Sculpting DIY Rock

smalltownreefer · Mar 11, 2023

Hi, its been a couple of years since I was able to have a reef tank, but I am looking to start. I want to make a DIY bonsai reef aquascape because I don't want to get a second mortgage to buy live rock.
I have most of my plans figured out in terms of the skeleton of the build. I was wondering if anyone knew a water-proof and reef-safe way to long and thin pieces of rock? I was thinking of maybe a PVC support structure coated in plasti-dip spray and then cover with agrocrete. Does anyone know if this is feasible for creating a structure that won't leach into water and won't lose its structural integrity with time?

bradreef · Mar 11, 2023

You can by dry at 2-3 dollars per lb. Then use glue and a thickener to glue it into the bonsai shapes. I like rock dust and baking soda . The baking soda hardens super glue almost instantly.

40 lbs at less than $2 per pound

https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/caribsea-south-seas-base-rock

Get out a saw, hammer, chisel. Break it up and make shapes like this

https://instagram.com/coral_rocks_aquascapes?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

bradreef · Mar 11, 2023

There are a ton if threads on this. But, i recommend a small amount of live rock for biodiversity.

AKLiving · Mar 18, 2023

You can buy thin pieces but the cheapest is break up cheap dry rock using a hammer and chisel or screwdriver. Crush a few pieces into powder to use as a catalyst and binder for thin CA glue. Super fast and super strong. Get the 16oz thin from BRS. No activator is needed. In fact sometimes you need to step back to let the fumes dissipate and rock cool it works so fast. I think I posted some more info on my build page with tips on various crushed sizes to full gaps.
Just build some long thin shapes then assemble how you want. I didn't do exactly asyou are describing but you can see how easy it is to create shapes.

RocketEngineer · Mar 18, 2023

Built mine from artificial dry rock as well. The quick set spray after the thick CA superglue was worked into the joints was key.

bradreef · Mar 18, 2023

I just did a quick video on glueing with superglue and baking soda

ISpeakForTheSeas · Mar 18, 2023

smalltownreefer said:
Hi, its been a couple of years since I was able to have a reef tank, but I am looking to start. I want to make a DIY bonsai reef aquascape because I don't want to get a second mortgage to buy live rock.
I have most of my plans figured out in terms of the skeleton of the build. I was wondering if anyone knew a water-proof and reef-safe way to long and thin pieces of rock? I was thinking of maybe a PVC support structure coated in plasti-dip spray and then cover with agrocrete. Does anyone know if this is feasible for creating a structure that won't leach into water and won't lose its structural integrity with time?

I'm not familiar enough with plasti-dip and agrocrete to know if your suggested method would work, but I know Paul B has a similar method he used:

Build your own rock for practically free

Make your own rock When the hobby started there was no live rock for sale, as a matter of fact, there wasn’t even dead rock for sale. We used dead, white bleached pieces of coral to decorate our tanks and we bought that in a furniture store...

www.reef2reef.com

If you want a different way that can be used for this (though it would likely be more difficult), then this one works too:

DIY Rock Tutorial/Info Thread (Rocks, walls, floors, etc.)

Joining a new forum is kinda like starting fresh for me, and I definitely love to contribute when I can. I've casually scanned the threads in this area and haven't seen much in the way of DIY rocks and rock projects. Since making DIY rock is my business, I'd like to think of myself as somewhat...

www.reef2reef.com

smalltownreefer · Mar 19, 2023

Thanks for all your advice! I'll put up a build thread soon. (Don't hold your breathe, I am just in the planning stages)

Mfutch · Mar 30, 2023

bradreef said:
You can by dry at 2-3 dollars per lb. Then use glue and a thickener to glue it into the bonsai shapes. I like rock dust and baking soda . The baking soda hardens super glue almost instantly.

40 lbs at less than $2 per pound

https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/caribsea-south-seas-base-rock

Get out a saw, hammer, chisel. Break it up and make shapes like this

https://instagram.com/coral_rocks_aquascapes?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

What are y’all’s thoughts on making a non traditional structure? I was looking to try to make a castle like structure that fish could swim in.

bradreef · Mar 30, 2023

Mfutch said:
What are y’all’s thoughts on making a non traditional structure? I was looking to try to make a castle like structure that fish could swim in.

Its your tank, i like the idea of places the fish can hide. I just say make sure it doesnt block flow too much

smalltownreefer · Mar 31, 2023

Mfutch said:
What are y’all’s thoughts on making a non traditional structure? I was looking to try to make a castle like structure that fish could swim in.

I'd say go for it and post your build for others to see. I'd be interested to see how it works out!