20g Cork Scape Build

[customdrum]

i always thought it would fall apart after a year or so.
ive read it will make water more acidic but thats all other than alittle tannis.
def. lets us know if it gives you any problems in the future!

 

[dirtydawg10]

Very cool! Love the look of the cork bark.

 

[thebrandon]

Where exaclty would one find virgin cork?

 

[mellowvision]

yeah, I think there's a 50/50 shot of it lasting longer than 18 months...tannins and leeching are no issue to me... if not a possible benefit. I've tried to give myself a good shot at duration by using a ton of silicone and window screen as a lathe/binder between panels. hopefully that will keep the shape intact longer.

check out herpsupplies.com or maryland cork for virgin cork tubes. I've ordered from herpsupplies.com twice with great results.

the final gluing is almost done. water within 3 days! whoopa!

 

["13"]

Looks good so far. What are you using for a filter for that tank. ?

 

[mellowvision]

a Tom Mini Rapids Cannister and a Tom Dive Clean Micro Filter. In the cannister I will have a foam side and a biomax ceramic side.

 

[serissime]

I always love your threads! Excited to see this progress!

 

[Bubbles2112]

Your tank looks really nice!! I can't wait to see this as a finished tank..........

 

[Inka4040]

Why would it fall apart? Is it different from the cork they use in wine bottles and such? If so wouldn't it be quite resilient? I have no firsthand knowledge, just seems counter-intuitive to me.

 

[mellowvision]

the cork itself isn't likely to disintegrate much, but it could crack and swell, loosen over time. I have manzanita branches, which are hard and resiliant, that have lost SO much of their volume over a year+, going from 1/2" round to 3/8" or less. this is, I think, from bacteria and shrimp working away at the surface for months and months on end. I can imagine a similar, but slower process happening with the cork. I'm banking against it.

all the gluing is done. can't decide if I should paint the back tonight or not, I am out of paper towels.