steveoutlaw May 8, 2010 Share May 8, 2010 I just made a nice arch out of some dried rock and portland cement (along with some Marco Rock rubble. I wanted to put it in my softie tank to turn it into live rock. How long do I have to let the portland cement dry (It's been 2 weeks)? Also, is this going to cause a cycle? thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul b May 8, 2010 Share May 8, 2010 Have you been soaking it in water for those two weeks? If not, you need to put it in water or the lime will never leach out. I make many rocks and I would soak it for about 3 weeks and change the water every couple of days. You will not get any cycle from it. How big is this rock? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fogcutter May 8, 2010 Share May 8, 2010 I'm really interested in making some rock as well. Do you have any pics? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Lazar May 8, 2010 Share May 8, 2010 It won't create a cycle because there is no organic material to rot and turn into ammonia. But the cement may affect your pH. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coral Hind May 8, 2010 Share May 8, 2010 You only have to let it dry for a day, then soak for about a month in water. While soaking you should change the water out weekly. You can speed the soak time up to one week if you soak it in vinegar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lanman May 8, 2010 Share May 8, 2010 I run the out-flow (waste water) from my water filter into a bucket, and then to the drain. I put my home-made frag disks in the bucket - constant water change! bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steveoutlaw May 8, 2010 Author Share May 8, 2010 So putting it right into the tank and doing weekly water changes not a good idea? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coral Hind May 8, 2010 Share May 8, 2010 If it is only a small amount of rock and the tank is not a nano it can be done. It actually will buffer the tank some. Just watch the pH to make sure it doesn't rise to high. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmubeach May 8, 2010 Share May 8, 2010 I'd rinse it a few times in do/ro if your going to put it straight in... an you might kill your tank with the spike....is it worth it? 2 weeks soak isn't that long.... but in the end I don't know what I'd do ... sometimes risk is exciting! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lanman May 8, 2010 Share May 8, 2010 If it is only a small amount of rock and the tank is not a nano it can be done. It actually will buffer the tank some. Just watch the pH to make sure it doesn't rise to high. Agreed - depends on how much cement is in there - and how much water you're putting it into. If the pH starts to climb - just take it out and soak it for a while... bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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