Making my own tank decorations?

[Winterose]

I actually just had the idea, could i possibly use sculpy clay to make decorations for my tank? if i could how would i go about doing so? would it basically be sculpt -> Paint -> seal -> add to tank? or am i missing a step or would the clay be toxic to the fish? and what paint would i use to paint it so it wouldn't kill the fish?

 

[Alan R]

I actually just had the idea, could i possibly use sculpy clay to make decorations for my tank? if i could how would i go about doing so? would it basically be sculpt -> Paint -> seal -> add to tank? or am i missing a step or would the clay be toxic to the fish? and what paint would i use to paint it so it wouldn't kill the fish?

I don't know much about clay, but my ex mother in law own a pottery making business so i have seen it done. I think one step you are missing is the kiln. i believe it is what makes the clay solid. Could probably do some research pn it to verify what I am telling you, but i'm thinking if the decor you are making will fit in the oven, the oven will work.

 

[Winterose]

Sculpy you would bake in an oven and ya most of the parts i'm making are small as they are only for a 20g tank

 

[Slappy*McFish]

I think the clay you're referring to would dissolve over time unless it were completely sealed/painted with Krylon Fusion.

 

[Winterose]

i don't think it would dissolve, i would seal it a bunch of times thought just to make sure it didn't cause thats the last thing I'd want to have happen. but if i seal it extra good it should be fine right?

 

[1oooop]

i don't think it would dissolve, i would seal it a bunch of times thought just to make sure it didn't cause thats the last thing I'd want to have happen. but if i seal it extra good it should be fine right?

*sigh* no... it will probably dissolve unless it is regular firing clay... to use this... you have to have a kiln or you can lock it in your BBQ at +1k temperatures

 

[blackwolfXKAV]

Foam works just as well and can be made to look like a variety of materials for a lower cost/volume as well. The "saltwater vivarium" build thread uses this method. DIYLR can also work, though you may be happier controlling the texture through carving vs. casting.

I would suggest runnig a small test batch of watever medium(s) you chose to use, and then comparing them for appearances and durability.

Good luck