Checking interest in custom rock

[loans_n_fishes]

Ok all: I am planning to make some rock soon and need your input.

I will be designing custom "bases" that fit across the bottom of aquariums. There would then be "add on" rocks that could be attached in various ways via pvc to customize the aquascape-- some with removable plugs on which to place frags. This would eliminate the balancing act, drilling, and rack making techniques of aquascaping that are so time consuming and sometimes unstable. I am also thinking of adding some blue LED lights inside some of the caves so one can see those little critters that like to hang out in there. The base would have padded "feet" that can sit on the bottom of the aquarium and/or lift it off the sand for good circulation. It would be designed to have little to no chance of falling over from all those little digging creatures we love but don't risk keeping for their desire to rearrange the rock on top of our favorite corals and fish. I would like to eventually offer it in several forms: base rock, live rock with coraline, and live rock with some soft corals. All would come with the option of the LED lights.

I certainly have not perfected this and will need to do some significant research, but what do you all think of this? What would you expect to pay per pound or per piece?

Pieces would consist of "bases": nano (6-8"), small (10"- 16"), medium (20"-32"), large (34"-46"), extra large (58"-70")

Add ons would include caves, ledges, plug filled, etc in various sizes.

Any and all feedback is appreciated!


---Angela

[alteredego]

I haven't got ant offers on my tank so I can keep getting a few things for it that will transfer to the new tank.
What is your proposed rock made of, and will it be cured? I'd like to set my tank up a bit better when I get home in Aug. I need a very large piece or even a few large pieces, with caves and ledges. Let me know what an approximate cost will be too.

[loans_n_fishes]

Right now I can't commit to having anything ready by a particular time since I am still doing research. Yes, all of the rock would be cured. It will be made out of "aragocrete" as seen on GARF website (portland cement, sand, gravel, water, possibly plastic shavings). As I said, I will have to perfect the making of it first. I am not sure what to charge yet. I will have to calculate what the materials and time will run me first.

[sly fox]

i have played a fair bit with rock making... aragocrete can be expensive...oyster shell leads to a more porous rock in my experience, and a hell of a lot cheaper....40lbs of oyster shell from a livestock place set me back $7... a 50/50 split also works

the thicker and more solid a piece the longer it takes to cure... the garf stuff is a bit out of date in terms of aquarium rock making...i can post some more info if ur interested

[loans_n_fishes]

Post away! The more info the better!

[sly fox]

i posted in general reefkeeping