Building Reef Rock Structure

Bryan47 · Jul 9, 2015

So I am starting my reef over and one of the big things I want to do this time is build the structure I want ahead of time. I am thinking of using the cement mixture I won at the meeting where we had learned how to do this.

Has anyone used the cement from this meeting to make their reef structure? Do I just mix all the cement with all the water? I do not quite recall the proper procedure. I would like to mix in small batches so I can make the connections one at a time and use books etc to hold things up. If anyone has any links that show the procedure I would appreciate it! Thanks everyone

saltyphish · Jul 10, 2015

9balliw · Jul 10, 2015

I used hydraulic cement to make my structures all I did is mix it thick and mold it around the pieces you want it dries pretty fast Then I let it clean out in ro water for a while after it set up good

gar732 · Jul 10, 2015

I just mixed up as much as I needed for a particular joint. It helps the cement sick better if you use a spray bottle to wet the rock with water before you apply the cement. I would also spray it a little after I applied it also to help it melt in a little better, just don't spray too much.

Bryan47 · Jul 11, 2015

Thanks guys! What's ratio water to cement ?

gar732 · Jul 11, 2015

The cement should have come with a milky looking liquid if it's the same type I used. I got mine from Marco rocks. I didn't premesure or anything, I just added the liquid until I got the consistency I wanted.

9balliw · Jul 11, 2015

I made mine thick so I could mold it in shapes that I wanted It seemed easier to mix a little wetter than I wanted then add more powder but I also just used hydraulic cement from hardware store Don't forget latex or similar gloves it makes way easier clean up