Foam/Rock Wall for my 265 gallon Tank!

[Speckled Grouper]

Waggs, replied via PM

 

[Waggs]

Waggs, replied via PM

Got it and replied. Thanks!

 

[taijiguy]

Almost time to start foaming....

These are the different brands of foam I had available to me

<snip
Atlantic Falls Foam I got for $ 8.00 a can. It was really good to work with, dried pretty quick and I was able to shape it and get most of the air out of the foam. I used about 6 cans on the project.

Great Stuff, I bought at HD, because I wanted to try it out, since a lot of people have used it and had good results. It was easy to work with and easy to shape after it dried, but I liked the black foam better and eventually covered up the one piece I used it on.

Touch n Foam, I got for $ 6.00 a can and used 6 cans on the project. About the same as the Atlantic Foam, dries a little slower and messier but works very good overall. It states "Fish safe" right on the can and is designed for water falls, ponds, etc. I think it even said "UV safe". I have found it for even cheaper since and declare it my preferred foam!

<snip>

Where did you find it at that price? Best I've found is around 7 bucks a can on Amazon, but with 7 bucks shipping! Can't find it anywhere locally (central Ohio)

 

[gandolf8]

Well findly got my 180 done here is some pictures.

 

[DennisF]

Has the foam stayed down, and do the fish pick at it?

 

[Speckled Grouper]

The foam has stayed down beautifully, the fish are not interested in the least bit, the corals are encrusting over it and the Aptaisias love it

 

[DennisF]

How did you secure to back wall, and is it flush if so any issue with keeping it clean

 

[virgin reefer]

I am doing my 220G with great stuff POND foam. I can't find the epoxy. I Will keep trying but is it true that I don't have to use it?

It is a lot of work. I only have one overflow box done. I didn't add salt or press down the foam. I wish I had read your thread first. I read all of tigsys and kanin's. Wish me luck. . . . . I need it!

 

[virgin reefer]

AAlso nice to get advice from another female reefer. We should start a club hahaha.

 

[Speckled Grouper]

I am doing my 220G with great stuff POND foam. I can't find the epoxy. I Will keep trying but is it true that I don't have to use it?

It is a lot of work. I only have one overflow box done. I didn't add salt or press down the foam. I wish I had read your thread first. I read all of tigsys and kanin's. Wish me luck. . . . . I need it!

USE THE EPOXY...USE THE EPOXY...USE THE EPOXY!!!!! Got it???? :spin2:

 

[yogoshio]

For mine I made agrocrete and poured it flat onto plastic sheets and then used JB weld to attach it to the tank wall. The back is porous enough for the JB weld and the front I used a marco rock to make indentations. it varies in thickness from 1/2" to 1.5" depending.

 

[Fire.is.fun]

Your wall looks amazing. It inspired me to build one for my 120 gal so I just want to say thanks for all the great info

 

[virgin reefer]

I am trying a model train store today to see if I can get something. The epoxy scares me more then the foam for some reason. I have a pair of clowns a hippo tang and some inverts that have been with me for almost 8 years. I am trying to do everythng slow but like a mom I am worried about them. Kinda like you I am setting them back up in their current tank after I move it to the basement.

Thank You for doing this thread. I know it is a lot of work. I tried to start one but it's taking me a long time to get this tank together. Too many decisions.

I'm Happy to tag along with yours :>

 

[Speckled Grouper]

I am trying a model train store today to see if I can get something. The epoxy scares me more then the foam for some reason. I have a pair of clowns a hippo tang and some inverts that have been with me for almost 8 years. I am trying to do everythng slow but like a mom I am worried about them. Kinda like you I am setting them back up in their current tank after I move it to the basement.

Thank You for doing this thread. I know it is a lot of work. I tried to start one but it's taking me a long time to get this tank together. Too many decisions.

I'm Happy to tag along with yours :>

Please feel free to post your pictures here, ask your questions too! I think one big thread is more useful than many smaller ones. That way all the information is in one place and much easier to find!

 

[Speckled Grouper]

And don't be scared of the Epoxy, it's not a big deal. A model train/plane store is a great place to find the stuff. The Epoxy I used is made by Bob Smith Industries. It might be more expensive but I know for sure that is works!

 

[virgin reefer]

Still no luck on Epoxy I found some Bob smith in BC. I'm in Ontario so snail mail it is. I just wish there was something local I could use in case I need more half way thru. Tank build stalled again for the umphteenth time, ugh.

At least I have ReefCentral!

 

[newtank]

Epoxy

Epoxy

Look up sweet water epoxy. It's what is used in public aquarium, and ply wood builds. It comes in gallon containers with a smaller activator. It's serious stuff. I coated all my pond foam in it then pressed sand into it, recoated and then more sand...2.5 years latter and my foam is solid, best route for a larger build. My rock wall was 7 foot, same tank as specald grouper....In fact my inspiration to do it!

 

[Lavoisier]

For mine I made agrocrete and poured it flat onto plastic sheets and then used JB weld to attach it to the tank wall. The back is porous enough for the JB weld and the front I used a marco rock to make indentations. it varies in thickness from 1/2" to 1.5" depending.

Sounds interesting but I cannot quite imagine it. Did you use a form with the agrocrete around the outside of the plastic sheets and then shaped the concrete into depth? Do you have any pics?

 

[virgin reefer]

Well the progress is very slow. I am having trouble with my type A personality trying to have everything right. It is not exactly like I imagined. Yes you can see some tie wraps. And yes it is a predictable shape. Hope you can see the pics. I tried salt but didnt work out. I just received my Bob Smith epoxy today.

For a DIY it is getting expensive lol. I won't be able to afford any fish. Hard for even me to imagine what it is going to look like.

 

[virgin reefer]

The pillars are mostly foam but there is rock in there it just got engulfed. My plan was to create pillars and put a flat rock on top. In the future it would make a shady place and a medium shelf to grow coral on. I like the theory but not sure about it now.

Comments welcome. And yes I know its too dimensional but my OCD brain wont let me do different hahaha.