Newbie looking for a mentor and ID [Archive] - Canreef Aquatics Bulletin Board

Glennrf38

07-23-2006, 02:57 PM

Hi all

I am just starting out my reefing experience and would like to find someone in the SW (Shawnessey) area that would be willing to pop over and look at my tank and tell me what I am doing right and wrong, give advice and generally slap me upside the head when I need it.

Rigth now I am listening to the LFS's advice which generally contradicts every other LFS's advice.

After going to ALL?? the LFS I have found that the only one that hasn't steered me in the wrong direction (or recommended "bad" beginner things) is Albert @ Gold's. But trying to get him slowed down enough is pretty tough :biggrin: because he seems to be sooooooooo busy.

Anyway I am just looking for general advice.

Here is my setup:

8 month old 29 Gallon
aprox. 35 lbs of live rock( doesn't look like that much).
4 - T5 6500K 24W
1 - T5 Actinic
Seio Super flow 820 pump (was an Eheim 1224, but was told that it didn't have enough water flow.Looks much better now.)
HOB Coral life 65 Super Skimmer

2 inch Sand bed
All tests seem to be in proper range.

Now for livestock (of course I forgot to write down what they were so ID would be great):

1 fish ??????
3 coral frags that were recommended as easy keeping(true so far).
1 bigger coral(easy keeping too).
1 Bristle Star

I have pictures but the kids seem to have misplaced the cable to upload them.

Thanks in Advance

Glenn

danny zubot

07-25-2006, 04:38 PM

I'm surprised you haven't had a response yet, I know a few reefers in that neck of the woods. After my wedding and holiday's (back Aug. 23rd) I'd be happy to help out anyway I can.

andrewsk

07-25-2006, 05:06 PM

Glenn,

I am Shawnessy and would be pleased to come and look over your tank for you.

I am currently in the process of setting up my new 350 Gallon system and building a fish room so you are welcome to stop by as well.

Shoot me a PM and lets get together.

Keith

albert_dao

07-25-2006, 05:15 PM

You can find me here pretty easy Glenn.

Glennrf38

07-25-2006, 06:49 PM

Thanks to all that replied. Albert you have been a great help to me so far and I appreciate your patience and truthfullness. I will continue to pick your brain in the future.

Danny and Andrew thanks for the offers. Andrew pm'd you.

Albert: Do you happen to remember what I got from you? I forgot to write them down. PS. you were right on the flame scallop. I think it made it a whole day.

Glenn

danny zubot

07-25-2006, 09:25 PM

Can I come by Kieth!:mrgreen:

Glennrf38

07-25-2006, 09:32 PM

You can find me here pretty easy Glenn.

I might have to trip you to slow you down enough though :lol:

andrewsk

07-25-2006, 09:50 PM

Can I come by Kieth!:mrgreen:

Sure, you are more than welcome to come over actually.

We are waiting for our Serra Stone floor to go into the basement next week (I even convinced my wife to let them put in a cool shark logo in the stone like at west edmonton mall!!!) before I get the sump installed and everything set up for viewing.

I think we should do a few informal visits to each others house/tanks actually. It would be great to chat about out tanks in person for a change.

TheReefGeek

07-25-2006, 10:10 PM

You can post any questions on here too, the board seems to have slowed a bit during the vacation summer months, but there are lots of good folks here to give you their thoughts.

And you will always get different advice from different people, but you are correct, LFS can not usually be trusted, you have to do your own research, and don't buy anything impulsively.

So you have had a 28g for 8 months, I assume you have an upgrade planned? :)

Maybe a larger tank with a sumpe, halides? You know you waaaaaana.

Find that cable to upload pics! If it is lost, get a card reader, they are cheap.

danny zubot

07-25-2006, 10:14 PM

I think we should do a few informal visits to each others house/tanks actually. It would be great to chat about out tanks in person for a change.

Agreed, its one thing to share information online, it another to see things in person.

andrewsk

07-25-2006, 10:21 PM

Agreed, its one thing to share information online, it another to see things in person.

