Designing my own tank decorations - any ideas?

[Daeorn]

Hey all.

I'm asking this to anyone who's created backgrounds or decor with Styrofoam.

I've read two different takes on this. What I'm trying to create is a saltwater reef look. Its going to go in a brackish tank - almost certainly never full saltwater - otherwise I'll just use live rock.

However, again, I've seen two different two ways of doing this, and would like your opinions if you have experience on this.

After carving my Styrofoam what should I use?

Either - Quick Concrete (aquarium safe) or Water Proof Epoxy.

If I use the ladder, the epoxy, is there any way to paint it or get bright color to it?

What I'm really looking for is to create two items, rock formations and the second is color formations, which obviously will be very brightly colored.

Thanks for any info

 

[snakeheader]

quik crete but make SURE its safe

 

[Dr Joe]

Stain the epoxy.

 

[pumagrif]

there is a special paint out that will stick to the epoxy but im not really sure its safe for the fish . I would go with the Quick Concrete because you can use non toxic kid finger paint or craylo paint.

 

[Daeorn]

Yeah the quick crete I will get, I wanna place a call to the company to make sure.

It'll be perfect for the rock concepts I'm doing, but its the painting part - looking for bright color that I'm not sure of.

Aren't most finger paints water based though?