3d back ground - concrete

[jcvi6]

I was wondering if anyone could help me, I'm currently making a 3d background out of rigid foam and pouring concrete over it. I was wondering if I need to use a sealant? The concrete I am using is commerecial grade - Quikcrete bonded topping mix".

I've heard of people using sealants, but I'm not sure which ones are safe. I've also heard people not using any sealants at all. If anyone has any advice, it would be great. Thanks!!!


-building slate fireplace, with fish tank in it, and 3d background, will post pix up when its done.. planning to stock chiclids.

oh, and which chiclids would be the best for me.. if i want colorful small ones. I used to have an oscar, green terror and convicts, in different tanks..

south african would have more colorful and smaller breeds? Im just gettting back in to the aquarium scene

[neven]

do not use sealants, let it cure properly and there wont be any surprises if some of the concrete chips away. Thats the problem with sealant, it gets scratched eventually, causing the lime to leech into the water. i've done it myself without sealant and some black concrete pigment to help enhance the depth and texture

[Dietmar]

Curing concrete will raise your ph quite a bit. So you will have to keep it in, say a pail, or other maybe larger container and change the water every week for at least a month. If you monitor ph weekly, then you'll know when ph is stable.
If its small enough, then the background could be put into the toilet tank. Each flush brings in new water.
I don't know anything about sealing it, whether this will keep the water away from the concrete. the water maybe would sneak in between the foam and the concrete? Don't know.
I would make sure that the heat from the fireplace could not raise the temp of the tank.

[neven]

if whatever you are curing the background in isn't too large, you may need to change the water more often than a week. Since i only did a nano tank, i had to W/C every 2 days for a while

[Dietmar]

if whatever you are curing the background in isn't too large, you may need to change the water more often than a week. Since i only did a nano tank, i had to W/C every 2 days for a while

Yes, I guess it really depends on the water volume in your container. Changing every two days in the beginning is a good idea.

[jcvi6]

I was gonna buy the krypton acrylic sealer. I heard people use that. It's safe? But u guys say I don't need to ?

I'm also using concrete coloring from quikcrete-brand

[Fishman21]

Have a look at the DIY section on this link - he's pretty thorough with his explanations

Dramatic AquaScapes - Aquarium and Semi-Aquatic Background Designs

[neven]

here was the guide i used
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/article...background.php