home made live rock

[saltwater4life]

I've found many topic's and sites about making your own live rock. i was wondering if there is anything recommended from you guys or think it's a bad idea, myself i dont see what could be bad about it but just wanted to ask you guys before i got get the stuff.

Reef Central Online Community - The Ultimate DIY Rocks!
About.com: http://www.athiel.com/lib3/arago.htm

just two sites with info and pictures seems to be really cheap to make too.

Thank you!
Nick

 

[Mahamotorworks]

Looking at the sire with the pics it dosent seem out of the question to do. I think that it would be worth a shot. I like that way you can mold what you want with the sand box.

Let us know how it comes out.

MAHA

 

[KahluaZzZ]

i recently used travertine rock ..it's ultra porous, lighter than base rock, and my coralline seems to be attracted to it. Costs about 50 cents per pound

 

[saltwater4life]

I'm assuming thats a type of sand?
and where can i find it?
btw did you cure it or just stick it in the tank?
sry for the questions just want to make sure i this right

 

[KahluaZzZ]

this was the brand new travertine rock when i got it in my sump.

and now :

No cure...this is dead rock.

 

[saltwater4life]

you made that o.0 that looks nice and i see what you mean the coraline is everywhere on that

 

[KahluaZzZ]

this rock is sold where you can find african cichlids

 

[saltwater4life]

Oh!
i see now i think i've seen it at my lfs around the FW stuff so it didn't mess with the PH or anything?

 

[KahluaZzZ]

i might be wrong but since it's in african cichlids tanks, my guess is that it's like aragonite and helps to maintain a high PH. Haven't notice any ph changes since i added big travertine rocks in my tank...but be sure it is a porous travertine, there are some other rocks used in cichlids tanks that you don't wanna add..anyways, check the pic in my sump and try to find a rock like this.
Even tough you can't mold this one and it's not really DIY, it's a good porous and strong rock that can fit in the middle or bottom. Much better than base rock and no bleach!

 

[saltwater4life]

yea i'll have to see i might get some of it if i can find it and i wanna try the DIY rock because i wanna make cave with some

 

[Mushroomman]

Great idea kahlua. I too have seen people use those really porous rocks, just get a little of real LR and it will spread.

 

[KahluaZzZ]

yeah this one is magic...in 2 months it's almost completely covered with purple and red coralline as you can see...the shape aren't fiji style, but hey for the price i don't care. I have plenty of pods in it, the holes are perfect for 'em

 

[saltwater4life]

Hey i just bought some of that rock i knew it was it when i seen it in the box with a sign "Saltwater and african cichlids tank dry rock" so i was wondering if there is anything i should do before adding it they told me to wash off the dusty stuff and it should be fine to add is this true? i dont wanna mess up my settings...

 

[YahooFishKeeper]

that should be fine. rinse it off and you should be set.

 

[saltwater4life]

ok so no curing or anything? i'll add it tomorrow so i can watch it
Thanks guys

 

[Dadstank]

I would recommend Geothermal Aquaculture Research Foundation Home Page they have a section in there for making your own LR using portland cement and aragonite.
I plan on making some when I get the time and this way I can do some really cool custom stuff that you just can't find at a LFS. Plus side is that you will have aragonite mixed in which can help to maintain calcium somewhat but the PH won't be effected...

If you use the travertine rock you could always get out the ole hammer n chisel to create something more to your liking.

 

[YahooFishKeeper]

ok so no curing or anything? i'll add it tomorrow so i can watch it
Thanks guys

you cant cure it, it isnt "live"

 

[saltwater4life]

well i ment like i dont have to do anything like curing

 

[YahooFishKeeper]

all curing is, is letting the dead stuff continue to be dead, and rot away into nitrates, and letting the live stuff continue to live and grow, so no... you dont need to cure it.

 

[saltwater4life]

alright thanks i'm going to take some pictures and then redo the aquascaping