Water is Running...What Next

[Mikey B]

Hi everyone, just the New Guy with an update. I'm glad to say that I have water flowing in my new tank. You know the stress of turning on those pumps for the first time thinking 120 Gallons of salt water is going to be on the floor. What an undertaking in plumbing, electrical, structural...financial...if the fish are this much fun, I'm really going to love this!

I have a couple little crabs and snails poking around the live rock, but I am eager to start adding some more things in the new year (slowly).

Before I head off to the local fish store, I would like to know if anyone in Calgary has anything that needs a new home.

I'll keep my eyes on the Buy/Sell/Trade board, but please PM me if you have something or someone you might like to offer up. The tank has been cycling for only 4 days so far.

I am greatful for any suggestions and/or offers

Thank you.

Mike

[takphan]

if you have not noticed it, Ornamental Landscape has Tufa rock for $0.89/lbs.
it makes great base rock

if you are not afraid of silica sand, then they also has white silica sand for $6.00 per cubic foot

better call ahead since everything is under the snow right now :sad:

Tak

[vertex]

What exactly is Tuffa rock. I can't find any pictures or meaningful info on it on google. I would assume it needs to be cured for a month or so before adding to a tank? Anyone have pics or details on this rock as I'm interested in some if its that cheap and a good porous base rock. I've built my own base rock that I'll be starting with soon (It's just about finished curing, pics below.)

http://members.shaw.ca/unipsycho1/7034IMG_3798.jpg

[takphan]

my bad :(

it's s/b Tufa

http://images.google.com/images?q=tufa&hl=en&lr=&sa=N&tab=wi

Tak

[vertex]

Thanks Tak. That would explain why I couldn't find it. Looks good though, nice idea for base rock!!

[Tarolisol]

Is there anywhere in calgary that sells this tufa rock?

[vertex]

Tarolisol:if you have not noticed it, Ornamental Landscape has Tufa rock for $0.89/lbs.
Tak

I assume this is a local company takphan was referring too. Check the good old phonebook and see, I havn't been there, but its now on my todo list as well...

[takphan]

it's Ornamental Rocks and Garden Supplies
275-5550
28 Areo Rd NE
behind Deerfoot mall

and the Tufa rocks is $0.42/lbs :biggrin:

[monza]

vertex

What did you build your rock from it looks good.

DAve

[Invigor]

a word of caution.

some have found tufa and lava rock to be a hair algae magnet.

*please note emphasis on "some"*

[vertex]

Vertex: What did you build your rock from it looks good.


Thanks Dave! I built it from crushed oyster shell and portland cement. You mix it to a chunky mix and form the rocks in more oyster shell or sand to form whatever shapes you like. You can also carve the rocks for more caverns and dents after about 24-48 hours before it has set up really hard.

There are actually lots of articles on the subject already! I learned from Tom Miller's at http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Hangar/6279/RaiseCementRock.html
but there are many more on the www.garf.org website under "How To / Aragocrete". If you have the time to wait to cure it, it is extremely cheap and pretty cool being able to make your own shapes exactly how you want them.... You just need lots of patience!! :lol:

[Quinn]

http://www.tufa.bc.ca/