Diy Structured Background

[Emilie]

Hello again, I knew it would not be to long before I used this site again...it's fab for advice!!

I am thinking about setting up another tank and wanted to make a strutured background for it, I have a few questions about what is safe for the materials I can use.

I have been onto a website that tells you step by step instructions on how to make a structured background, it says to use Styrofoam for the scaffolding, has anyone used this before and is it safe to use with fish? If so, can you tell me where I could buy it (I am a women and don't know about things like this!!) sorry...

It also says that you use expanding foam for sealant and concerete to cover the whole thing in. Is it regular concerete that I would use on my house for example??? and what about the foam is this a regular one aswell....sorry again, women...tut, tut!!

If not, does anyone have any suggestions of what materials will be safe to use?


Thanks,
Warm regards,

Emilie x

 

[minxfishy]

I cant help with an answer for this sorry, but try posting this in the DIY part of the forum You might get a better response

Or have a look thru this link: http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=150145

 

[xxBarneyxx]

Styrofoam should be perfectly safe. "portland" cement is commonly used but you need to "cure" it first to stop it leeching into the water (normally leave it in a bucket of water for a month or two replacing the water every few days). Styrofoam covered with the right epoxy resin would work to (not sure on what resin you should use. some will not be fish safe and others will melt the styrofoam).

Have a look at the link below which gives you a great step by step guide on how to make your own backgrounds.
http/www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_...background3.php

 

[Emilie]

Thank you for your replies,

I have had a look on the DIY section....oops, did not look properly!!

All is clear now and I will post some pics when it is done.

Regards,

Emilie x