Using pumice for DIY rock.

[Maximitsurugi]

Hello guys and @Randy Holmes-Farley. I want to attempt to make DIY reef rock. I was wondering if I could use pumice in the mix instead if just rock to i. I read that it could possibly leach stuff but how would it be ok if it were mixed in with Portland cement?

 

[Gareth elliott]

Hello guys and @Randy Holmes-Farley. I want to attempt to make DIY reef rock. I was wondering if I could use pumice in the mix instead if just rock to i. I read that it could possibly leach stuff but how would it be ok if it were mixed in with Portland cement?

Pumice chemical content is going to vary greatly depending on the volcano it is sourced from. Many times you will have large deposits of aluminum oxide or other compounds that could leach into the water that even in small amounts could be detrimental. Cu, Fe, Cd all come to mind.

 

[Saintnovakai]

Hmm. So don't risk it I suppose. Thanks for the info. I really wanted something lighter though. Maybe I could use plain old biomedia but the shape would be off putting.

 

[Gareth elliott]

@Paul B has a recipe using pvc on here somewhere. Where the artificial rocks are hollow.