Backgrounds: Which are Materials/Chemicals to Avoid and those to Use?

[hahaa]

so, currently, I was interested in setting up a new tank and IMO a 3D background is a must in a well-designed aquarium.

Yet, my concern was on which products/material to use: should I opt for expanding foam, jablo, gypsum, fibreglass...etc etc?

Which is the best when it comes to Non-Toxicity, Quality and Ease-of-work?

[Lady Hobbs]

Most use foam and some use the expanding foam for filling it. It all needs to be coated with several layers of cement and in the last couple of coats, cement dye. There are several ways to do backgrounds on the internet. I was looking into doing it once myself.

[hahaa]

thanks for replying.

just in case you run by a good link don't hasitate to share :P

[hahaa]

just few seconds ago i was reading this link. just check it out and tell me what you think, guys!

cheers

[Jaster]

Here are some directions to making a background I made. I've listed the things to use. I've made over 20 backgrounds this way for people. We all still have them in our tanks with no issues to the fish.

http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aqua...ad.php?t=40215
If you have questions feel free to ask.

If you start a project like this, I hope you understand you MUST post pictures. It's an unwritten rule... and we are all very nosey...

[hahaa]

Most use foam and some use the expanding foam for filling it. It all needs to be coated with several layers of cement and in the last couple of coats, cement dye. There are several ways to do backgrounds on the internet. I was looking into doing it once myself.

what happens if instead of covering jablo with cement, one simply covers it with stones and silicone?

whats the purpose of cement dye?

[Goes to 11!]

whats the purpose of cement dye?

To change the color of cement to more natural tones.

FYI - You posted no link in your previous post:

just few seconds ago i was reading this link. just check it out and tell me what you think, guys!

cheers

[hahaa]

To change the color of cement to more natural tones.

FYI - You posted no link in your previous post:

oh hell!! thanks for telling me

here it is:

http://www.saltcorner.com/Articles/S...p?articleID=43

[Goes to 11!]

The preview button is your friend. :-P

[hahaa]

jaster, you said to use styrofoam.

when you say styrofoam do you mean extruded polystyrene or expanded polystyrene (jablo)?