JohnnyGeelong Posted September 2, 2016 Share Posted September 2, 2016 My son and I have been creating these caves, we have had fun [emoji3] its for a 5x2x2 . There are lots of small and large caves and a few swim through tunnels as well . We are planning on putting cichlids in we just dont know which type yet . From what i have researched so far most people seem to cover them with concrete doing a few light coats also putting in tint for colouring . I understand it will raise ph and need to do a few cycles of the tank empty water and repeat. before putting fish in making sure ph has stabilised . Can you just paint with arylic paint instead ? Or does the concrete harden the foam and make it last a longer time . Never done this before so open to any suggestions thanks in advance . Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishdance Posted September 2, 2016 Share Posted September 2, 2016 Many use ormanoid (bitumous paint) and literally throw the sand/earth/substrate you want on while its still wet. Allow to dry then repeat until you get the thickness and texture you desire. A heat gun lets you melt/carve less artificial lines but not as safe for younger kids. Don't forget about the tank cross braces when designing and use big glue dollops, not long thin streaks. And lots of glue. I've seen backgrounds pop up, cracking cross braces and tanks falling apart all within minutes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnnyGeelong Posted September 2, 2016 Author Share Posted September 2, 2016 Excellent tips thanks Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnnyGeelong Posted September 6, 2016 Author Share Posted September 6, 2016 Is this the paint to use fishdance ? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Link2Hell Posted September 7, 2016 Share Posted September 7, 2016 from the info I find it doesn't look acceptable for potable water Bitkote No.3 appears to be what you are looking for As a waterproofer to concrete water storage tanks, ponds etc. Bitkote No. 3 has been tested and approved by State Water Laboratory for Potable Water in accordance with AS 4020-1992. it needs to have noted on the can that it is suitable for potable water (drinking water) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Link2Hell Posted September 7, 2016 Share Posted September 7, 2016 http://www.davco.com.au is the website and they have tech help 1800 653 347 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishdance Posted September 7, 2016 Share Posted September 7, 2016 Yes that's the brand although I've only used a 20 L drum size that is quite thick. It smears on, wouldn't call it paintable. Once it dries, it won't leach oil into the water. It's similar to epoxy paint which is fairly hazardous but once set - cured it is fine for fish. Do a test in bucket with fish if you unsure. Just make sure it has dried first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malrift Posted September 7, 2016 Share Posted September 7, 2016 This is the stuff I used it is designed for pottable water and pond use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malrift Posted September 7, 2016 Share Posted September 7, 2016 It is also water wash up. And mixes up to 2 litres. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AzFish Posted September 8, 2016 Share Posted September 8, 2016 I wonder if you could use quickset watercrete to seal it ? You'd have to make it a bit wetter to apply and would need multiple coats but the stuff is water safe and used alot in marine aquariums as a cement for creating rock structures. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnnyGeelong Posted March 30, 2017 Author Share Posted March 30, 2017 Ended up using the betts bitumen rubber and coating with white and green sand , there is about 40 actual caves and about 20 swim through areas the largest caves are 115mm so the ciclids should have some fun in them , have had a few dramas with 2 of the backgrounds coming free and floating up have used a lot more silicone now and moved 2 of them up against the glass for support and area for gluing , hopefully these stay put then will add some artificial plants ,weighing up options for substrate either white coral sand or black Tahitian sand . Think the black will look good but won't have the ph buffering of the coral sand Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishdance Posted March 30, 2017 Share Posted March 30, 2017 Yes, most people under estimate the silicone glue needed. On a 5x2x2 tank, I'd use about 4 caulk gun tubes and even more if your new to doing backgrounds. Fill any gaps as fish will sit behind the background - unless you dont mind. Baby fish can grow and breed several generations without ever being seen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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