DIY shell rock!

Discussion in 'Live Rock' started by 1.0reef, Mar 19, 2011.

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  1. 1.0reef

    1.0reef Giant Squid

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    i'm making some DIY shell rock heres how you make it ;D ...
    1: get some shells and dead coral

    2:get aquarium safe concretes or "glues"

    3: clean shells

    4:dry shells

    5:make your aquascape

    if you want 6: cycle rock

    7: have fun!;)
     
    1.0reef, Mar 19, 2011
    1.0reef, Mar 19, 2011
    #1

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  2. 1.0reef

    1.0reef Giant Squid

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    anyone?
     
    1.0reef, Mar 20, 2011
    1.0reef, Mar 20, 2011
    #2
  3. Peredhil

    Peredhil Giant Squid

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    What are you meaning by shells? Most shells will deteriorate to nothing if not housing a snail over time.

    I've had several that just withered to nothing in the back of my aquascape over the years.

    My point is, don't let shells be load bearing, they'll eventually fail.

    pictures!!!

    Good luck

    P
     
    Peredhil, Mar 20, 2011
    Peredhil, Mar 20, 2011
    #3
  4. 1.0reef

    1.0reef Giant Squid

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    shells from the beach and dead coral!
     
    1.0reef, Mar 20, 2011
    1.0reef, Mar 20, 2011
    #4
  5. Peredhil

    Peredhil Giant Squid

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    Just FYI.

    shells from the beach will deteriorate into nothing over time. They do not make for a good structure - only ornamentation.

    They also don't provide a very good home for anaerobic bacteria... which is one of the major reasons for having Live Rock.
     
    Peredhil, Mar 20, 2011
    Peredhil, Mar 20, 2011
    #5
  6. 1.0reef

    1.0reef Giant Squid

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    you missed the dead coral i think!;D
     
    1.0reef, Mar 20, 2011
    1.0reef, Mar 20, 2011
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  7. benbabcock

    benbabcock Bubble Tip Anemone

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    If the shell deteriorate wont the rock break?
     
    benbabcock, Mar 20, 2011
    benbabcock, Mar 20, 2011
    #7
  8. Peredhil

    Peredhil Giant Squid

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    Nope.

    There is no rock - only shell and dead coral as far as I can tell.

    The rock we use, of course, comes from these sources; but it has the added detail of millions of years of compression - unlike the shells and dead coral we pick up at the beach.

    I'd still like a picture. This could still be really cool. I'm just saying don't use shells to support the structure.
     
    Peredhil, Mar 21, 2011
    Peredhil, Mar 21, 2011
    #8
  9. bvb-etf-luva

    bvb-etf-luva Banned

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    using the coral will work fine, in fact thats all live rock is is broken off pieces of coral from a long time ago. but dont do the shells. it will look tacky and wont last either
     
    bvb-etf-luva, Mar 21, 2011
    bvb-etf-luva, Mar 21, 2011
    #9
  10. 1.0reef

    1.0reef Giant Squid

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    hmm can i use shells for tunnels for anything in my tank?:confused:
     
    1.0reef, Mar 21, 2011
    1.0reef, Mar 21, 2011
    #10
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