Making 3D background - cement choice

[rvadog]

I'm making a 3D background and am curious whether the quick mix cement brand/type matters. I've got home depot and lowed near me and I assume all cement is made the same but wanted to verify. Does anyone have experience or advice here?

 

[Midwater]

Cure it and soak it for a month, preferably with rotting vegetable matter (banana trunks works well - if you can get it).

Don't rush to put it in with fish.

 

[rvadog]

I understand that part. Is there specific brand I need or is all cement made equal?

 

[deeda]

I've used 2 different products for in tank backgrounds and both were made by Quikrete, one was Quikrete Quikwall Surface Bonding Cement which is a fiberglass reinforced Portland cement and the second was Quikrete commercial grade Fast Set Repair Mortar.

I also used Quikrete liquid cement color to tint or color the cement to the color I wanted.

Do be aware that if you use a cement product to create a background or decorations for your tank, you will need to 'cure' the cement prior to adding living things to your tank. I soaked my backgrounds in a large tub for a couple weeks or so once the cement had set up, changing water every few days until the pH of the water dropped considerably.