Aragonite Based Sand

[-Nemo-]

For my up and coming 60g Reef, I want to try my hand at making my own live rock. Since I already have about 20-25 pounds in my current tank, I'm planning on making about 30-40 pounds of it, making my own custom shapes.

The recipe for this stuff is basically sand, concrete and crushed coral/Plastic Shavings. The sand needs to be aragonite based, and a couple years i actually found some great aragonite based sand for my current tank, however the company (Old Castle) has since changed it from aragonite to quartz.

So does anyone know any companies that offers aragonite based sand, that isn't specifically made for aquariums? I'm still searching locally as the spring supplies start coming out more, but so far no luck

Thanks!

 

[garybuk]

Im useing Crushed oyster shells and Portland cement!

 

[BigC]

Nemo you will find it better to do the following.

Snowcrete (white Portland Cement). x2
Aragamax sand x1
Granulated salt crystals x4

Stack some house bricks or plantpots into a shape
roughly form over these some chickenwire
then over that cover with some polythene sheeting
then you can pour/ form your mixture over this.
Dont worry about leaving holes as this adds to the effect when dry.
The salt dissolves and makes the rock porus.
When dry peel away the poly sheeting.
When dry soak for 5-6 weeks to stabalise the pH
and thats all there is to it.
Place some LR in the tank also to help seed the new, but dont be expecting an instant reef look as this process takes time.
Regards
BigC

 

[-Nemo-]

Big C, the recipe I was using was pretty much that except included the crushed coral and/or plastic shavings was just hoping to get some cheaper aragonite based sand honestly

Gary, you're using no sand at all?

 

[garybuk]

Big C, the recipe I was using was pretty much that except included the crushed coral and/or plastic shavings was just hoping to get some cheaper aragonite based sand honestly

Gary, you're using no sand at all?

Nope ??? Shud i be?? I brought a Diy ebook thingy off ebay and its tells you in there! i will happyley forward it to your email address if you like!!!

But iv read a few and i dont hear too much about sand! i think my sand is the Crushed oyster shells

have not tryed it yet waiting for my crushed oyster shells in the post

 

[garybuk]

Just tryed my "diy live rock" with them two parts! looks like ummmm a lump of poo will get some pics later when it drys!

 

[-Nemo-]

Hmmm I haven't seen any that didn't involve sand, i'm interested to see that. It'd be great if you could forward that to me, I'll PM you my e-mail.
Thanks a ton!

 

[garybuk]

Hmmm I haven't seen any that didn't involve sand, i'm interested to see that. It'd be great if you could forward that to me, I'll PM you my e-mail.
Thanks a ton!

My mix was tooo wet!!! but i have diffrent sand im going try!!! i will post pics and forward that email asap