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[hoosier_cichlid]

Hey MFK I know there are a lot of topics on this but I was just wondering if I could could a couple quick responses. I have read most threads watched a lot of videos and done my research. I plan on doing a styrofoam back ground for my 55 paludarium. I was just wondering what products you experienced builders would recommend...

What styrofoam? Pink board?
What cement/concrete?
What silicone/glue?
What paint?
Any little tips?


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[thatbb6]

White styrofoam from Home Depot
Stay away from cement. Go with Drylok. Easy as brushing paint. Fast drying and no mess.
GE silicone 1.
For paint/color, use Quikrete dye

tip: stay away from cement.

 

[hoosier_cichlid]

Awesome thanks a ton I'll be going to get the stuff tonight!


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[hoosier_cichlid]

One more question... Can all these supplies be purchased at one store?


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[thatbb6]

Yea all of these can be purchased at Home Depot. Here's my build for preference. Keep it mind it was my first project. I did made a mistake of cutting the styrofoam straight down instead of along the rock crevices.
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=249249
More projects on that forum section too btw.

 

[hoosier_cichlid]

What tools did you use to carve that because it looks awesome!! Here is my first practice round for a 10 gallon


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[hoosier_cichlid]

After first paint....


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[thatbb6]

What kinda paint is that? Doesn't look like Drylok at all. I just use a regular Kiwi knife for carving. You wanna cut and carve everything clean off instead of having the little fuzzy ball of styrofoam hanging out (if that makes sense).. otherwise it would be messy when you apply Drylok over.
Also, take your time on carving the panel to make it look like real rocks. That 10G panel needs more work IMO.
Look through the projects here for ideas
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=99515

 

[hoosier_cichlid]

I agree it needs some more details, I was just practicing and whatnot, but it's watertite it says suitable for fish ponds, the same thing as drylok according to the paint guy at menards.


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[VLDesign]

Problem with these backgrounds is they look good until fish start eating and nibbling on the thing and big chunks are missing and all you see is the white foam poking out.