I just did a corner of my ne 70T this weekend. One side was 17" x 24" and the other was 21" x 24". I filled it pretty tight with dry rock and I still used 3 large cans of pond foam. It doesn't go far, fosho!
The Foam/rock Projects Here Thread
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I just did a corner of my ne 70T this weekend. One side was 17" x 24" and the other was 21" x 24". I filled it pretty tight with dry rock and I still used 3 large cans of pond foam. It doesn't go far, fosho!
Ok thank you for the info. I would hate to start the project and run out part way through.
On the other side what would I ever do with a partial can?
ReefinRedhead
New member
we used wire-ties and black pond spray foam. After the foam just begins to dry, take the handle end of a paint brush and press in the foam around the rock. It gives the surface a more realistic look when you apply the sand/fiberglass coating.
Trash it... it doesn't hold long after it's been opened and used.
masharp1126
New member
Here's some pics of mine, completed several months ago, but just recently getting some water added.
Tank 6'wide x 4' front to back, plywood, in-wall, 450 gallons. I ended up doing three seperate panels across the back and one on each side. Used the black pond foam, with epoxy (same as used on inside of tank), and sand to cover it.
There are also two rock formations (pillars), one on each side that are actually about 7" to 8" off the back wall, though it's hard to tell from the pics. It has a lot of depth to it that is hard to capture in photos.
Tank 6'wide x 4' front to back, plywood, in-wall, 450 gallons. I ended up doing three seperate panels across the back and one on each side. Used the black pond foam, with epoxy (same as used on inside of tank), and sand to cover it.
There are also two rock formations (pillars), one on each side that are actually about 7" to 8" off the back wall, though it's hard to tell from the pics. It has a lot of depth to it that is hard to capture in photos.
T Diddy
Happy to be here
Kafuda, I think you may have major bouyancy issues if you spray the foam a few inches thick. It'd take a ton of rock to hold that down. When you spray, just barely depress the nozzle until the foam comes out...you'll end up with a better result. Thicker, heavier spray just swallows the rocks. I don't think you'll need more than two cans for the size you are talking about (provided that you have rock taking up some of that space).
HTH
Hey thanks on the technique.
I have not had a chance to do this or even draw what I want out on paper yet but have ideas in my head.
I have a couple hundred pounds of dry rock and around 10 gallons of rubble that I am going to look through and pick pieces I find interesting.
I was going to do as much of the surface with rock and rubble as possible and try and fill in holes with the foam similar to a brick wall.
I also want to do some rock jutting out into the water column and make some benny burrows and that would be more of the foam than rock if that makes sense.
I do have two other questions:
1. How hard is it to cut the foam once it is dry?
Within the wall I want a few openings that I can put powerheads so I can "hide" them. On the unused openings I will zip tie a face cover.
2. Is it possible to start and stop or is it one of those finish it no matter what?
Thank you.
T Diddy
Happy to be here
Check out page 2 of my thread, it may give you some ideas...
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1897201&page=2
I did use the regular stuff, but you get the idea. I made the mistake of spraying a little too thick in some spots, and it did swallow a couple of nice features as mentioned above. Prior to adding rock, I plumbed together a bunch of pvc. You can make your caves and what not by attaching smaller rocks to the pvc and fill the gaps in between.
As for your cutting question, I used an angle grinder to shave my foam where it needed. Some have used a steak knife...it is relatively easy.
Once you get to the foam spraying part, it goes pretty quick. Don't feel like you have to finish in one shot though. As I said, the foam GROWS. Go light on the foam, and after a few hours you'll be able to tell where you need more. If you get some errant foam on a rock, don't bother trying to wipe/clean it off...wait till it dries completely and it'll snap off.
Be sure to post pics!
Ok thanks for all your help.
I was reading custom's thread and will probably do the foam and salt for texture.
I have done DIY concrete rocks and water stop rocks as well. I just thought that this maybe another fun thing to try and I like making rocks fit how I want vs. trying to shoe horn something in.
As far as time goes my little 5.5 took me about 50 hours to make all the rocks so I plan on following suit.
I will check out the link.
I was reading custom's thread and will probably do the foam and salt for texture.
I have done DIY concrete rocks and water stop rocks as well. I just thought that this maybe another fun thing to try and I like making rocks fit how I want vs. trying to shoe horn something in.
As far as time goes my little 5.5 took me about 50 hours to make all the rocks so I plan on following suit.
I will check out the link.
biecacka
Active member
to the experts...........would this foam work without epoxy?
http://www.aquaticponds.com/Black-Waterfall-Foam-_p_10.html
http://www.aquaticponds.com/Black-Waterfall-Foam-_p_10.html
bennyhanna1
New member
i think i'm going to embark on this project too... i have a 40 gallon breeder, and want to do part of the left pane of glass, and then probably 1/2 to 3/4 of the back pane, someone earlier in the thread had a similar set up. The left back corner will be like a mountain that will slim down as it moves to the right. I might also make a foam rock wall for part of the bottom too... i'm pretty excited!
when you silicone the eggcrate rockwall to the walls, do you have to apply it really liberally? and worse case scenario, can this be removed simply with a razor blade then?
when you silicone the eggcrate rockwall to the walls, do you have to apply it really liberally? and worse case scenario, can this be removed simply with a razor blade then?
T Diddy
Happy to be here
yup, that'll work
...if you use enough rock, you may not need a lot of silicone. Mine is ewdged under the center brace without any silicone at all. It can be removed with a razor blade.
ideally the rock would be dry, but it isn't 100% necessary. If you are referring to using live rock in the wall, it can be done by covering the rock with wet paper towels while the foam cures, but you'll probably have a bunch of die off. Better to use the dry rock and stack some live rock after your wall is in the tank.
HTH
biecacka
Active member
t diddy, how many cans? 72 inches long, 30 inches tall.
also its not the "live" aspect of the rock im mostly concerned about as much as the tank is up and running but i wanna take it down for a few reason.
1) algea issue.......slight one but its one
2) re do rock work
3) add sand to the BB......its a softy tank and i cant seem to get enough flow on the bottom of the tank to keep debris settled or gathered in one place
4) free up some swimming space for the fish
corey
also its not the "live" aspect of the rock im mostly concerned about as much as the tank is up and running but i wanna take it down for a few reason.
1) algea issue.......slight one but its one
2) re do rock work
3) add sand to the BB......its a softy tank and i cant seem to get enough flow on the bottom of the tank to keep debris settled or gathered in one place
4) free up some swimming space for the fish
corey
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