Cement/concrete background

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C

Chinggiz

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Mar 13, 2012
76
2
38
Ca
I'm practicing on making 3G backgrounds.

I've carved the styrofoam and toothpicked them to a foam wall/back.

I've started to layer in cement, even got charcoal coloring to add to outer layers.

I've read other threads but cannot find good info regarding after cement.

Is it needed that it is covered in epoxy or something similar?
 
Hot glue the carved pieces to the back.. much easier. As for the concrete, you don't NEED to epoxy it, but you can if you want. Either way, once you're done, it needs to be soaked, rinsed, and repeat several times. Best thing is to soak it in a fishless tank and check water parameters. The concrete will wreck PH levels for a while..
 
Well this is going in a empty 10 gallon outside, this one is JUST practice.

I was planning on using some kind of fish-safe epoxy (which one?) and let cure for 2 weeks then soak in the 10 gallon (probably throw water change water in there).
And let it soak for a month or two while keep replacing with water changes from my 12 gallon.

Also it says concrete is flexible when dry... Did I buy the wrong kind? Haha
 
This is my first time playing with cement, so I'm not sure about meshing techniques.

I hope that the epoxy holds up.

Eventually I plan to make one for a 12 gallon long (35.4"), residents would be a dwarf cichlid (not permanent) and FW shrimps.
 
Chinggiz said:
Well this is going in a empty 10 gallon outside, this one is JUST practice.

I was planning on using some kind of fish-safe epoxy (which one?) and let cure for 2 weeks then soak in the 10 gallon (probably throw water change water in there).
And let it soak for a month or two while keep replacing with water changes from my 12 gallon.

Also it says concrete is flexible when dry... Did I buy the wrong kind? Haha
Click to expand...

As for the flexible concrete... Do you have a pic of the box?? You DO NOT want to use polymeric sand... Its a sand that bonds similar to concrete and is often used between pavers.


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I do not have pictures.

It came in small bucket, no water added, readyto use.

It was from Lowes fr about 6-7 dollars.

I'll check tonight to see if it contains Polymeric sand.
 
That product is just fine. You need to cure the concrete for a week and then soak, doing multiple water changes, to help reduce the pH before going any further.

Choosing to coat it with an epoxy is an option but not necessary IMO as long as the pH is reasonable.
 
Whew!

I added some charcoal coloring to it, makes it looks nice! And not sidewalk color anymore!

Anyone else feel the quake last night and this morning?
 
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