kriswaters

A little behind here...if you want flex, go with the spa flex and not vinyl. The vinyl kinks to easy. I myself installed external dursos with small overflow boxes. I am sure you have already tackled this project but let me know if you need anything...I have big hole cutters! Kris

Wow Miles, I see you are alot like me, you have done your research. That article was a whopper...and I read it twice! We talked about Quick-rete before. It has sand, portland and large gravel in it. Mortar is exactly what you said, cement and sand. I think you would be ok with what ever you used...the key, porousness (my new word). Once slightly set, take a wire (like a coat hanger) and poke many holes into it. The salt and cement mix is key...I went one to one. It took some time for the salt to leach out...but hey, I've got nothing but time. The end result, large, lightweight and very porous rock. Kris

Wow, when I checked into glass, it was spendy. Of course I was looking into a custom glass sump at the time...acrylic turned out much cheaper. Albeight, glass and acrylic don't really go together. Good luck on your project...I am glad my hubby can see my visions and help me make good decisions (which is more like "that isn't going to work" or "why don't you try this"...engineering...wow) Tell your wife I said "hu-yah"! Kris

I seems weird to me...perhaps they (corals) are not like fish, and do fine out of water for that long of a time frame. As for the smelly fingers...he he he. Nothing a few hand washings didn't take care of! Anyhow...they (xenia) are secure now and I no longer have to mess with them. I attached them to small rocks, so they will easily be moved when more rock is added. Once again, thanks for everything. Kris

I just got some xenia frags...unsure of their fate right now. If you still have them, and mine don't survive, I would be interested. Kris PS..the fragging was tough on them, so far not the tank

Brandon, do you still have the bulbs? I am interested. Let me know what is left. Kris

Well, the stuffing in the crack method did not work for the xenia. Poor little guys...I feel awful! I finally skewered them with a toothpick and rubber banded them to a rock! I hope this works as I am sure they are STESSED OUT!!! All the others are looking fab. Kris

Thanks for the sun's and all of the other frags! Kris

I joined this forum in March, after countless times of being bashed for being a newbie on the "other" forums. I just wanted to say, that this forum the opitomy of Oregon and Washington's fine people. I have gotten great responses and never have I felt "dumb". Equally, I have personally met some fine people. Brandon (reefgeek) thanks for getting me started with the rock! Holly (holly) thanks for letting me into your beautiful home and for spending time to allow me to marvel at your tank...and please don't be modest, it is beautiful! Also, thanks for all of the frags! I am so excited to continue my reef keeping journey with these lovely pieces. The sun coral in a beaut! The tree corals are extending and opening nicely. The xenia look a bit "limp" but I have faith they will be ok. The little zoas are flowing happily in the current. Phillippe (bluecheese) thank you for letting me into your beautiful home and spending time sharing your reef stories. Your tank is awesome. Your cheato gift will certainly benefit my tank! Let me know when you are ready to frag! These experiences have only increased my desire to become more involved in this club! I look forward to attending events and meeting more of you face to face. Once again, thanks for the wonderful experience and aid in my journey through the reef keeping world! Sincerely, Kris Waters (clap) (clap) (clap)

Thanks again folks...The two tree branch frags and the zoas went on with out a hitch. All four are extended and opening up nicely. The sun coral had its own rock, and even now with the lights on, several are open about half way. The xenia...well obviously they didn't glue. I stuffed them into a few cracks and will wait and see. They are pretty limp, but they are opening up here and there. I will cross my fingers. Kris

Wow, thanks for the info. I will let you know in a few days how it worked. BTW the sun corals are beautiful...good thing I am a night owl!

Cool thanks...went to pick up the sun coral from Holly tonight, and ended up with Xenia and some zoas too! I assume I should just use a small amount? First timer here... Kris

Can you use regular super glue to glue frags to rock? It seems I may have read this somewhere. I could be right, could be wrong. Quick response would be appreciated. Kris

I would be interested in the sun corals. Kris

Don't you love fish bites? My clowns hit me everytime I go to blast off the rocks with the power head...they are so territorial. Well, obviously Wave didn't learn from Grumpy...hopefully Jaba will chill and let there be peace in the reef world. Kris

dsoz...sorry about the loss...just read the post today. Was Wave taking lessons from Grumpy the six line? Heck...hope you find the culprite to the crime... kris

Yep...after a quick google...that is exactly what it is. Thanks again. Kris

Cool...I noticed a bunch of small white things on my tank lately...maybe babies? I wonder how I got them...hitchhickers perhaps. Here is a pick of the small inverts. They only come out at night. kris

Sorry for the bad photos... k

I have what looks like a shell-less snail in my tank. I didn't touch it to know for sure...but here are a few pics. Any thoughts? Kris

Here are some pics Kris

There are several ways to make molds...Sand would be good if it were damp. Then less would stick to the rock. This still presents with a "smooth" surface...unlike "real rock" we are used to. I used a variety of things...I put piles of rock salt on a sheet of acrylic then plopped the cement on top of that...it created "domes" on the under sides instead of "flat" surfaces. I did make a few flat bottom rocks for overhang structure. I also added more cement to semi-set rocks to "build" them up a bit and give a little better look. The thing about using crushed substate...it will stick to your rock. I will take a few pics and post of my two pieces that are in the tank. Get back to you soon. Kris

You all are so wonderful for you kind words. Thank you so much. ACRYLICS...thank you for the quote. It immulated everything I have done for all of my dogs... A little history...Lacey came to us in 1994. She had a litter of 11 puppies in 98'. We kept one of them, Tucker. He is 9 now, and still going strong. Raider is 3...he was the spur of the moment purchase...and now one of my dearest "babies". For 9 years I had two black labs, for 3 years I had three...now I am back to two. I know Lacey is in a better place...free of the pain that she hid so well from us...she died in our arms. We were with her in her darkest hours and final minutes...she lays to rest now next to a stream she loved to play in. Thanks again for you support. Kris

So true, so true. Thank you for your kind words. Kris