Where To Buy Giant Live Rock/Dry Rock Pieces?

naterealbig · Jan 4, 2020

Thank you everyone for the ideas so far - they are inspiring, and let's keep them coming...

For anyone new checking the thread out,due to my terrible laziness, I'd still be interested to know your source for XXL live rock pieces....

inletfish · Jan 4, 2020

SoggyNW said:
Yup that's what I have in my tank and it came in a few big chunks. A side note though, the holes were full of sand and I spent a good bit of time with my pressure washer getting it cleaned out. If you don't have a pressure washer I could see it taking a long time.

car wash

ShawnSaucier · Jan 4, 2020

I believe you can still order custom sized rocks from some of the Fl distributors. Just google Fl Dry Reef Rock and the places will pop up.
I just did a reboot on my system, for no reason other than wanting to go a different direction and to improve flow. I have two main structures that are cemented together from smaller rocks. They both weigh around 60lbs. It was a bit scary getting them in the tank. Next time I would do maybe half the size just for ease of movement. Kevin from Top Shelf Aquatics built mine. Maybe reach out to them for structures.

Afrashz · Jan 4, 2020

Don’t know if this will help, I just saw it and felt it may answer some of your questions.

Paul B · Jan 4, 2020

I built probably half of my rock. I originally collected it all in the sea, but I like the stuff I build better.

DIY Rock for the Marine Aquarium

What is the most expensive part of starting a marine aquarium? No, it’s not the tank itself or the pumps, water, or creatures. It is the rock. Live rock can cost upwards of $7.00 per pound, and a p…

www.saltwatersmarts.com

naterealbig · Jan 5, 2020

Afrashz said:
Don’t know if this will help, I just saw it and felt it may answer some of your questions.

Thank you! Will take a look...

WVNed · Jan 5, 2020

Tampa Bay Saltwater inquires if you want anything special when you order with them
Send them an email and see what they have.
https://tbsaltwater.com/contact/index.html

naterealbig · Jan 5, 2020

Paul B said:
I built probably half of my rock. I originally collected it all in the sea, but I like the stuff I build better.

DIY Rock for the Marine Aquarium

What is the most expensive part of starting a marine aquarium? No, it’s not the tank itself or the pumps, water, or creatures. It is the rock. Live rock can cost upwards of $7.00 per pound, and a p…

www.saltwatersmarts.com

Great article Paul, thank you! Curious - could i make a large Rock with your method - say 3ft square, maybe 18" high? My biggest concern would be the longer "branches" flexing and causing the concrete to crack or break off.

naterealbig · Jan 5, 2020

WVNed said:
Tampa Bay Saltwater inquires if you want anything special when you order with them
Send them an email and see what they have.
https://tbsaltwater.com/contact/index.html

Thank you @WVNed ! I will reach out to them and see what they say. One company i got ahold of this weekend said they could get that size piece the next time they "drill" - in Feb.

sp1187 · Jan 5, 2020

fab it.
no rock.
pvc and 2 part putty. then you can make exactly what you want.

naterealbig · Jan 5, 2020

sp1187 said:
fab it.
no rock.
pvc and 2 part putty. then you can make exactly what you want.

With the size rock I'm looking for, that's a lot of putty....

sp1187 · Jan 5, 2020

maybe... maybe not.
Habitat Black from Smooth-On

naterealbig · Jan 5, 2020

Afrashz said:
Don’t know if this will help, I just saw it and felt it may answer some of your questions.

Wow, i just watched the video, and the rock that dude build is absolutely incredible.... Might call and ask him to make me one lol....

naterealbig · Jan 5, 2020

sp1187 said:
maybe... maybe not.
Habitat Black from Smooth-On

Will check it out. Thank you for your recommendation!

Afrashz · Jan 5, 2020

naterealbig said:
Wow, i just watched the video, and the rock that dude build is absolutely incredible.... Might call and ask him to make me one lol....

Haha you can do it too!!

ShawnSaucier · Jan 5, 2020

naterealbig said:
Wow, i just watched the video, and the rock that dude build is absolutely incredible.... Might call and ask him to make me one lol....

that’s who did mine

Paul B · Jan 6, 2020

naterealbig said:
Great article Paul, thank you! Curious - could i make a large Rock with your method - say 3ft square, maybe 18" high? My biggest concern would be the longer "branches" flexing and causing the concrete to crack or break off.

Yes, the backbone of my reef is a DIY piece about 3' long. I made it by cementing a bunch of smaller pieces together and inserting nylon rods through drilled holes. You can make it as large as you like.

If you build it hollow, you can add more cement to make it stronger or fill the PVC with cement.

I can't post a picture now