Styrofoam Background Question

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bendohhh

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Oct 20, 2009
11
0
1
UK
I've been considering making a 3D styrofoam background for my 120x45x60 (90g?) tank for a while now and have done loads of research on here so I'm pretty sure of the whole process.

However, I was wanting to create some large archways sticking out from the background but I wasn't sure if the buoyancy of the styrofoam itself will just break them? I had intended on using plastic tube or something along those lines to create some internal strengthening but I've not really seen archways done before so thought they might not be possible?

Any help and advise is appreciated.

Cheers,
Ben.


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Your concern about buoyancy is valid but it's definitely possible to make archways. The flying buttress tree roots in my paludarium were essentially arches (see the link in my sig for construction details). If possible, it's best to cut them from a single piece of foam; it's stronger that trying to attach a separate arch to the background. If you do have an attachment try to maximize your glue-able surface at each end of the arch and reinforce the joints with several skewers/wires/pins. Also, consider adding some GS expanding foam to the joint to further strengthen it.
 
Thanks for the reply, I'd somehow overlooked the fact that tree roots are essentially arches.

You've given me some confidence that my idea is achievable now anyway, will take your advice and have a look at your thread too.


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bendohhh said:
Thanks for that, I'll look into it.
Click to expand...

I contacted them. There are other chemicals besides the "100%" polyurea. I was told that there is a mold inhibitor in there, but it is not listed on the MSDS sheets for this product. There is titanium and zinc oxide also. The company could not guarantee that their product is fish safe. I ordered the product before I was told this. I will not be using it for my backgrounds as I cannot get confirmation that Styrospray is fish safe.

I am going to use a fish safe epoxy putty on my foam sheets. (Polygem)
 
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