Pond On Top of Aquarium

[Mr.Ghoti]

Hello pond experts. I am new with building a pond. But I built one on top of an aquarium to make a mini scenic view slash hydroponic features which includes mini lake/pond. Is it a good idea to use thin-set mortar for the features. I went and did it on a whim and did not do research firsthand whether it is a good idea to use thin-set mortar for tile ( I have a lot of thin-set leftover after re-doing my bathroom and kitchen counter top); and I don't want to spend money on pure cement, etc. Do you guys think the mortar will melt once the water start flowing? Is thin-set the same case as sheetrock? Will thin-set mortar erode? Will the water turn to white? If I decided to put a fish, can they die? How long should I wait to let the the mortar cure? I used Versabond fortified thin-set mortar. What other material can I use or I should have used? Also I wanted to put a crab or crayfish in there so they can go on the top and play on the land. Can they die because of the thin-set? Overall, the animals isn't the issue, I can have a hydroponic pond without animals in there, but what I am worry about is the erosion or the melting of thin-set mortar. I have attached the pictures of my project. Thanks human beings!

 

[boldtogether]

The thing with thin set mortar is that it usually has an acrylic latex additive. This makes it not the best choice to be submerged. It is used for tile and such, especially outdoor tile setting but it isn't impervious to water. Will it dissolve? Probably not like a plaster would, but it could disintegrate and cause issues. It is not the same as gypsum board(dry wall) but again, it isnt totally water proof. Your idea is good, but I would use cement. Buy plain cement, very fine sand and mix it to a working consistency. It will still require soaking, but it won't dissolve.

 

[Mr.Ghoti]

Since I already did it, any idea on how to coat it? I mean can I use some kind of polyurethane or concrete seal to avoid water from touching the mortar? I have used the mortar for the bathroom shower place though and it's wet all the time at least due to moisture and there's no problem so far as that what the store recommended in the first place. I can use the cement to coat my project but it's going to be changes on the feature and going to be a lot of works. Is there any thing where I can just use use brush coat?

 

[karaig19]

This thing looks like a great idea. Good luck!

 

[yogurt_21]

since its done just get either liquid rubber or epoxy to coat it with. Popular brands of liquid rubber of zavlar and ames blue max. Popular of epoxy is pond armor of course. Doesn't look like you'll need alot of it.

 

[hardwood07]

pond armor is a great product and comes in a multitude of colors including clear. but for a quart kit its about $80, where as devoe 233h epoxy paint is about $55 a gallon. both are fish safe and great products... i am not really a fan of liquid rubber due to the amount you need to actually make a surface water proof. good luck

 

[boldtogether]

Since I already did it, any idea on how to coat it? I mean can I use some kind of polyurethane or concrete seal to avoid water from touching the mortar? I have used the mortar for the bathroom shower place though and it's wet all the time at least due to moisture and there's no problem so far as that what the store recommended in the first place. I can use the cement to coat my project but it's going to be changes on the feature and going to be a lot of works. Is there any thing where I can just use use brush coat?

I think a polyurethane would be fine as long as you get a marine grade designed to be wet all the time. Polyurethane is a type of plastic.