DIY rock? im confused?

Excellent point!

One last bit of advice..it's kinda complicated getting DIY rock to look 'real'. Mix up some small batches and kinda experiment with getting holes and pores by making a few smaller rocks. Have Fun!
Check out www.garf.org. They have a section that is full of DIY rock ideas, tips and tricks.

 

ok. do i need oyster shells of is that just if i want it? i was just gonna skewer the things until there full of holes then put sand in. when dried i would hit it with the hose with a pressure head on it. sound good? oh i will use rock salt to make it more pourous

 

The shells give it the texture and acts as aggregate that binds the cement so you'll have to use it or aragonite sand. Don't be disappointed when the salt hasn't fully dissolved right away..it will by the time you are finished leaching the pH.

 

Your going to have to mix this real stiff... I'm talking like barely any water at all. Don't be too dissapointed when they turn put a little too runny due to your ratios of water to sand and whatever you choose as aggregate

 

also how high will the pH be when first started?

 

there is no limit as to how high the pH can go. it isnt a set process... (have you ever studied rate laws in chemistry?)
the cement will pull the hydrogen atoms from the H2O producing OH which is concentrated base. The rate of the reaction is faster when the pH of the surroundings is lower because the bonds in the water are easier to break. When the pH gets high the hydration goes slower and that is why you have to replace the water.

the longer you let a batch of water sit after pH 9-10, the longer the whole process will take

 

What I do is

1 part cement

2 parts sand

1 part rock salt

1 part rubble (pieces that fall off from previous rocks)

Mix all of the ingredients dry then add the salt and mix it up add a tiny bit of water

I form the rocks on old baking sheets I put down some sand first and just make them

Then I bake the rocks in the oven at 250 degrees till dry

I soak the rocks in salt water because if you do it in tap even if the ph is fine the minute it goes into saltwater it will go up again

if you have anymore questions feel free to pm me

also when you soak the rocks but a powerhead in there if you make pretty small rocks you can put them in the back of the toliet for a while then do a short soak in saltwater