Reef Ceramics DIY

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cdness

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So I have some odd ideas that I would like to try out, but I am not liking the idea of cement in my tank. I was wondering if anyone can tell me the basics about making custom ceramics for aquarium use. The questions I have are below to try lead the advice... Not looking for people to reveal trade secrets or anything and I am not going commercial. I just want to try some stuff as it's an area I haven't tried the DIY route yet.

1. There are many different types of ceramics or clays out there. Which ones are safe for use in the aquarium?

2. Are there any safe ones that can be fired using a DIY kiln? I don't have a real one so I'd have to make one...

3. Am I just going down a road of many failures and I should leave the ceramics with the pros?

What I want to make would be a small magnetic shelf, frag plugs/mounds/discs, and possibly some custom rock sculptures if possible if I am successful with the easier stuff.
 
I have made some small pieces with clay and let it dry on the shelf for a week and then had it fired in klein and paid 45 bucks for that came out snow white and hardend pieces, very nice...
 
What clay did you use and how porus was it? I've seen a lot of clay that is high in silica. Wondering if it is cooked off in the kiln...
 

IF YOU HAD TO TAKE A REEFING EXAM, WOULD YOU PASS?

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