GFRC Pond Skimmer Box Rock (Faux Rock)

[Jgray152]

I have been doing a lot of "Faux Rock" creations. Water features, walkways, retainer walls, garden walls etc, and this was new addition I added to someones water feature that we made.

GFRC Rock surrounding a plastic skimmer box incorporating the plastic rock looking cover that we colored and carved to match.

 

[King Edward]

Thats well hidden...sweet!

 

[Jgray152]

I designed it so that the lid locks into place. So to remove the lid, you must first pull the lid toward the water feature / house to unlock it and then you can remove it.

They loved it.

The gap around the lid and the rock is more noticeable that I wanted. The end GFRC layer I used a thicker plastic on the cover which pushed the GFRC away from the cover a bit. It would have been more hidden if it went perfectly.

 

[a_c_arnold]

Looks good. What type of material do you use for those and is it aquarium safe? I can think of several applications that that may be used for.

 

[Jgray152]

Portland Cement type 2, Sand Topping Mix, Fibers, Concrete Bonder, Styrofoam for skeleton.

2 Layers of Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete and 1 layer without fibers. If you use fibers that look like cotton, you can use GFRC for the last coat as well. Its best to use fibers that consist of single tiny strands and not strand clumps. We use fibers that I don't like but still, after 1/2" on GFRC is cured, you can stand on it.

YOu need to use a bonding agent so that the concrete can bond with the single strand fibers. The GFRC mix will be weaker without any bonder. You can get Concrete Bonder at your local hardware store usually. The more you use, the better.

After which, you can use Acid Stains to color the create. We use white and black paint for a granite look.

You will have to seal the create for it to be Aquarium Safe. I HIGHLY recommend Trojan Masonry Sealer form Ecosafe Manufacturing. The best clear sealer to use for areas around aquatic life. I only question the use of the Bonding agent. I don't believe the Bonding agent is toxic but I will do more research on that. Sealing the create with TMS will stop any leaching of anything.

 

[Jgray152]

Create = Crete or Concrete. Spelling

 

[a_c_arnold]

Thanks for the reply, keep up the good work.

 

[invisyblegypsey]

very nice work!!!!!!!!!

 

[Woodworm]

I designed it so that the lid locks into place. So to remove the lid, you must first pull the lid toward the water feature / house to unlock it and then you can remove it.

They loved it.

The gap around the lid and the rock is more noticeable that I wanted. The end GFRC layer I used a thicker plastic on the cover which pushed the GFRC away from the cover a bit. It would have been more hidden if it went perfectly.

That thing looks smoking. Don't worry about the slight gap, raise, or whatever you want to call it. I am something of a rock hound and I see things like that all the time in "decomposing granite" particularly in the desert along the Mexican border in southern California. I also would like to thank you for your quick easy explanation of your process in making this wonderful creation.

 

[Jgray152]

That thing looks smoking. Don't worry about the slight gap, raise, or whatever you want to call it. I am something of a rock hound and I see things like that all the time in "decomposing granite" particularly in the desert along the Mexican border in southern California. I also would like to thank you for your quick easy explanation of your process in making this wonderful creation.

Thanks for the compliments guys.

You can see more of my work HERE

I am nicknamed the "rock artist" from all the guys that work with me