I I mixed sand and portland Cement together at a 5:1 ratio. Poured into the buckets and jabbed a bunch of sticks in. Seems like the cement isn't setting. Almost like I could pull the sticks out? I guess I might just be used to the Quickqrete bags. How long should they be sitting with out moving them? I mixed everything in a wheel barrel.

Any tips or ideas of what I need to do differnet.

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Catch and Release into the Grease

How cold is it where you are pouring them? It takes a while if the container won't let the water out when the temps are too low for the cement to go through it's "heat". also if you add too much water the cement won't be as strong. It's prob a temp thing though if I had to guess.

I mix 4 buckets of sand and one 47lb bag of portland type I/II cement gives me 5 buckets worth to make fish attractors. Sets up in a day. (sounds like you have it to wet) and the temp. should stay above 40 degree for optimum hardening. Colder it will take longer. Hope that helps

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Scott
BoatingSwapShop.com

Do you all drill drain holes in the bucket if it is too wet? I did pour some water off the top of it before putting in the sticks. How heavy do you think it will have to be before it pulles them to the bottom? I am just going to throw some broken cydr block in the middle and add a little more cement if needed...

Who knows of a good sand supplier? I would rather not by the bags over and over. Just give me a load in the back of the truck.

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Catch and Release into the Grease

Personally, I'd just use the quick crete. Ask em if they have any damaged bags, they will either give them to you or give a big discount. It is prob the temps. If you pour some more in cold weather, cover it up with a blanket or some plastic like a tarp od visqueen....that will help.

I'd pretty much bet the farm that it's the temp. that killing your concrete setup! Ask your wife or mom for an old blanket or quilt and rap it up in that. The concrete guys do this same thing in the winter time, and use something very similiar to a plastic quilt to help keep the concrete warm!

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Fall 2007 Richland Chambers.....

So after I drill some holes in the of the buckets how do i get that water off the top? Drill more drain holes?
The temp was about 45-50 yesterday.
How deep do you all put the sticks? I pushed them down as far as they would go but it seemed like they still wanted to fall over. I ended up making a make shift frame.

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Catch and Release into the Grease

If the sticks won't stand up in it, then you prob used too much water...

thehines, using portland and sand will cause the cure time to be longer. Quickcrete will be stronger and set faster do to the gravel and cement in it. Also sand your PVC with some light grit sandpaper to remove the oils and coating on it from the manufacturing process. Sand the entire length of your PVC and the algae will attach in half the time. One more important thing is let your Portland or QuickCrete set up untill the top is somewhat stiff, but not too hard then stick your PVC in and poke concrete with a piece of rebar to work it around your PVC (like a concrete vibrator). If the top gets to stiff pour a little water on it an mix with rebar to soften it up a little. Remember that water is the catalyst that sets cement in motion and the reaction causes the heat to start the curing process. Water on top is ok. It will cure. Good Luck