How Can I Make DIY Live Rock Lighter??

[reptileguy112]

I want to reduce the weight of portland cement live rock and I was wondering how to make it lighter. Should I put a balloon in it or something?

 

[reptileguy112]

I checked out the diy rock thread and I am using perlite but it looks really fragile.

 

[Windy]

Why is the weight important?

 

[reptileguy112]

I want to be able to add more rock without cracking the tank and also lighter rock is easier to aquascape with in my opinion.

 

[Windy]

Is tank cracking a common issue?

 

[Keepswiming]

Cracking the tank? i don't think you will have that issue unless you drop the rock in the tank. I am curious about the ph buffering capabilities of this rock and if it is any different for our systems then reef rock? I also want to build my rock structure with this but am not sure...

 

[moulton712]

You can use ice cubes. There are plenty of shapes that you can buy not just the standard cube

 

[reptileguy112]

I will try crushed ice in my next batch and put up some pics. I made the perlite ones and they are light but will crumble like dirt if it has any pressure on it. I do aquascaping and if a heavy rock falls it could crack the tank.

 

[Wbrian]

Another option is to mix in rocksalt. Once it hardens, you have to soak it anyway, and the salts dissolves... makes the rock more porous, too!

 

[ReeferEric]

I agree rocksalt.

 

[reptileguy112]

I have tried the salt before and it isn't that cost effective but it does work.