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Question about man-made rock`s longevity

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Tony L., Sep 19, 2014.

  1. Sep 19, 2014 #1
    Tony L. Cedar Rapids

    Tony L.

    272
    Cedar Rapids
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0

    I bought some rock from a member that he had made; using the same receipe as someone who made pieces professionally. It's been curing for a couple months now and I took it out to cut and noticied it was quit sandy. A few chucks crumbled off in my hand as I was pulling it out of the tote I had cured it in.


    Does anyone have any long-term experience with man-made rock? My main concern is that the rock will continue to shed particulate into the water column creating a very harsh environment for the livestock. I'm also a little concerned that it will eventually degrade all the way into a pile of sand and rubble as I've heard reports of this from some folks that have attemtped to cast they're own rock.
     
  2. Sep 19, 2014 #2
    D007 Cedar Rapids, IA

    D007 Well-Known ReefKeeper

    623
    Cedar Rapids, IA
    Ratings:
    +66 / 1 / -0
    mine has held up quite nicely, had some in tank for 2yrs now. When i make it I use sand molding so you will have sand that is attached to the aragacrete/wont wash off.
    some pieces can be more fragile than others since the density can vary from batch to batch. Too dry of mix will be more pourous but can be fragile, a wetter mix will be denser/less pourous but will have a bit more strength. Ive had no problems whatsoever with the aragacrete ive made and have it in many tanks.
     
  3. Sep 19, 2014 #3
    AnderDan Osage, IA

    AnderDan

    21
    Osage, IA
    Ratings:
    +20 / 0 / -0
    I've also made live rock. It's perfectly normal for the rock to crumble a bit. The outer layer of sand used in the rock will be barely attached in places and it will 'shed' it. What your left with, after that thin layer leaves, is a (depending on shape) durable rock. I've got some rock that i've had for the better part of a decade that i've made. It's covered in sponges, zoas, xenia, various types of mushrooms, yellow colony polyps, buttons and a ton of coraline algae. I'm sure your rock will look just as good when it matures.
     

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