Artificial Coral Reef Growth Media Model Engineering from Ceramic

Abstract

The experiment on the artificial coral reef was conducted at BTIKK using ceramic body mass code BL1. This engineering was carried out in two steps, the first step was making the design of the growth media, and the second step was testing the mass of the ceramic body and making the growth media model. The hexagonal design was used beginning from the design concept that applies geometric shapes with many sides, making it easier to arrange the formation under the sea. Aesthetically, the hexagonal shape can represent a design concept. It resulted from integration in the design of coral reef planting media with natural marine ecosystems and can produce new experiences and impressions to attract people's attention to pay more attention to the preservation of coral reefs. The assessment of fired shrinkage, water absorption, and apparent porosity on body mass for making the growth medium model was tested on 15 test pieces. The average value of fired shrinkage on 900oC temperature fired test pieces is 1.3%, the average water absorption is 19.7%, and the apparent porosity is 32.9%. Their value could be used to make artificial coral reef growth media.