Foam Rock Wall

flower

flower

Well-Known Member

Alright the new year is almost upon us, and I will be ready to begin my project.
I have created a check list of what I will need. I need some help and advice on a few things. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Foam rock wall check List:

  • Medium size rock, and rubble rock (how much to create a wall for a 30g long tank 36 X 16..SWF sells rubble rock..How big or small or those pieces?)

  • Aprox 6 cans of black pond foam. = #3 Water Fall Foam Sealent from Home Depot

  • Egg crate
    Dry sand
    Some kind of glue to make the sand stick after the foam is cleaned up and help protect it from light. (Again anyone know a brand name?)
 
flower

flower

Well-Known Member

BUMP
Nobody knows how big the rubble rock sold by SWF is?
Nobody knows what type of glue to use to sprinkle sand on the finished wall?
Nobody knows the brand name of the black foam to use?
...does anyone have any ideas where I can get the information?
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
Sorry Flower....I have no clue, BUT....why not send a pm to swfishy or ladyreefseeker and ask them about the LR Rubble......I bet they can find out for you
 
flower

flower

Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by meowzer http:///forum/thread/382401/foam-rock-wall#post_3337258
Sorry Flower....I have no clue, BUT....why not send a pm to swfishy or ladyreefseeker and ask them about the LR Rubble......I bet they can find out for you


Thanks for a reply..I thought the world had gone blank on me. I hadn't though of asking ladyreefseeker...Good idea! I did find the foam, I was just about to edit my post. I found rock wall build posts and they mention glue, but not a brand.
 
flower

flower

Well-Known Member

What about the PVC glue...I could dab that on the foam areas and sprinkle sand...do you think that would work?
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flower http:///forum/thread/382401/foam-rock-wall#post_3337268

What about the PVC glue...I could dab that on the foam areas and sprinkle sand...do you think that would work?
I would wait for a response from someone who has done this
I think Posiden has, and so has Novahobbies......I believe Nova went somewhere but should be back this evening though...pm him....he will tell you how to do it
 
flower

flower

Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by meowzer http:///forum/thread/382401/foam-rock-wall#post_3337269
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flower http:///forum/thread/382401/foam-rock-wall#post_3337268

What about the PVC glue...I could dab that on the foam areas and sprinkle sand...do you think that would work?
I would wait for a response from someone who has done this
I think Posiden has, and so has Novahobbies......I believe Nova went somewhere but should be back this evening though...pm him....he will tell you how to do it


LOL..It isn't like I don't have time. I will keep the thread bumped up for them to see. I did find one site that said the PVC cement is good to use since it's food safe. Man the 1st can't come fast enough for me.
 
flower

flower

Well-Known Member
Bump...someday someone with all the answers will appear..which reminds me has anyone heard from Acrylic51? I even sent him a regular e-mail and I haven't heard back from him. I hope he is just really busy and all is well.
 
flower

flower

Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by meowzer http:///forum/thread/382401/foam-rock-wall#post_3337443
LOL...it sure beats trying to find an old thread or a post

I must have missed the window, I'm not getting a response. But eventually he will see the PM so maybe I can get some pointers. I want to start stocking what I need s I don't try and buy it all at once. I want to make sure I get the right stuff.
I haven't heard form Shawn at all...last time he said anything he was shipping the sump on Friday. Maybe it's just computer trouble again but he always had his iphone...So say a prayer just to make sure all is okay.
 
gemmy

gemmy

Active Member
I am now interested in a foam rock wall. I found some interesting DIY sites and they all say to use a 2 part epoxy.
Maybe I'll make one for my 16 gallon after the holidays.
 
flower

flower

Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gemmy http:///forum/thread/382401/foam-rock-wall#post_3337449
I am now interested in a foam rock wall. I found some interesting DIY sites and they all say to use a 2 part epoxy.
Maybe I'll make one for my 16 gallon after the holidays.

I found the same sites, the 2 part epoxy is to hold the rock in place. I think the foam does that anyway. What I was looking for was a thin glue to hold the dusted sand on the exposed foam to make a more natural look and protect it from light. Once I cut away the bubbles of extra foam I will need to redust that spot.
 
gemmy

gemmy

Active Member
The next part is messiest of the entire build and in theory is fairly straight forward. This is a good time to wear some surgical gloves if you have them. You need to mix up your two part epoxy or chosen sealer and apply to ONLY the foam areas with a paint brush. I like to use Dixie cups and popsicle sticks for this process as the cups and sticks are cheap and disposable. DO NOT COVER THE ROCK!! Once applied you need to grab a handful of sand and embed it into the sealer before it has a chance to dry. Do this process on a large tarp or pan so that you can collect the unused sand and keep your work area clean. You must work quickly as all two part products will have a limited working time. When I did my wall I did it in sections so that I could let the sealer setup a little bit and then I covered those areas in sand and let it dry completely before dusting off all the sand that didn't stick and moved on to the next section. An air compressor is really helpful during this part to dust off all the loose sand. Once the front is completely finished and dry you need to seal the back and bottom of the wall with only your sealer. The idea is that all exposed foam is sealed from exposure to the elements inside our tanks. Once the panels are complete you need to test fit again. This will be your last chance to solve any fitting issues. You can use sandpaper or a belt sander to get a better fit.
 
flower

flower

Well-Known Member

Wow not the thread I was reading...maybe I'm mixed upon what what 2 part epoxy is...I will google it. I thought it was te putty you mix with your fingers.
EDIT:
Okay I'm not crazy..but how will this work?
PC PRODUCTS 045572 Putty Hand Moldable 2-Part Epoxy For High Temp 2 Oz Tube Brown 60 Min Functional Cure Mixing Ratio 1 1 Shear Strength 700 PSI Max. 500 F Emergency Repairs For High Temperature Surfaces Such As Iron Pipes Ductwork Radiators Heating Pipes And Castings Fast Setting Can With Stand High Temp Working Time 8 Min
 
gemmy

gemmy

Active Member
One site said to use uragel (this is industrial and I found nothing about it) and another said west marine 105. I have quickly become confused.
 
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