OH S@#%, My cultured rock experiment

[spike]

I bought a glasscages tank from Poseidon's reef, but it did not have the plastic overflow covers. I had seen threads on RC about forming cultured rock around them or over the back of the tank. Well I measured the overflows and built a plywood form, added eggcrate for a skeleton frame and started mixing cement. Well after mixing a second bucket I should have realized there was a problem. But, at my age thoughts don't always go to the top floor. It was looking good, I envisioned corals embedding in the rock reaching up to the light. I eventually ran out of concrete, figured I would raise the rock off of the bottom of the tank by setting on other rocks. Well today I pulled the forms, and tried to pick up the rock. I did say "tried", it weighs in at 70 lbs. I figured tomorrow I will call glasscages and see about those SWEET plastic overflow covers. Also plan on breaking up the rock for use in my fuse. It takes a big person to share such a embarrassing situation.

 

[jhutto]

Let me know what you find out about the plastic overflow with the slotted notches along with prices. I keep getting in fish in mine and its a pain to get out. I would use that to fix.

 

[cameron]

I wouldn't be embarrased at all. These sorts of experiments are useful even as failures. The next person will know what doesn't work or might see a simple change in your method and fix it.

 

[harleyguy]

Man That's great. You made may day... Thanks for the great laugh...

 

[purplegorilla]

Hhahaa. thats nice. I actually was contemplating the same thing with my glasscages tank. However I don't think they use cement, instead they use the foam.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-08/nftt/index.php">http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-08/nftt/index.php</a>

I didn't go through with it however.

 

[skriz]

why don't you use "the stuff"? it's cheap and has worked quite well for a lot of people.

 

[spike]

purpleGORILLA;147184 wrote: Hhahaa. thats nice. I actually was contemplating the same thing with my glasscages tank. However I don't think they use cement, instead they use the foam.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-08/nftt/index.php">http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-08/nftt/index.php</a>

I didn't go through with it however.[/QUOTE]
I did have plenty of cement at the time. I guess I underestimated the weight. Plus a little to much cement at bottom.
I think they have used foam, sand and a live rock rubble.

 

[purplegorilla]

Skriz;147259 wrote: why don't you use "the stuff"? it's cheap and has worked quite well for a lot of people.

Because I was afraid that I would mess up and make a mess that I can't clean up.

 

[sagent3000]

is the "Great Stuff" foam really reef safe? it sounds like it would be a good idea and work well but how safe and efficent is it?

 

[flyingarmy]

I had a custom cover made by Reefmania. Great price and a great product. Check about 3/4 the way down this page: