cinder blocks?

ok everyone someone just gave me a 46g bowfront, FOR FRREEEEE!!!! LOL I went to the LFS and saw spiney lobsters... and now i want one! my questions are..

1. can i use cinder blocks as a base rock (for caves) and just throw some tanga branches and LR over it?

2. has anyone tried this before? I'm worried about PH spikes in the future. I know I can make my own rock, but don't want to wait the long long long months of cureing.

I have considered LR shelves and "roundish" rocks, but i think cinder blocks might look really cool... who knows maybe i'll throw in some bottle and make it look like a polluted tank LOL J/K. But I did put in a glass jar in one of my tanks that is now covered with corline... hmmmmmm my mind is going to fast for my thoughts LOL HHEELLPPPPPP

 

I don't like the use of cynder blocks as they are bulky, would have to be sterilized and aslo the will break down over a short period of time due to the cements reaction to salt constantly!

 

never thought of the concrete breaking down after time... thankd for the input... back to the drawing board!!! anyone have any ideas?

 

Florida field stone. Depending on where you live, you can pick it up cheap at a rock supplier. It basically is the sandstone (e.g. old reef) that makes up Florida's base rock. Not that there aren't issues with it, but I've used it before in fish only tanks. Just make sure you soak it in a tub of water with some jets running to get it completely cleaned out. It did come out of the ground, after all The main issue is that it could have absorbed compounds like Phosphate and as such may leach them back into your tank.

EDIT: Last time I bought this, it was like 30 cents a pound here in Florida. And I just remembered that one of the best pieces I had made it as live rock all the way through my last reef tank.

 

Look into marco rocks. they are dry dead reef rock and very affordable.

Cement will raise the PH and takes a long time to cure. you also have to worry about leaching of chemicals and po4....not worth the hassel IMO.

Are nearby any local clubs? Often times local hobbyists sell LR for ~$3/lb when taking down a tank.

 

As a fellow CTARS member:

I would not order anything from Marco Rocks.

The guy is a liar, when it comes to taking orders and shipping product out.

Buyer Beware !

I have had nothing but bad experiences from him, along with other fellow reefers in my area.

The rock he carries does look good, and when I have finaly received an order the shipping takes a toll on it, and much rubble gets generated.

His service use to be much better about a year or so, but now he is just terrible.

Try Bulk Reef Supply, Eco Rock.

I have not tried him yet, but friends of mine have with good and repeatable results.