Question about DIY background cement

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davescube

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Apr 19, 2008
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indonesia
i just wondering if there is only one kind of cement that can be used in the DIY aquarium background, or is there alot of type?
i'm planning to use the cement that people usually use it for house construction site.. is that kind of cement safe to be used?

i also worry that the cement may not attach well to the styrofoam ><"
havent tried it out yet.
i have just begun the project by doing some carving so far..
 
Whatever you use, soak it for a few days and test the PH every now and then. Even cement with a lot of lye (portland?) will eventually stop raising your PH. Just might take a lot of water changes.
 
davescube;1731766; said:
i just wondering if there is only one kind of cement that can be used in the DIY aquarium background, or is there alot of type?
i'm planning to use the cement that people usually use it for house construction site.. is that kind of cement safe to be used?

i also worry that the cement may not attach well to the styrofoam ><"
havent tried it out yet.
i have just begun the project by doing some carving so far..
Click to expand...

Probably will have too much coarse aggregate, although lots of different blends are used for home construction.

Given simplicity, cost, appearance, etc., the only cement based product I would use for a foam background is Drylok. To be specific, Drylok Latex Masonry waterproofer.

Sticks great to foam, applies like a thick paint, looks great and has no effect on what pH according to other reports.

There have been a couple of these posted on The Cichlid Forum.
 
CJH;3653813; said:
Probably will have too much coarse aggregate, although lots of different blends are used for home construction.

Given simplicity, cost, appearance, etc., the only cement based product I would use for a foam background is Drylok. To be specific, Drylok Latex Masonry waterproofer.

Sticks great to foam, applies like a thick paint, looks great and has no effect on what pH according to other reports.

There have been a couple of these posted on The Cichlid Forum.
Click to expand...

Not trying to bash or offend you
BUT,
I would question if it does actually raise ph, don't cichlid keepers usually keep their ph a bit higher anyway? so I would assume it just acts as a buffer and keeps their ph high, though I could be wrong
 
Thorite is the way to go trust me. It's a little expensive but hey your paying for quality and it is eventually cheaper since you won't need to purchase resin and waste your time with products like quickrete. Please don't use quickrete. It's soo bad, just check out my old thread where I failed trying to make a diy backgroun. IMO it might just save you money to buy one of those expensive professional 3d backgrounds. Gl
 
rojowe;3653825; said:
Not trying to bash or offend you
BUT,
I would question if it does actually raise ph, don't cichlid keepers usually keep their ph a bit higher anyway? so I would assume it just acts as a buffer and keeps their ph high, though I could be wrong
Click to expand...

No offense taken. Only reporting what I have read. My understanding is that water chemistry differences have not been reported from backgrounds or from entire tanks coated with it.

Of course if I used it I'd still be checking myself. No doubt about that.
 
Do some research on sikatop 107 if your in the states it should be easy to find and from what i have read in threads of diy bg that is the way to go for quick curing cement.. All tho this thread makes me jealous he talks about it a bit http://ice1forum.suddenlaunch3.com/index.cgi?board=DIY&num=1115002332&action=display&start=30 I have tried to get it in canada but it was packaged different and when i called there head office they didnt speak english to well so i decided to take the long route and is quickete hydro stop.. As for it sticking to the foam there are a few ways to ensure it does 1. being heating and slightly melting or 2 what worked for me ruffing up all smooth surfaces wire brush knife or sand paper.
I Also did 6 coats on mine to be safe a few thin to start then i made it thicker for a stronger hold. its now curing under water for 1 month 100% water changes everyday.

Sorry couldnt get that link 2 page 1 my browser is acting up and didnt want to type this over again lol
 
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