FoamBack Project 101
- Thread starter maxalmon
- Start date
mie
Active Member
Originally Posted by grubsnaek
http:///forum/post/2854054
just wondering how did you get the sand to stick to the foam? did it just stick, or did you have to use some sort of resin...
You sprinkle it on when the foam is wet or tacky.
http:///forum/post/2854054
just wondering how did you get the sand to stick to the foam? did it just stick, or did you have to use some sort of resin...
You sprinkle it on when the foam is wet or tacky.
veni vidi vici
Active Member
Originally Posted by grubsnaek
http:///forum/post/2854054
just wondering how did you get the sand to stick to the foam? did it just stick, or did you have to use some sort of resin...
I coated my foam with epoxy resin and then sprinkled sand.I thought it covered better and sealed most of the foam.
http:///forum/post/2854054
just wondering how did you get the sand to stick to the foam? did it just stick, or did you have to use some sort of resin...
I coated my foam with epoxy resin and then sprinkled sand.I thought it covered better and sealed most of the foam.
veni vidi vici
Active Member
Originally Posted by grubsnaek
http:///forum/post/2860016
i do believe if you use the beckett pond foam like he did, the can says its UV protected. but i would still cover wit epoxy then just apply sand or crushed coral, etc....
I believe i read somewhere on another big site that the other problem with foam is that when it expands it traps toxic gases inside the air pockets.If it gets ruptured it may release these gases into the water column.Dont know how much truth there is to that ,i havent had any problems with mine yet.
http:///forum/post/2860016
i do believe if you use the beckett pond foam like he did, the can says its UV protected. but i would still cover wit epoxy then just apply sand or crushed coral, etc....
I believe i read somewhere on another big site that the other problem with foam is that when it expands it traps toxic gases inside the air pockets.If it gets ruptured it may release these gases into the water column.Dont know how much truth there is to that ,i havent had any problems with mine yet.
grubsnaek
Active Member
honestly im not sure. but im only attempting a 5.5. with something bigger like maxalmon, maybe more of a concern.
even still i have read several threads on foam backgrounds and nobody ever stated that....not saying your making that up, but just not a big topic of the foam projects. so i wouldnt worry to much. how long has your foam been in action so to speak?
even still i have read several threads on foam backgrounds and nobody ever stated that....not saying your making that up, but just not a big topic of the foam projects. so i wouldnt worry to much. how long has your foam been in action so to speak?
veni vidi vici
Active Member
Originally Posted by grubsnaek
http:///forum/post/2860154
honestly im not sure. but im only attempting a 5.5. with something bigger like maxalmon, maybe more of a concern.
even still i have read several threads on foam backgrounds and nobody ever stated that....not saying your making that up, but just not a big topic of the foam projects. so i wouldnt worry to much. how long has your foam been in action so to speak?
July "08"
http:///forum/post/2860154
honestly im not sure. but im only attempting a 5.5. with something bigger like maxalmon, maybe more of a concern.
even still i have read several threads on foam backgrounds and nobody ever stated that....not saying your making that up, but just not a big topic of the foam projects. so i wouldnt worry to much. how long has your foam been in action so to speak?
July "08"
flower
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shimpy http:///t/335216/foamback-project-101/160#post_3462897
What is the 2 part epoxy you used to cover the exsposed foam to block out the UV from destorying the foam??
LOL...The OP is long gone. The last post was 2009.
HOWEVER...I used the cement from the PVC pipe..it dries clear and after it is cured and dry, it's tank safe. I applied the glue, and sprinkled the exposed areas with dry aragonite sand. I used my fingers to kind of press the sand into the glue. Using the BLACK pond foam made for the outside waterfalls works fantastic.
Originally Posted by Shimpy http:///t/335216/foamback-project-101/160#post_3462897
What is the 2 part epoxy you used to cover the exsposed foam to block out the UV from destorying the foam??
LOL...The OP is long gone. The last post was 2009.
HOWEVER...I used the cement from the PVC pipe..it dries clear and after it is cured and dry, it's tank safe. I applied the glue, and sprinkled the exposed areas with dry aragonite sand. I used my fingers to kind of press the sand into the glue. Using the BLACK pond foam made for the outside waterfalls works fantastic.
novahobbies
Well-Known Member
Frankenthread! But in this case, it's kind of nice to revisit old builds and see what worked and what didn't. I'm also kind of glad that grubsnaek's avatar is finally shut down....that thing was ANNOYING as all get-out.
I've never used PVC cement, but I've used 2-part model aircraft epoxy in tanks. It's essentially just polyester resin. Make sure it cures completely before adding it. I also have used black and (supposedly non-uv safe) tan foam in tanks without protection. The UV your bulbs pump out really isn't enough to damage the foam too much. My horse tank was built with tan foam, and after 18 months or so the only breakdown I've seen is a little bit right at the top of the tank directly under the MH lamp...we're talking inches away from the MH. The spot there has worn down a little bit, but tat's all.
I've never used PVC cement, but I've used 2-part model aircraft epoxy in tanks. It's essentially just polyester resin. Make sure it cures completely before adding it. I also have used black and (supposedly non-uv safe) tan foam in tanks without protection. The UV your bulbs pump out really isn't enough to damage the foam too much. My horse tank was built with tan foam, and after 18 months or so the only breakdown I've seen is a little bit right at the top of the tank directly under the MH lamp...we're talking inches away from the MH. The spot there has worn down a little bit, but tat's all.
flower
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by maxalmon http:///t/335216/foamback-project-101/160#post_3519351
I'm back in the hobby and will be setting up a HQI cube in the next few weeks!!!! Took a few years away from the hobby
OMG...You crazy person...I have tried your project and loved it! Glad you're back!!!
Originally Posted by maxalmon http:///t/335216/foamback-project-101/160#post_3519351
I'm back in the hobby and will be setting up a HQI cube in the next few weeks!!!! Took a few years away from the hobby
OMG...You crazy person...I have tried your project and loved it! Glad you're back!!!