Where do you live Danny?

danny zubot

07-25-2006, 10:41 PM

Just over in Acadia, where BA's used to be.

Do you have a thread in the tank specs forum for this monster build up of yours?

Glennrf38

07-26-2006, 01:41 AM

Glennrf38

07-26-2006, 02:18 AM

Here are some pics

Before adding the actinic and removing the eheim
http://www.warops.com/aquarium/DSC00883.JPG
http://www.warops.com/aquarium/DSC00884.JPG
http://www.warops.com/aquarium/DSC00885.JPG
http://www.warops.com/aquarium/DSC00908.JPG
http://www.warops.com/aquarium/DSC00909.JPG
http://www.warops.com/aquarium/DSC00910.JPG

fishie
http://www.warops.com/aquarium/DSC00911.JPG

Glennrf38

07-26-2006, 02:24 AM

http://www.warops.com/aquarium/DSC00912.JPG
http://www.warops.com/aquarium/DSC00915.JPG
http://www.warops.com/aquarium/DSC00916.JPG
http://www.warops.com/aquarium/DSC00917.JPG
http://www.warops.com/aquarium/DSC00918.JPG
http://www.warops.com/aquarium/DSC00920.JPG
http://www.warops.com/aquarium/DSC00921.JPG
http://www.warops.com/aquarium/DSC00922.JPG
full tank with DIY T5 hood
http://www.warops.com/aquarium/DSC00923.JPG

albert_dao

07-26-2006, 02:53 AM

Hey Glenn, I see a couple of problems with your tank ATM:

The rock-rubble placement encourages accumulation of detritus. With the sandbed and all, you're already going to have a hard time keeping the tank clean. The low number of access points under your rock will only compound that problem. Bringing the rock structure higher will also allow you to bring the corals closer to the surface and to the light, which is a problem here.

Next, take out the dead scallop as soon as you get a chance, it's only going to trap more detritus.

Last, you gotta pull the man-eating shark outta there. Those things get HUGE! I don't think you have a properly sized tank for it. It would be cruel of you to leave it in there.

Edit: Next time you're by, ask me and I'll show you some hand pointers on stacking rock.

Edit #2: Watch out for those green serpent stars! They are notorious fish eaters.

andrewsk

07-26-2006, 03:09 AM

I was just about to post something similar to Albert about the rocks-sand.

I think you said your sand bed is 2" right.

A shallow sand bed should really only be about a 1/2" of sand that you can clean with a siphon to remove any detrious on a regular basis.

A deep sand bed should be 4 - 8 inches deep to get any of the benefits of the nitrifying bacteria.

Since you are in the middle, you get none of the benefits and all of the problems.

As for the rocks, I would check with albert and take his advise on stacking them. If you went with a deep sand bed, it would not be as big of a problem though.

Anyway. My 2 cents.

:)

andrewsk

07-26-2006, 03:10 AM

Oh, one more thing. Have you tried this website:

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/

Simply the best resource on the net.

andrewsk

07-26-2006, 03:15 AM

Just over in Acadia, where BA's used to be.

Do you have a thread in the tank specs forum for this monster build up of yours?

Here is my thread:

http://216.187.96.54/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=25427

I have a big update to go up tonight I hope as I now have the live rock semi placed and water in as well.

Glennrf38

07-26-2006, 03:28 AM

Was 2 inches. Did a 30% water change last night and cleaned out a lot of the sand on one side. It s down to about 1/2 inch on that side. Plan on changing the other side in the next day or two.

I was just about to post something similar to Albert about the rocks-sand.

I think you said your sand bed is 2" right.

shallow sand bed should really only be about a 1/2" of sand that you can clean with a siphon to remove any detrious on a regular basis.

A deep sand bed should be 4 - 8 inches deep to get any of the benefits of the nitrifying bacteria.

Since you are in the middle, you get none of the benefits and all of the problems.

