeMade LR cureing idea.

[andrewmack]

since you guys tend to make LARGE amounts of the stuff I thought instead of using rubbermaid tubs to cure it in or an extra aquarium, buy a kiddy pool from walmart for 10dollars. you could put a lot of rock in it an some of them are kinda deep but cost a few more bucks. just an idea( an a small rubber maid tub is like 8 bucks). plus since they are circle you would only need a small pump to get flow going at a good rate.
any opinions?
Andrew

 

[andrewmack]

And do you have to CURE the homemade rock? how would i go about doing that, and if i buy only 1lb of real LR to seed the homemade stuff(7lbs) will that be enough?

 

[thegrog]

You absolutely MUST cure the rock. The concrete mix has to cure for 4-6 weeks in fresh water. Otherwise it will leach chemicals into your water and really mess up your pH...killing everything in your tank.
The pool idea is really good. If you put a drain in the bottom, it will make water changes easier. Be careful as the first water change or two the water has the pH of drain cleaner so watch where it goes and watch the kids/pets.
As for seeding it, 1 pound will take you a long time to have it all seeded. I would have it least 1 pound of live rock for every 5 pounds base (homemade) rock. Dont forget water circulation and good lighting for lots of coralline algae growth

 

[andrewmack]

OHH damn, I didn't want to wait that long, my clownfish has no hiding places and I wanted to get some inverts to keep the tank clean. HmMmMmMm.... What to do?