Porous Ceramics

[avandss]

Hi, i dont know if this is the right place but here goes... (finger crossed it is!)

 

i have no experience in clay or ceramic work. Porous ceramics are the best substitutes for live rock used in a reef aquarium and i would love to make my own shapes! specially if i can save money as live rocks can cost a fortune 

 

the only company that does this for reef aquariums is marine pure, however they do not have any interesting shapes and no one else does this

 

http://www.cermedia.com/marinepure-products.php

 

i am trying to achieve the same (high porosity with no chemical leaching) and i have no idea what to do, i will be purchasing a small kiln but i do not know what type of clay or additive to use, or how long to burn and required temps.

 

It would be much appreciated if you could help me or at least point me in the right direction

 

thank you, 

[Colby Charpentier]

Take a class and/or find a knowledgeable individual willing to assist you. Read through the FAQ on this forum, and post specific questions if you need help.

 

Alternatively, hire a skilled individual to make exactly what you want.

 

Also, don't expect strong ceramic colors in a porous material that doesn't leach. We use the glass and ceramic structures to contain colorants, meaning proper, non-leaching surfaces tend to be non-porous.

[neilestrick]

You're basically asking us to teach you the entire process of making something with clay, which is more than we can do here on this site. It takes a long time to learn the process. Specific questions we can do. As Colby said, you'll be better off taking a class somewhere or finding someone who can walk you through it. Also, save your money on the kiln unless you plan to do this for a long time. You'd be better off paying someone to fire it for you.

 

As for the porous, non leaching part os this, ultimately you'll have to have your product tested to know for sure if it will hold up under those conditions.

[Chris Campbell]

We have had questions before regarding objects to be put in aquariums and they generally end up getting a "no" answer. The environment in an aquarium needs to be perfect if you want the fish to live and so far no one has recommended experiments. There are clay/mud environments in the ocean but not all species like those areas.