Silicone & Coco fiber question

  • Get the NEW AquariaCentral iOS app --> http://itunes.apple.com/app/id1227181058 // Android version will be out soon!
RazzleFish

RazzleFish

AC Members
Oct 28, 2009
1,293
0
36
Hey guys!
I haven't been on in a long time but now that it's summer (or feels like it :eek:) I'm looking into re-vamping my viv. I am not planning anything too drastic as far as structure but I do want to make it look more natural than it currently does. I have some non-toxic, fish-safe spray foam that is meant to seal pond filters and waterfalls for a texured background (both above and below water) and I think it will work but just one problem. The foam is pure black and I don't really want that so I was wondering how to cover it. I am partial to using the silicone & coco fiber meathod but I cant find aquarium safe silicone in any container larger than a few ounces. Do you think that the 2.8 oz DAP Aquarium Sealant is enough to cover around 600 square inches? I guess I could always buy a second or a third bottle but im trying to keep the cost as low as possible. So then another question comes to mind: How do you guys find that this meathod holds up over time? I've heard mixed reviews.

Thanks for any help!
 
RazzleFish

RazzleFish

AC Members
Oct 28, 2009
1,293
0
36
That seems perfect. Thank you for that!

Does anyone know how this holds up over time with coco fiber?
 
petluvr

petluvr

AC Members
Jun 5, 2008
5,356
2
62
47
Podunk, Va.
Real Name
Larry
I started a viv project a while back and it fell to the way side. It has been setting devoid of water for like a year or better and there has been no breakdown that I can see. I just sprayed great stuff on the back, let it dry, carved it to the shape I wanted, spread the silicone on and then dumped coco fiber over it and VOILA
 
RazzleFish

RazzleFish

AC Members
Oct 28, 2009
1,293
0
36
Alright that's what I plan to do. Thanks for the help!
 
G

garyfla

AC Members
Apr 23, 2010
427
0
0
81
Hi
I've used acrylic latex paint both above and below water indoors and out . i used the regular low expanding "Great stuff". I found overtime anything adhereing to it will let go
though you can certainly use larger pieces of cork ,driftwood tree fern .rocks
I always use the Walmart silicone adhesive 3 compared to 6 bucks for GE.
Have never had a toxic issue in any setup including marine.
I would suggest that if you're going to use it in deeper water that you form ,carve and paint the deco. on a table top then either silicone to a rock or directly to the tank This allows you to paint the object all the way around as well as allowing better carving.
One bit of long term advice . Don't get too fancy with the paint job as it will be quickly covered with plants .. I tried imitating "malachite ' using 5 colors carefully applied and
6 months later you can't see it at all.lol
you can find small amounts of latex acrylic at walmart or craft stores. I find that it adheres as well as two part marine epoxy for about a third the cost. good luck with your project. gary
 
Vicious_Fish

Vicious_Fish

Moderator
Mar 6, 2007
5,339
5
62
43
The Land of the Lost
Real Name
Seth
You must log in or register to reply here.
zoomed.com
hikariusa.com
aqaimports.com
Store
Top Bottom