|
#1
|
|||
|
|||
cinder blocks as base rock?
I just want to be sure standard construction cement blocks are reefsafe?
In the interest of creating a very open reef structure, I was planning to use the cube blocks as a base. I realize they would have to be cured first. |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
Not knowing for sure what they are made of, I would say no.
|
#3
|
|||
|
|||
much along the lines as diy rock as long as you cure it in fresh water till it stops leeching...(4-6 weeks changing the water every couple days youll be fine)
__________________
Joe |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
People use portland and hydraulic cement routinely. Are cinder blocks made of something different?
|
#5
|
|||
|
|||
Concrete contains 4 parts: water, portland cement, aggregate, and admixtures. Concrete and cement are not interchangeable terms, although I often see engineers refer to concrete as "cement". Drives me nuts.
You can track down where the concrete masonry units (cmu's) are being cast. In my case, there's a plant about 5 miles from my house. Aggregates contain a high amount of quartz and iron, as per an assay that was shared with me. This is because of the local aggregates that they are using. This can and will vary. If you do plan to use them, at least find out where they were cast, and ask about any admixtures or aggregate information. In the ocean they would be fine, but in a closed system, they could leach and cause big problems. I wouldn't want too much iron in my system, for example. Just something to consider. Good luck! |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
Also, it is highly likely that they are not completely cured. I would expect them to release some heat, and raise the pH while they are curing.
|
#7
|
|||
|
|||
You also don't know what the aggregate they used is made of. They may contain metals. You may want to start with just one block soaking in a separate bucket for a few weeks/months then test the cr@p out of the water for anything that might even remotely affect your tank. If you soak it in salt water and there is even the slightest discoloration you can bet it has metals in it.
It would probably be cheaper, certainly safer, to make your own rock using some of the recipes from Travis Stevens DIY Live Rock thread.
__________________
Kevin |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
__________________
Rick |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
I've heard they need to be cured in a weak solution of some type of acid before being used in an aquarium?
__________________
2001 black T/A WS6~M6 ASC#6979 331rwhp/348rwtq Mods: !CAGS, Pro 5.0, TSP lid, BGRA, Raptor shift light, Strange 4.10 gears, GMMG exhaust |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
The result probably wouldn't be significant. I would be more concerned about the metals that could be present. Last edited by Ewan; 12/14/2007 at 10:51 PM. |
#11
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
i would be more concerned with additives in the blocks (chemical) and any metals that may be present directly or by trace amounts...as ore found in the indigenous rock and aggregate used to make the blocks.. just my .o2 but it is easier to use PVC as an armature for your rock...or buy dry base fiji/ tonga rock or make your own rock to prop up your display rock..
__________________
Marine Aquarist Society of Barrie (MASB) Member, which is proudly supported by Aquariums Obsessed. |
#12
|
|||
|
|||
Re: cinder blocks as base rock?
Quote:
DIY rocks are considered "safe". Do we know any more about the contents of cement mixes used in DIY rocks than in preformed blocks? I'm just worried about harmful impurities here: heavy metals, PO4, etc... |
#13
|
|||
|
|||
This is what I used as my base. It cost around $10.00, and its working pretty well. I have to finish arranging my rock I will post pics soon of the finish product.
|
#14
|
|||
|
|||
I asked this a while ago (about cinder blocks) and was told that they are made with alot of fly ash... a no-no for our reefs.
__________________
"If at first, the idea is not absurd, then there is no hope for it" -Al Einstein |
#15
|
|||
|
|||
well, true "Cinder blocks" are made with fly ash. but what most of us consider to be a cinder block is actually a concrete block. people mistakenly refer to concrete blocks as cinder blocks. there is most likely no fly ash in the blocks he is considering.
__________________
-Scott Whenever I’m about to do something, I think “would an idiot do that?” and if they would, I do not do that thing |
#16
|
|||
|
|||
Re: cinder blocks as base rock?
Quote:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-04/totm/index.php FWIW I used uncured cinder blocks. I'm not recommending everyone do this as I feel good quality liverock is still one of the most important building blocks of any successful reef aquarium.
__________________
some common aquarium nuisances: Bryopsis,Derbesia(hair algae),Cyanobacteria(red slime), Diatoms(golden brown algae), Dinoflagellates(gooey air bubbles),Valonia (bubble algae) |
|
|