DIY Live Rock

[koa25]

Too porous? Is there such a thing? Ha ha. Still looks great.

[Watergun]

Thanks! Good point though.

[CoryDude]

That first batch looks great. You mentioned a "mold", maybe I missed it, but how do you make your molds?

[Watergun]

Yup, the molding part is the fun part. Find yourself a large enough container and fill it with sand. Wet the sand just enough so you can work it. Shape the sand/mold the way you want your rock to turn out. Then add your mix to the mold. I really want this to look as real as possible for the simple fact that this will be used for a reef tank that will be set up for several years...if the Air Force lets me!

I think I found the recipe...so having said that I have tomorrow off and will most likely be making a youtube video. If man made rock is an option for you please dont spend almost $7 a pound for this stuff. I think I know how they dye the eco-friendly rock purple too...lucky me my uncle has been painting for 10+ years but one step at a time.

That first batch looks great. You mentioned a "mold", maybe I missed it, but how do you make your molds?

[Watergun]

Feels like im on the right track. Im comparing my rock to the stuff thats on the market.

Real Reef Eco-Friendly Rock-
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[Watergun]

And heres the stuff I made 2 days ago:

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[rrasco]

I think I'm going to give this a try pretty soon.

[reefreak]

Looks great, are you going to be adding any pinks or reds to this?

[koa25]

Looks great man. Very well done. I might have to try this when i get to Hawaii. Toss it in the ocean to cycle it and seed it. Have to look up the laws and regulations on that one.

[Watergun]

Thanks, Im scrapping this coloring job guys...i think I found a better and completely natural way to color these rocks. Still trial and error at this point but ill keep the updates coming. New batch on the way.