making base rock...how?

[SlamaJama]

ok...went to garf and read recipe, im confused about some aspects of this mixture...i bought portland cement which according to the bag needs to be mixed with sand...now, do i mix with the argonite sand or can i use the inexpensive reg aquarium sand? It also mentions that i can sustitute crushed coral for the argonite sand, does that contradict the instructions for the concrete? I went out looking for sand and coral, lfs has both, on the coral tho he has a finer grade, do i use that?
many ques.
thxs for all who reply
mike

oh...ps
...from the start i disagreed with the W.T.B forum, felt it got no respect...case in point, an item was wanted (not saying which, dont want to upset any1) it should have gone in WTB but was put in FS/TRade, it was immed responded 2. It didnt help that it was something i have an interest in. just my 2CENTS.

 

[Deanos]

It'll be interesting to see what gets more attention in this post. :scratchch

 

[NYPDFrogman]

I'm not a fan of making rock just think it becomes too dense and too heavy.
If I were going to make it I would use argonite sand. some play sands, masonary sand hare silica.
Just my .02

 

[Reef Guy]

uhm, well what you need is crushed oyster shells + Portland cement # 2. Then you need a big container and sand to mold it in. Crushed oyster shells is your best bet beacuse it is the least expensive and IMO makes better LR. The only prob is the only place I could find in the NYC area that sells COS is all the way out in Riverhead. They sell it as "chicken feed"

 

[SlamaJama]

yup thats wat i read bout COS...thxs for the mix...im gonna try the crushed coral.i can still use reg sand for mold?

 

[jawwad2004]

slama, send me some pics of the rocks when you're done with it, I need a bunch of base rock for my 90.

 

[herman]

the other alternative is ofcourse just to buy base rock. If you have the time and the patience then you can make your own. A good place to get base rock of excellent quality is reeferrocks They have three qualities. I know of one dude that got these rocks for his entire tank and seeded it with garfgrunge and had great success. Jim (houseoflaughter) has ordered the grunge. Ask him what he thinks of it.

 

[SlamaJama]

ty herman...lots to think about...reefrocks looks good.

 

[NYPDFrogman]

Mike how much base rock do you need? Hanover pet ( about 30 mins from me) has a whole barrel of base rock which is basiclly dried live rock for 3.99 LB

nice stuff!

 

[joseney21]

reef guy, where exactly did you find it COS????i would love it if you could give me an address.