The Foam/rock Projects Here Thread

[thelizardkin]

to all the people using pond foam don't its a waste of money the white foam is 100% non toxic when its dry just cover it in some ge sillicone 1 and sand it looks kinda ugly at first but once its covered in algae it looks exacty like live rock and the algae protects it from uv

 

[UtahGetMe2]

to all the people using pond foam don't its a waste of money the white foam is 100% non toxic when its dry just cover it in some ge sillicone 1 and sand it looks kinda ugly at first but once its covered in algae it looks exacty like live rock and the algae protects it from uv

After reading this whole thread I came to the conclusion that the reason for using the pond foam instead of the regular is because the regular foam is not UV resistant and therefore will degrade over time. I don't think there was ever an issue about its toxicity.

 

[thelizardkin]

After reading this whole thread I came to the conclusion that the reason for using the pond foam instead of the regular is because the regular foam is not UV resistant and therefore will degrade over time. I don't think there was ever an issue about its toxicity.

then cover it in sillicone and sand also the algae will help protect it i'm not paying $12 for a 12oz can of pond foam when i can get a 16oz can of white foam for $4

 

[UtahGetMe2]

Not speaking from experience, but people in this thread said that if you don't cover every sq cm with sand, the UV will degrade the foam even through a clear coat of epoxy or silicone. It is well worth the extra money to have peace of mind. Also you are going to wind up getting more epoxy to affix the sand in several layers so thats more money there and also more work.

 

[gtphale]

has anyone tried styrofoam and drylock??? I used it in my Fresh water tank and it worked great. Not sure if it would hold up to saltwater though.

 

[customcolor]

not speaking from experience, but people in this thread said that if you don't cover every sq cm with sand, the uv will degrade the foam even through a clear coat of epoxy or silicone. It is well worth the extra money to have peace of mind. Also you are going to wind up getting more epoxy to affix the sand in several layers so thats more money there and also more work.

+1

just use pond foam....trust me

 

[wastememphis]

CustomColor: Can you share your experience with the yellow Great Stuff breaking down in your tank? I had bought two cans online of the Pond Foam and ended up needing to use a third can (just the yellow foam). It's only been up for about 16 months but I haven't seen any negative affects with the foam. I did put epoxy on it, then sand, then epoxy but there is not 100% coverage of epoxy. Just curious on your experience (based on your signature AND picture!).

 

[biecacka]

the pond foam doesnt need epoxy at all so it saves money that way
corey

 

[biecacka]

custom color, can you tell me what epoxy to use if i have to trim some of my foam. it expanded more than i expected and might need to be trimmed so it will sit flush with the bottom of the tank, do i need to epoxy where i cut or no?
corey

 

[UtahGetMe2]

I trimmed most of my pond foam to shape it the way I wanted. I coated the foam with West Marine Epoxy and then added sand and although it is expensive, my wall is like one big rock now. It did look like however that the epoxy got absorbed into the foam where I had cut it, but I just put a little more on the areas.

 

[UtahGetMe2]

I will have two small areas on the corners of my gl*******s overflow box that won't be covered in epoxy and sand. Instead of spending a bunch of money again for the West Marine, what would be a good option for epoxy for the really small areas? I was thinking about just using some crazy glue gel, but have come this far and wouldn't mind spending a few extra $ if it will yield a better result.

 

[MedicBMC]

Hi everyone, just want to say great thread. This is something completely new to me after being in the hobby for 2 years.

So what is the consensus on what pond foam to use, and what epoxy?

Great stuff or Beckett?

 

[biecacka]

Where did u get the epoxy from?

 

[biecacka]

Will silicone work?

 

[Saltwaternooby]

Silicone will work just not as neat. I used great stuff pond foam and any water safe epoxy.

 

[biecacka]

what is the best way to silicone the wall to the back glass panel. i am attempting to do this and cant get the foam wall to stay put
corey

 

[Saltwaternooby]

Doesnt work when wet. Here is my newest project I wanted to elevate the cone shaped rock with a narrow base, without taking it out to drill it.

This is what i came up with. A PVC fitting, funnel, and piece of acrylic.

With rock, sand, and foam covered and elevating the rock.

There is many holes drilled in it, but not big enough for a fish to swim in. Figured one more place where pods could reproduce.

 

[biecacka]

great idea!

 

[biecacka]

quick question though, my egg crate has bent due to the foam and it doesnt sit flush with the back panel. what is the best way to silicone it to the class
corey

 

[Saltwaternooby]

Lay the tank on its back and use a good amount of silicone.