Diy reef rock

Dan_k · Nov 1, 2015

As I look at the next new tank going up I have a 20in width and a 33in height so rock scape will not be easy to get it close to the top and being acrylic little scared about laying any rock on the tank itself.
So I was thinking of maybe making my own rock to to get what I want. Has anyone ever made the diy reef rock? Portland cement and clam shells or rubble rock or maybe something I don't know about if you have or know anything please share.
Thanks in advance

Dtackett · Nov 1, 2015

@Paul B might be able to help you out

SeahorseKeeper · Nov 1, 2015

Here is some great info: https://www.reef2reef.com/index.php...fo-Thread-(Rocks,-walls,-floors,-etc.).31971/

@Electrobes

reeftankaddict · Nov 1, 2015

Dan_k said:
As I look at the next new tank going up I have a 20in width and a 33in height so rock scape will not be easy to get it close to the top and being acrylic little scared about laying any rock on the tank itself.
So I was thinking of maybe making my own rock to to get what I want. Has anyone ever made the diy reef rock? Portland cement and clam shells or rubble rock or maybe something I don't know about if you have or know anything please share.
Thanks in advance

I have made the portland stuff and it is heavy!!!! I have 4 huge pieces in my 180 gal. that I made to test. It's been in my tank for 9 months now and I am finding that it just isn't as good as the natural live rock. It is too heavy, finding it hard to grow coraline algae onto it, and it just seems to invite green algae. Check out Bulk Reef Supply and look at the pukany dry rock 20" and larger. I think you will find this more suitable for this application. It is super light for its size, has lots of crevices for small creatures, and can be easily glued together for a natural appearance, and will only take about half of what it would take if you used Fiji dry rock. For the price and size I think its a great deal. It is what I am going to change mine out to.

reeftankaddict · Nov 1, 2015

This is how my portland rock looks in my 180 gal. Will be changing it out to the pukany. It's just too heavy and not pourous enough.

Paul B · Nov 2, 2015

I build my rocks hollow
http://www.saltwatersmarts.com/diy-rock-marine-aquarium-3019/

Dtackett · Nov 2, 2015

Paul B said:
I build my rocks hollow
http://www.saltwatersmarts.com/diy-rock-marine-aquarium-3019/

im disappointed paul, you didn't mention supermodels at all in that and you could have when you were talking about dinner or texting friends....

chimmike · Nov 2, 2015

Just curious, why such a high tank? Makes working on it relatively difficult. I'm not a big fan of tall tanks because there's less real estate for corals, but that's just me

I too have seen the DIY portland stuff to be pretty durn heavy.

AllSignsPointToFish · Nov 2, 2015

Would silicates be a concern with Portland cement and other DIY materials?

Paul B · Nov 2, 2015

I gave away most of the real rock I collected and replaced it with cement rock because I think it is nicer looking. I have no problems in my old reef with silicates, algae or anything else.

Dan_k · Nov 2, 2015

thank you everyone for replying.
Thanks Paul for the link I will try that out before I start setting up my tank.

Chimmike the tank is 66in long 20in wide and 33 height its a really sweet tank yes the height is a little high but if I can get my rock high enough it should be a nice tank