125g Build

Very interesting. =)

 

So there is no worries about anything toxic leaching into the water?

 

Like what? Foam has already been used in many tanks as well as concrete. It will be covered with epoxy and concrete and sealer in any case. Based on the research I have done, all the materials I am using are safe.

 

I ordered 50lbs more of Marco key largo rocks on the sale price today. That will be 125lbs total that I have in the tank plus the wall.

 

I had some time to work on the reef wall. I braved the 110d heat of the Arizona summer to get there. I think concrete sets FAST here. I had to work very quickly.

What do you think?

 

I also cut out the supports... A few weeks ago.

 

Looks great! Are you going to put the center supports back in? What are you going to use to put it back if you do?

 

Looking great. I'm no expert, but I thought the portland cement has to cure for quite some time before it stops leaching things into the water. My brother was trying to make his own rock and it seemed like you needed to let it cure and do a bunch of water changes until it finally stops.

 

I am going to use acrylic and fabricate a removable mount with plastic bolts. This way, I get the support and they can be removed to install the reef wall.

 

That is correct. I will have to soak the wall in the tank and do lots of water changes for a month or so until the pH settles. It will be worth the wait, because my tank will be unique in many regards. I hope... as I haven't seen many reef tanks use foam with attached coral/concrete. Quite a few diffuser/egg crate types though. As you can see from the pictures, I started along on that path and decided it was a poor solution.

You can learn more here: Aragocrete making