I read through about 3 pages of posts over the past few days trying to get a good understanding of all that goes into paludariums. I read alot about people using foam for structures and what not, but at first I sort of blew this idea off and didnt pay much attention to it. Now that Im considering it, I cant find any of the threads I read that mentioned it. So basically what I'd like to know, is what sort of foam is used? Are you using foam insulation that you spray, or would that work? Do I need to find a certain type that isnt toxic, or are they all ok? Are these foam structures durable? Does water or light break them down over time? And when Im spraying the foam, do I make my structure before hand and then glue it in, or do I actually spray it to the tank to form it?
foam used in paludariums, aquariums, etc.
- Thread starter Statman
- Start date
Great Stuff or similar is the usual foam used. You can spray directly in or carve your object outside the tank, whichever is most convenient.
If you don't want to see the yellow foam through the glass, you can coat the area you plan to cover (plus an inch all around) with colored silicone (such as GE I or II) before spraying in the foam. You can trim the excess silicon away when the foam has been carved to final size and shape.
You can also use polystyrene sheets or blocks, in addition to or instead of the expanding foam.
If you don't want to see the yellow foam through the glass, you can coat the area you plan to cover (plus an inch all around) with colored silicone (such as GE I or II) before spraying in the foam. You can trim the excess silicon away when the foam has been carved to final size and shape.
You can also use polystyrene sheets or blocks, in addition to or instead of the expanding foam.
any closed cell foam can be used I think.
Its best to seal the foam with either epoxy or cement bases coating IMO(paint chips easily).
I coated foam with epoxy and sand, and its as hard as real stone.
Its best to seal the foam with either epoxy or cement bases coating IMO(paint chips easily).
I coated foam with epoxy and sand, and its as hard as real stone.
As soon as they cure, they are totally inert and aquarium-safe. If I remember correctly, it is recommended that you allow several days for full cure before you fill the tank. And like Ohbly said, you can seal the foam with epoxy or cement base (colored 100% silicone also works fine); you'll probably want to do this anyway, as the bare foam is quite ugly. A good trick is to lay down a layer of wet epoxy or silicon and then press some substrate (you can use sand, dry soil, fine gravel, coconut fiber, treefern roots, etc.) into it. After the sealant sets up, brush away the excess substrate.
Sorry if I am starting to sound repetetive,but you should check out blackjungle.com. Those guys know their stuff. Specifically, http://www.blackjungle.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=2108
"Great stuff" is insulation foam, yes, and thats what you want to be using. Make sure you do it in a VERY well ventilated space though, 'cause the fumes will knock you out. If you are just looking to make a background, you can spray it straight onto the tank, but you can also create molds and make objects, like fake rocks, with it.
Also, try googling "vivarium construction". I found so many sites where people show you step by step how they built theirs.
Cheers!
"Great stuff" is insulation foam, yes, and thats what you want to be using. Make sure you do it in a VERY well ventilated space though, 'cause the fumes will knock you out. If you are just looking to make a background, you can spray it straight onto the tank, but you can also create molds and make objects, like fake rocks, with it.
Also, try googling "vivarium construction". I found so many sites where people show you step by step how they built theirs.
Cheers!
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"Great Stuff" or similar- the expanding insulation foam used around doors and windows, etc. Do not use the foam intended to fill wall spaces.