siklid Posted June 15, 2005 Share Posted June 15, 2005 Hi guys, I am just in the process of creating a styro background, I was wondering if I could find some concrete or something similar in form that I could add to the background that is aquarium-safe. Any ideas? Cheers, Daniel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanceswithDingoes Posted June 15, 2005 Share Posted June 15, 2005 The Yanks use 'quickcrete' which I checked was a branded term for renderers mix. Your local brickie can give you an idea on the correct mix. Concrete will keep a tank hard so dont plant on a soft acidic environment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onlyme Posted June 15, 2005 Share Posted June 15, 2005 Concrete will keep the pH up because of the lime in the concrete, it could in a small tank make it too high. The reason I had success with Malawis before I knew anything about it is because my drinking water comes from a concrete tank, just normal concrete, high strength, more cement in the mix like a swimming pool. Make what you want and try it in your tank, if the pH is not too high them you will have no problems. Craig. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanceswithDingoes Posted June 15, 2005 Share Posted June 15, 2005 I should add that it is recommended to soak the BG for 3 weeks, then draining, refilling and testing, if the ph/gh/kh is still too high, same again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barf Posted June 16, 2005 Share Posted June 16, 2005 Hello all, I was just reading another post where they use epoxy resin to cover the styro, might be worth considering, just paint it on etc. Anyway check it out I think it was this forum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
siklid Posted June 16, 2005 Author Share Posted June 16, 2005 Thanks for the info guys. I will look up on that renderers mix. Just a few other questions, will i need to apply any type of waterproof coating (pond sealer)over the renderers mix? also, how would i be able to add some colour to the mix without it leaching into the water? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanceswithDingoes Posted June 16, 2005 Share Posted June 16, 2005 coloured oxides and no you shouldnt need to seal it. Epoxys are expensive but the only alternative for soft water setups. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r.d.m Posted June 16, 2005 Share Posted June 16, 2005 concrete in freshwater will initially push the ph up around 12.0(fatal to everything) i did some research for ponds and your up for a few 100% water changes scrubbing to concrete in between changes,then check the ph each time until it comes down to acceptable limits,ideal for africans but in a low ph set up youll be battling a high ph for several months,it works ok in ponds as goldfish and koi like a high ph Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil Posted June 16, 2005 Share Posted June 16, 2005 You can use admixes to normal cement to make waterproof cement Silsec is the one I have used . The cement and Silsec paint mixture is hard and good as a moulded surface. I've found off white cement is easiest to tint with oxides it is just lighter to start with. Neil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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