As for the rocks, I would check with albert and take his advise on stacking them. If you went with a deep sand bed, it would not be as big of a problem though.

Anyway. My 2 cents.

:)

Glennrf38

07-26-2006, 03:37 AM

Glennrf38

07-26-2006, 03:56 AM

Awesome looking so far........ Wish I had that much room..

Quagmire

07-26-2006, 04:13 AM

I was told the green serpent was a bristle star and was safe and friendly??

Depends on the definition of safe.They dont eat corals so in that reguard they're safe.But in my experiance,they eat fish and will knock corals over.All the other bristle sarts are great additions from what Ive read and been told.(haven't tried one again after getting rid of the green one about 5 yrs ago)Good luck and enjoy the new hobby.PS take the Wife out for dinner now while you have the cash :)

andrewsk

07-26-2006, 04:41 AM

Good work.

That will help reduce the nutrients in your tank quaite a bit. You will need to keep it clean. I actually have a good LONG vaccum you can have. It does an amazing job of washing the gravel.

I chose to go Bare Bottom with my new tank and already see the advantage of grabbing a powerhead and just blowing all of the crap out from under the rocks.

Glennrf38

07-26-2006, 04:42 AM

That would be great. Thanks

andrewsk

07-26-2006, 04:47 AM

Wanna give me some pointers on here tonight? I have a post into the guy in Dewinton selling some rock for about another 15 lbs. he has some live mushrooms on his that go with the rock @ $4/lb.

Lee-Anne wants to know if you wanna buy a "slightly used" flame scallop LOL.

Is it safe to move the rock while the critters are still in or should I try to get them out?

She says the shark stays. He has been in there and happy for 1 year now.

I was told the green serpent was a bristle star and was safe and friendly??

Thanks

My only advise would be to quarantine that rock for a few weeks minimum before it goes in your tank.

Rock should be fine with the critters on it if you keep it in water for the trip.

If you see any sign of Aptasia on the rock, take a pass.

albert_dao

07-26-2006, 06:25 AM

I was told the green serpent was a bristle star and was safe and friendly??

YOU WERE TOLD WROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG.

LOLOLOLOLOL, anyway, without actually showing you how to stack rock, here's some pointers:

Get a good diamond drill bit. You'll need it. Drilling rock gives you so many advantages over just trying to stack it.

Get some long nylon zip ties.

Get a length of 3/4" pvc pipe and a bunch of elbows and T's.

Make a frame out of the pvc. Drill holes in rocks. Zip tie rocks to frame.

Once you have partial rockwork on the frame, you can just fill in the gaps with rubble and coral. Great way to get a lot of volume filled in with minimal rock.

TheReefGeek

07-26-2006, 02:49 PM

You can also drill holes in the rock the same size as the PVC, and use short lenths to connect the rock, without building a whole PVC frame.

Glennrf38

07-26-2006, 02:58 PM

I can't imagine someone giving me eroneous information......:lol:

Anybody got some pictures of a frame that I can get some hints from? And here I was thinking that my rock work looked pretty good.:cry: I take it you make a frame to sort of fit the back tank wall and just keep filling it in then lean it all up against the back wall?

Glenn

YOU WERE TOLD WROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG.

LOLOLOLOLOL, anyway, without actually showing you how to stack rock, here's some pointers:

Get a good diamond drill bit. You'll need it. Drilling rock gives you so many advantages over just trying to stack it.

Get some long nylon zip ties.

Get a length of 3/4" pvc pipe and a bunch of elbows and T's.

Make a frame out of the pvc. Drill holes in rocks. Zip tie rocks to frame.

