concrete for backgrounds

[Redoog]

Do not know if anyone has seen or used this yet. I bought 30 lbs to try it. I wanted to use thoroseal or sika topseal, but no one had any in my area.

So while I was in Lowes looking around, I thought I would check out if they had anything for potable(drinkable) water tanks.

I found this, in 60 and 30 lb buckets. It is a power, mixed with water.
it was in the paint deparment. Took some looking as the had stuff in differant places, but I just asked for drylock, and when they showed me one, i ould ask for any more, and it was with drylock 5 gallon buckets. They had other "paint" waterproofers, but this is cemtious.

And only $25.00 for 30 lbs

View attachment 406551

View attachment 406552

 

[sostoudt]

cant wait to see how it turns out

 

[Jgray152]

If you make the cement and sand concrete mix very dense with very little water, you won't need any sealer. If the cement is dense enough it won't leach into the water. From what I have been told. Heck, I can make a water feature out of 1/2"-3/4" thick cement and sand and it will not leak without the sealer.

 

[Redoog]

I have read tons of posts, and it appears most people that use concrete have to do alot of water changes. The two products that I have seen ppl use with no effect where sika topseal, and thoroseal. Even though these are both listed as sealers, they really look like regular cement.

Same with this product Sunnydry concrete and masonary waterproofer.

The commen factor I see with it compared to the other twp, and most other concrete, the 3 are listed as safe for drinking water.

 

[Jgray152]

Cement can really buffer the water due to the alkalinity that leaches from it. That's one reason why some may need to change their water. If you need a high ph, then cement/concrete will work for you.

Many people I think make it to wet. This makes the concrete very porous allowing it to leach even more and also makes it weak.

Its hard to seal the concrete because you need to seal the ENTIRE structure. Not just the front like many do. You may want to make a mold out of styro foam and get some .5 - 1.0 mil plastic to go over it. this way you can later pull the concrete right off, peel the plastic and seal the backside before putting it in the tank.

I have never used those sealers so I can't add info on them. I have only used clear liquid sealers.