Rock making (1 Viewer)

[MarkieB]

Thanks everyone for the encouragement!
The others are done but it got too dark for me to take a decent picture!
Will go at it tomorrow and share the others. I used some 2 inch pvc this time around for some really nice large holes. I think 3 months from now some creatures will really dig the porousness of the structure.

 

[Guest]

Yeah Mark it will work, when I was researching
in that web site about coralline algae, the guy
was talking how he made live rock as a
experiment from cement pads and it worked.

 

[MarkieB]

Round 2
Keep in mind these are full structures!
Not rocks. Instead of ledges I decided to try some towers. Thought I could do some really neat Acro growing on towers at the top. The other pic was in the yard in the sun. These are under the carport so the picture detail is not as good as the other. Anyhow what do you think?

 

[Style23]

nice....i like em there different..

 

[KrAs]

Mark I gotta say I was always skeptical of the DIY rocks, but you have really done a great job, you've really changed my mind.

 

[Guest]

WOW... I love the way they look... soooo
When is the Markie B make your own live rock classes?
Pencil me in please.

 

[MarkieB]

Thank you!

These are actually very kool loaded with holes all over the place.
I can do more this way than with traditional rocks.

I even made about 10 rocks with left over formula and those are dry now and I made a mini reef on the driveway and even the loose rocks are easier for work with and stack than real rock.

I'll think about that work shop Dawn!
The Fall would be the best time because it has to be outdoors.

 

[AquaNerd]

mark maybe you could present it at a marsh meeting, at your house or somewhere outdoors of course.

 

[MarkieB]

Yes I am thinking I could do that IF there is enough interest.

 

[MarkieB]

Would the small pieces break off? I'd like to try this!

No! I decided round 1 was not the look I wanted.
I had the hardest time breaking off anything so I could get it in the trash can!

The one thing i've noticed in my tanks is that flat pieces (ledges etc) can accumulate detritus easily, so make sure you've got plenty of flow.

Your right! Thinking about that is why this round I decided to try some upright columns instead of flat surfaces. I decided I really like the column look and though year from now with different acro growing on each side of the column! Wow it would look fantastic, Much better that a flat surface. I did leave some depressions though for certain corals I have in mind link plate and other flatter corals.

 

[MarkieB]

I had left over batter last might and decided to make some loose rock for my sump. I like rock instead of algae!

So I just took the extra batter and basically dumped it on handfulls on the cooking sheet. They were ok.

Tonight now semi dry I decided to see how they stack!
I am telling you if rock you bought at the store was this stable and stacked this easy we would pay $ 10.00 a lbs. Honestly I did nothing but placed them for this picture. 1 minutes of not even thinking and it is solid and full of more spaces than I ever got with live rock.

These are about 5 inches long and 4 -5 inches tall each!

 

[R-BallJunkie]

its hard to get a scale of sizing. Just hope you can get it "in the tank" ............... with out too much trouble. if not, will have to have that custom starphire tank made with the psuedo-rock inside!


C

 

[MarkieB]

Getting it into the tank is something I am now thinking about!


I am thinking a couple of thoughts!

1. It is way to heavy to try and lift
2. Sure it can be done just use 3 guys and some nylon straps
3. Cut it in half it now if you can!
4. Start over and use styofoam in a can base to make it much lighter to build the structure over and make it hollow
5. Start over and use a piece of poster board right in the middle to separate the structures right in half making them much more managable

Not sure just yet which route I will take.

 

[R-BallJunkie]

Call it a practice round.
Don’t worry, classic chuck move.....been doing bonehead moves all my life. you could also consider a traffic cone (double check width of widest opening top of tank), that might work out well as a removable mold/form...big soup bowl....cardboard support.

You could do some really cool multi level caves. I would also consider some recessed areas the shape and depth of frag plugs, true drop in style.

Good luck, you are more ambitious than i am.

Chuck

 

[MarkieB]

Hey so far I am $ 30.00 in the hole!
No biggie if I have to do it again!
I am learning each time!

The size if fine!
The sheet I am building them on is the size of the tank!
It's just lifting that might be a challenge!


Just for reference a standard paper towel roll.

 

[Style23]

do you have an estimate on how heavy you think they are?? i am willing to come lend a hand for frags ;-) that is if the jb weld i just put on my radiator holds together long enough to make it down there, haha

 

[MarkieB]

Thanks style!
I am about 2 months out from the tank being ready!

 

[Style23]

good maybe ill have a new radiator then!..just let me know would be interested to see how you have everything hooked up and stuff anyway...im convinced thats the real reason i have a tank is cuz i enjoy building them, going onto my 5th tank change in 3-4 years :-\

 

[MarkieB]

Kool after I finalize my rocks the stand will be next!

 

[SaltwaterSilly]

Neat!!

If you liked the cone/column look, and wanted to use styrofoam, you could go to the flower arrangement section of walmart or hobby lobby etc and get all different typs of shapes of styrofoam.

If you decided to have a rock class.. I am in.