Using styrofoam for aquascaping

[MichiganMan]

As a break from our regularly scheduled stocking questions ( ), I give you this...

I have two medium-large rocks that I'm planning to use as part of the hardscape in our 29g. I'd like to have one sit a bit higher, to give the bottom some contour rather than a straight 1-2" across. I was thinking I could use a piece of styrofoam, placed on the bottom with substrate and the rock on top of it. As long as it isn't pressing against the glass, it shouldn't be visible, and would help to create a "rolling" bottom when covered with substrate. And it is a heck of a lot lighter than another inch or two of substrate.

Thoughts/comments/experiences?

 

[Dr. Awkward]

I think it would work well to lift up the rock but after awhile the substrate will fill in the dips, causing the rolling bottom to level off. If you don't mind putting the substrate back how you like it each time you do a water change I think it would look great. If you use a blow dryer you can melt the styrofoam into a more natural shape that's also more durable (no little styrofoam pellets floating around during siphoning).

 

[MichiganMan]

I think it would work well to lift up the rock but after awhile the substrate will fill in the dips, causing the rolling bottom to level off. If you don't mind putting the substrate back how you like it each time you do a water change I think it would look great. If you use a blow dryer you can melt the styrofoam into a more natural shape that's also more durable (no little styrofoam pellets floating around during siphoning).

Thanks, I was planning on shaping the styrofoam a bit, but was planning to use my handy dremel - your method sounds a lot less messy!

Now, I just have to build my hood and I'll be nearly water ready... :thm:

 

[7itanium]

well..I dont think its gonna do any harm or anything like that... but I dont think its gonna work that well unless you superglue it to the tank or something...

Styrofoam floats, and I think it would require a LOT of rock on top of it to hold it down... if you get it to work tho let me know and post a pic

 

[Dr. Awkward]

I think the two large rocks would be enough to hold it in place but if you're worried about it you could use a little aquarium silicone to anchor the styrofoam to the bottom of the tank.

 

[MichiganMan]

Both of the rocks I'm planning to use for decoration are about 8"x10-12" and I'd guess they weigh at least a couple pounds - maybe more. Should have no problem holding down a slightly larger piece of styrofoam (but I think a little test in the utility sink may be in order...

 

[Nolapete]

Put some big globs of silicone on the bottom of the rock. Let it cure at least 24 hours. This would be much more stable than styrofoam.

 

[bitbot]

I hesitate to ask, but what's a 'handy dremel'?

 

[Kashta]

I hesitate to ask, but what's a 'handy dremel'?

Dremel is the brand name for a "handy" little power tool. It's basically a hand-held rotary drill that has all sorts of changeable bits available for just about anything you can think of to do with it... from cutting, grinding, polishing, beveling, and cleaning grout... to carving styrofoam for a fishtank. lol.

 

[excuzzzeme]

A hobby drill/muti-tool. I have 2 of them and they are just the ticket for smaller crafting. Easier than using my full sized tools (table saw, router, radial saw, etc)