Once you have partial rockwork on the frame, you can just fill in the gaps with rubble and coral. Great way to get a lot of volume filled in with minimal rock.

danny zubot

07-26-2006, 03:10 PM

TheReefGeek

07-26-2006, 03:17 PM

There is definately merit to jisawing your rockwork together, but there are also some sweet looking formations you cannot create without a little help to defy gravity.

albert_dao

07-26-2006, 05:28 PM

Wow, PVC frames, Zip ties, drill bits! :redface:

Seems a bit unatural Albert, Whatever happend to spending hours if not days trying to jigsaw puzzle your rockwork together? And then selling off all of the frags you've created in the process! Oh ya, that'll be me this weekend.:mrgreen:

Hahah, I've gotten pretty good with rockscaping either way. I just find the end result, when using PVC frames, to be a lot more dramatic when done properly.

Glennrf38

07-26-2006, 05:48 PM

Hahah, I've gotten pretty good with rockscaping either way. I just find the end result, when using PVC frames, to be a lot more dramatic when done properly.

I have been looking online for something about setting up and using these frames and I can't find anything

Glenn

TheReefGeek

07-26-2006, 05:54 PM

Its pretty basic.

Buy a length of 1/2" PVC, they are usually 8 feet long. Also buy some 90's and 45's, and if they have some 3-ways that will be helpfull too.

Now you have to decide what you want your final aquascaping to look like, then you build the framd out of the above mentioned pieces. You probably dont even have to glue the PVC if you dont want to.

As you are building the frame, you need to attache your rockwork one of two ways.

1. Drill through the rock so that the PVC can pass through the rock
2. Zip-tie the rock to the PVC.

You will probably use both methods.

As I mentioned earlier you can also get pieces of rock to "stick" together by drilling a few inches into each piece, and using a single pieces of PVC to connect them.

TheReefGeek

07-26-2006, 05:55 PM

andrewsk

07-26-2006, 06:31 PM

There is some info here

http://wetwebmedia.com/lrplacingfaqs.htm

and here

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/lrplacingfaq2.htm

THis is a good one, he mentions hammering stuff together instead of glueing

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_marine_depot_educational_newsletter_artic les_paletta_live_rock_aquascaping_article_2.asp?Ca rtId=

The last article is pretty cool but WTF is up with no pictures? Seriously, it would be so much easier to explain with some images.

More articles on this would be great!

Glennrf38

07-26-2006, 06:53 PM

You guys rock...... Thanks for all your help. This is getting to be fun now

Pescador

07-26-2006, 06:54 PM

Here's a pic not the greatest but you can get the idea. Also the New Marine Aquarium by Mike Paletta has some info. The Reef Aquarium books by Sprung has more ideas. I'm in MacKenzie Towne if you want to have a look or check out some books send me a PM

http://members.shaw.ca/btooms/IMG_1956.JPG

TheReefGeek

07-26-2006, 07:15 PM

Brian thanks for the pic.

What I am referring to (not sure about Albert) is a bit different though. In your pic, you basically have a PVC support structure so that you can get a larger reef wall without needing as much rock.

What I am referring to is drilling out the rock, and putting PVC inside the rocks, and connecting the PVC so that you can get rock to connect and be supported in ways you couldn't otherwise.

There was a great example of some rockwork done on RC but I can't find it right now.

WIth a PVC sub-structure as pictured above you want to be carefully to have good water flow through the substructure or you will get detrius build-up.

TheReefGeek

07-26-2006, 07:23 PM

Brian, what is this in your pic?

http://www.thereefgeek.com/personal/Temp/Orange.jpg
http://www.thereefgeek/personal/temp/Orange.jpg

Joe Reefer

07-26-2006, 07:34 PM

Brian, what is this in your pic?

http://www.thereefgeek.com/personal/Temp/Orange.jpg

Looks to me like a red serpent star.

Delphinus

07-26-2006, 07:37 PM

There was a great example of some rockwork done on RC but I can't find it right now.

You're probably thinking Marc/Fudge's tank... There's a link to his thread on RC in the thread here:
http://canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=19409

TheReefGeek

07-26-2006, 07:43 PM

Lando, good call I think you are correct.

TheReefGeek

07-26-2006, 07:45 PM

Tony, you read my mind, that is the exact thread I was thinking of, you're good!

