DIY Rock pros and cons discussion

[oceansaquatics]

hey guys im new to the forums but a long time hobbyist, i wanted to start a thread discussing diy rock projects, whats your thoughts/experiences and do you think it could ever be a viable option in the hobby?

 

[Peace River]

#WelcometoR2R!!! DIY rock is an option, but there are limitations and risks. Consider the potential for negative impact on the parameters. Additionally, the surface area is often significantly less on DIY rock because of the comparable difference in porosity.

 

[oceansaquatics]

ive been dabbling with it for about 3 months now building a 40 gal breeder with it, after many adjustments to my formula ive managed to get very close if not equal to the real thing, what would be the biggest parameters to look for when testing, my 1st "good" batch cured two months and sat an additional month with no change before use

 

[threebuoys]

So, just what are you using to construct your rock?

 

[oceansaquatics]

im using white portland cement, crushed coral, sand(im using fiji pink in my mix, and play sand in my molds) and rock salt

 

[oceansaquatics]

 

[hansonbr]

Following

 

[oceansaquatics]

so just wanted to do an update, so far no major spikes in the tank, i did have a small bump in alkalinity but im not thinking its from the rock (water change earlier in the day, and waiting to hear back from the water company(they had issues earlier in the week) ill be checking my water in the 40 everyday and posting any major changes, but im curious what everyones general thoughts on the concept are? and do you think it could one day because a viable replacement given the price of rock these days?

 

[oceansaquatics]

Update: no change in parameters, while i have some corraline algae in the tank i havent noticed any growth yet on the rock itself ( that being said its only been 4 days )