AUS-HAWK Posted September 28, 2004 Share Posted September 28, 2004 G'day Again I am now in the process of creating a DIY background and have a few quick questions. 1. What glue is used to glue Styrofoam to Styrofoam and Styrofoam to glass and is aquarium safe? - I have Selley's Clear Glass Silicone Sealant (for windows and aquariums) however I am unsure if it would do a sufficient job? 2. What concrete is used for the surface face? - I have heard of Quikrete Quikwall on U.S. websites. Yet when visiting Bunning’s I could not find any. If this isn't available what is a good substitute? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
folkner Posted September 28, 2004 Share Posted September 28, 2004 Have a look at this site. It was posted here a few weeks ago and it should answer all your questions as well as inspire you. www.thecichlidgallery.com/article_styrobackground.htm Regards Josh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AUS-HAWK Posted September 28, 2004 Author Share Posted September 28, 2004 Thanks folkner. Great site. Seems the Selley's should be fine. I may need to visit a hobby store for the cement. Thanks again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mpulungu Posted October 10, 2004 Share Posted October 10, 2004 I made this background with foam, silicone (fish safe) and sand. I just covered the whole thing with silicone and sprinkled it with sand and glued in the tank. It has been in the tank for nearly a couple of years now with no problems, and algae has grown all over it which makes it look even better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roo Posted November 3, 2004 Share Posted November 3, 2004 Did you manage to find the hobby cement? Was it expensive? I wouldn't mind trying something similar myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edward Posted November 3, 2004 Share Posted November 3, 2004 Could you use one of the quick sets found here? http://www.boral.com.au/docs/product/produ...nuItem=drymixes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unnatural_Selector Posted November 11, 2004 Share Posted November 11, 2004 I've used a pour-on epoxy resin, which is handy as it not as messy as coating in silicone and can be brushed on. Then sprinkled with sand... turned out awesome and had no ill effects... (sorry, posted on the wrong thread...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roo Posted November 11, 2004 Share Posted November 11, 2004 how long has the epoxy been in your tank? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKM Posted November 11, 2004 Share Posted November 11, 2004 Epoxy .... Its the way to go in my opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unnatural_Selector Posted November 11, 2004 Share Posted November 11, 2004 The epoxy was in there for at least 4 months... I figured if it was going to contaminate, it would have by then. It has since been removed as I moved house and haven't put it back yet. Not especially cheap though...(what I could find anyway) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlakeyBoyR Posted November 11, 2004 Share Posted November 11, 2004 What would you use to carve the stone shapes into the foam? And where can you buy this epoxy resin as I'd like to have a crack at making caves etc. I suppose you just buy styrofoam at bunnings? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edward Posted November 11, 2004 Share Posted November 11, 2004 What would you use to carve the stone shapes into the foam? And where can you buy this epoxy resin as I'd like to have a crack at making caves etc. I suppose you just buy styrofoam at bunnings? You could just use a stanley knife to carve the foam. Epoxy resin, is that the same as the resin they use in the fibreglass repair kits where it's a two part agent? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roo Posted November 11, 2004 Share Posted November 11, 2004 be careful, unless it is clearly marked epoxy, you will be buying polyester resin which I am certain you do NOT want to using in your tank. Epoxy comes in various types, I am not convinced that the standard epoxy resin would be a good idea in a tank ( ie West system or system 3, i spent 12 years as a boatbuilder and have used every resin undet the sun) Although I am happy to told other wise if some one has been using it. If someone could tell me the brand of epoxy they have been using I would be more than happy to identify similar types. But this is a great idea, cheap but not overly cheap. However you can create some awesome 'works of art' for the tank , that will weigh next to nothing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aquaman Posted November 14, 2004 Share Posted November 14, 2004 What would you use to carve the stone shapes into the foam? Depends how much effort you want to go to - you could make a heat driven foam cutting tool with relative ease. I asked about this on the forum some time ago, so if you do a search (technical section) you may find it. Essentially it's battery operated (9 volt) and would be excellent to work with for this type of project. Cheers Richard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teamsherman Posted November 14, 2004 Share Posted November 14, 2004 Also, you can run a paint stripping gun (dangerously hot hair dryer!) over the foam to smooth out the bumps in the foam. Just dont hold the gun on the one spot for too long or you will completely melt the area. Cheers, Alan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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