This is what I am talking about with cool PVC structures to defy gravity:
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/1557Tank_shots_231.jpg

Glennrf38

07-26-2006, 08:15 PM

I think I am getting the idea now. Went and saw Albert at lunch and after he ragged on me for being cruel to the shark he explained it too me. Off to home depot after work.

Getting 15 lbs of live rock tomorrow night and then in about 5 more week my first batch of concrete rock should be ready.

If any one has any more noobie sugestions and comments feel free to post them. Just remember though the tank is only 29G.......

andrewsk

07-26-2006, 08:32 PM

Glenn,

What are you doing with the concrete and when are you going to start?

I would like to see it and perhaps try it myself.

Keith

Glennrf38

07-26-2006, 08:37 PM

Glenn,

What are you doing with the concrete and when are you going to start?

I would like to see it and perhaps try it myself.

Keith

Just making "live rock" are you still coming over tonight? If so I will show you..

TheReefGeek

07-26-2006, 08:44 PM

Glenn, what process did you do in order to make your own rock?

Glennrf38

07-26-2006, 08:58 PM

Glenn, what process did you do in order to make your own rock?

Rock Salt and #10 concrete. Some I made in a sand form others I made free hand. It is in a bucket outside curing right now.

Glennrf38

07-26-2006, 09:07 PM

I made about 6 pieces so far. Hopefully more this weekend. If anyone has any ideas on how to easily crush water softener salt please let me kow. The pieces of salt are tooo big for the rocks I am making, so I had to use a hammer last time.

TheReefGeek

07-26-2006, 09:09 PM

Interesting.

What is the purpose of the rock salt?

How are you going to lower the Ph of the cement?

You didn't use any aragonite sand at all?

Pescador

07-26-2006, 09:10 PM

It's a red serpent star.

Rocks can be drilled for PVC pipe or PVC and acrylic solid rods.

There are lots of materials that facilitate reef construction, everything from cable ties, heavy mono fishing line, stainless steel wire, eggcrate, fiberglass grating, plastic screws, marine epoxy, Z-Spar epoxy, cements, Cyanoacrylate, hotglue, and combinations of all of them. The only limit is your imagination.

Rock can be sliced and glued directly to the back glass with polyurethane foam.

Having your rock supported on an open frame work actually allows better water circulation. Mine is barebottom under the rock with a shallow sandbed in front. I have never had a problem with detrius build up at all.
It's a more open rock work and you use less rock.

Some people have tied in their closed loops to the rock frame work for even more circulation.

Backgrounds can make a big difference in the 3-d effect of your tank as well. Rear lit translucent backdrops or removable in-tank backdrops can give the illusion of depth as does hiding the line where the bottom meets the backdrop.
A lot of people let coraline cover the back wall but it can be spotty and messy looking. (see The Reef Aquarium Vol.3)

For inspiration look at pictures of real reefs, and make a sketch or a model of the footprint of your tank and play around with what you would like to do.

Glennrf38

07-26-2006, 09:21 PM

Interesting.

What is the purpose of the rock salt?

How are you going to lower the Ph of the cement?

You didn't use any aragonite sand at all?

The rock salt creates holes in the concrete giving it light weight and ?porosity?

I didn't use the sand cause I didn't like the looks of it. Right now the "rocks" are still very grey but will lighten up in time. I will post a picture of one of the pieces tonight.

As far as the ph goes, concrete once cured (6 - 8 weeks) will lose its high ph content. You just soak it in fresh water with water changes every day or 2.

Glennrf38

07-26-2006, 09:22 PM

Thanks for the info.

It's a red serpent star.

Rocks can be drilled for PVC pipe or PVC and acrylic solid rods.

There are lots of materials that facilitate reef construction, everything from cable ties, heavy mono fishing line, stainless steel wire, eggcrate, fiberglass grating, plastic screws, marine epoxy, Z-Spar epoxy, cements, Cyanoacrylate, hotglue, and combinations of all of them. The only limit is your imagination.

