Does this work? DIY aquarium decor/backgrounds using styrofoam and quickcrete?

16786 Views 10 Replies 8 Participants Last post by Ltraine, May 8, 2014

Ltraine

Discussion Starter · #1 · May 4, 2014

So i recently aquired a new 40 gallon tank and was planning on making this my summer project. that being said, i want to make a completely unique, heavily planted, custom decor-ed Apisto Community tank. i want to build next to everything (breeding caves, rock fixtures, the works).

with this being said, i found an article on a different website that talks about forming decor out of styrofoam and expanding foam and then coating it in pigmented quickcrete to create custom caves and backgrounds and stuff for an aquarium, I was wondering if this was a safe thing to do in a freshwater tank, as the article is fairly vague on the subject.

here's a link to the article:http://www.diyaquarist.com/archives/278

thanks in advance for the help, if there's a better material/method to building this kind of stuff i'm open to hearing it.

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kdv9tb

· Registered

Joined Oct 28, 2011

61 Posts

#6 · May 6, 2014

+1
I also have used the dryloc and stryofoam method. I really like the outcome, and it has been submersed for 2+ years now, with no issues. I did make mine removeable, so it didnt void the warranty. I attached suction cups on the back of the tank for this.

Another option I have seen done, is to go to the paint section of a hardware store (Lowes for me), and bondo makes a waterproof epoxy kit. Sells for like $15-20. I have seen many people use this for the saltwater tanks, but I personally have not tried it. You then can just "paint" whatever cave, rock wall, or decor you choose.