Rock can be sliced and glued directly to the back glass with polyurethane foam.

Having your rock supported on an open frame work actually allows better water circulation. Mine is barebottom under the rock with a shallow sandbed in front. I have never had a problem with detrius build up at all.
It's a more open rock work and you use less rock.

Some people have tied in their closed loops to the rock frame work for even more circulation.

Backgrounds can make a big difference in the 3-d effect of your tank as well. Rear lit translucent backdrops or removable in-tank backdrops can give the illusion of depth as does hiding the line where the bottom meets the backdrop.
A lot of people let coraline cover the back wall but it can be spotty and messy looking. (see The Reef Aquarium Vol.3)

For inspiration look at pictures of real reefs, and make a sketch or a model of the footprint of your tank and play around with what you would like to do.

TheReefGeek

07-26-2006, 09:24 PM

Cool idea for making the rocks more porous.

It doesn't matter what color the rocks are, they will get covered in coralline algae anyways.

Glennrf38

07-26-2006, 09:25 PM

Cool idea for making the rocks more porous.

It doesn't matter what color the rocks are, they will get covered in coralline algae anyways.

Very true. So now the next thing I need to find is a source for course rock salt in town.

TheReefGeek

07-26-2006, 09:27 PM

Maybe try these

Canadian Salt Company Limited (http://superpages.yellowpages.ca/mp/AB/LAKELOUI/Canadian%2BSalt%2BCompany%2BLimited/403/2650685/604-5920%2BMacLeod%2BTrail%2BSW/Calgary/T2H0K2/0/1/0000000000001851000115415007.html)
403-265-0685
604-5920 MacLeod Trail SW,
Calgary, AB T2H 0K2

Taurus Salt Company Ltd - Toll Free (http://superpages.yellowpages.ca/mp/AB/LAKELOUI/Taurus%2BSalt%2BCompany%2BLtd%2B-%2BToll%2BFree/800/6317382/null/Torrington/T0M2B0/0/1/0000000000001851000115415007.html)
1-800-631-7382
Torrington, AB T0M 2B0

NSC Minerals (http://superpages.yellowpages.ca/mp/AB/LAKELOUI/NSC%2BMinerals/403/8730322/145-251%2BMidpark%2BBoulevard%2BSE/Calgary/T2X1S3/0/1/0000000000001851000115415007.html)
403-873-0322
145-251 Midpark Boulevard SE,
Calgary, AB T2X 1S3

Sifto Canada Inc - Toll Free (http://superpages.yellowpages.ca/mp/AB/LAKELOUI/Sifto%2BCanada%2BInc%2B-%2BToll%2BFree/800/6611059/null/null/null/0/1/0000000000001851000115415007.html)
1-800-661-1059

andrewsk

07-26-2006, 09:28 PM

Just making "live rock" are you still coming over tonight? If so I will show you..

Ill call you tonight. It will either be tonight or tomorrow depending on the wife :)

Glennrf38

07-26-2006, 09:58 PM

Ill call you tonight. It will either be tonight or tomorrow depending on the wife :)
Okey dokey. I have to go out for awhile tomorrow night to pick up the new rock but I will only be a few minutes.

Glennrf38

07-27-2006, 01:25 AM

Hi This is Glenns wife, I think you need to encourage him to take me out to dinner more often :) Thank you (Albert and all the others) for all the help and advice you have given Glenn! I really apreciate it as we are a bit of "impulsive" buyers and am glad that someone will tell him NO you don't want that that!!
Thanks, Lee-Anne

Glennrf38

07-27-2006, 03:09 AM

This is my first try at the concrete live rock what do you all think?

http://www.warops.com/aquarium/DSC00927.JPG
http://www.warops.com/aquarium/DSC00928.JPG
http://www.warops.com/aquarium/DSC00929.JPG

andrewsk

07-27-2006, 05:39 AM

Glenn,

Nice job on the rock. That is really cool. Looking forward to seeing it in person. I ended up working late tonight so it looks like ill be by tomorrow.

Lee-Anne,

My wifes name is also Leanne and by strange coincidence, would also like to be taken out to dinner more. How about that. :)

Glennrf38

07-27-2006, 07:23 AM

albert_dao

07-27-2006, 07:59 AM

You guys stay up too late.

andrewsk

07-27-2006, 01:24 PM

We have 2 kids.

My daughter is 6 and my son is 3. You?

andrewsk

07-27-2006, 01:25 PM

You guys stay up too late.

Wait till you have kids. It's the only time you can get anything done!!!!!!

:)

Glennrf38

07-27-2006, 02:21 PM

Wait till you have kids. It's the only time you can get anything done!!!!!!

:)

Mine are 16, 14, 11. And yes Albert as they get older the only time you can get any peace and quiet is very late at night.

:razz:

TheReefGeek

07-27-2006, 02:24 PM

Cool looking rock.

Glennrf38

07-27-2006, 02:36 PM

Cool looking rock.

Thanks not bad for a first try at it

TheReefGeek

07-27-2006, 03:00 PM

What kind of concrete did you use?

Glennrf38

07-27-2006, 03:11 PM

What kind of concrete did you use?

Just typical type 10. If you want faster drying time you could also use "Post Haste" which is used for fence posts.

TheReefGeek

07-27-2006, 03:14 PM

How many parts concrete, to how many parts rock salt did you use?

Glennrf38

07-27-2006, 03:23 PM

How many parts concrete, to how many parts rock salt did you use?

Aproximately 3:1 Salt to concrete. Add water, stir, pour. Drink another beer, continue until all beer is gone.:razz:

TheReefGeek

07-27-2006, 03:25 PM

So you first combined the concrete powder and the rock salt in approximately 3:1, then you kept adding water and stirring until what kind of consistancy?

Glennrf38

07-27-2006, 03:29 PM

So you first combined the concrete powder and the rock salt in approximately 3:1, then you kept adding water and stirring until what kind of consistancy?

It was pretty soupy. I tried it with a fairly dry mix but it was too hard to mix. So I just kept adding water until I could mix it. The roundish ones I made in a sand mold the others were just drop and plop on to a plastic garbage bag.

TheReefGeek

07-27-2006, 03:33 PM

Which got better results do you think, a mold, or just hand-done on a garbage bag?

Glennrf38

07-27-2006, 03:36 PM

So you first combined the concrete powder and the rock salt in approximately 3:1, then you kept adding water and stirring until what kind of consistancy?

The kewl part of this that I have found is that there is no right or wrong consistancy, form, or ratio. I just pretty much guessed. if there is anyone in the area that wants to try this, give me a shout. I really don't need much more rock, I just want to try it cuz it sounded fun. I still have most of the bag of concrete left and alot of salt crystal too. Bring your own beer and hammer. Oh yeah also bring a bucket and a bin for the molds.

The mold was just an old rock I found in the back alley. I was thinking of trying a real "live rock" for the mold next time but I don't feel like wasting $7/lb. to make a mold incase something happens to the rock.

Glennrf38

07-27-2006, 03:39 PM

Which got better results do you think, a mold, or just hand-done on a garbage bag?

I like the looks of the hand molded on myself but it is a personal preference I think. With the sand mold, I used a plastic bag between the sand and the concrete but if you like the sand (or aragonite) texture, I would just skip the bag. I have some pretty course aragonite that I might use for the mold next time to give the rock more texture.

Glennrf38

07-28-2006, 04:02 PM

Well I went out and got 20 more lbs of live rock, stacked it up on the pvc tubing just the way I wanted it, put everything back in. And now to see if it all worked. I still need about 5 lbs of rock to finish up but it'll get there.

Thanks Keith for coming over and giving me your suggestions and encouragement.

Damn that was a long night.........