The Puffer Forum

I've checked out a couple of forums for DIY rocks- want to make a multilevel for my congo. I want to build with foam, add some weight and coat in paint and sand. Anyone know which paints are safe in freshwater tanks? Saw one post that said any 100% latex is safe? Also any safe epoxies (for sand coat)?

Here's a really good step by step with pictures of the items you will need. Including color for the background (not paint, pigment).
http://www.thecichlidgallery.com/articl ... ground.htm

I found it *way* too hard to do with cement. Mine just kept cracking and breaking off, which is why I actually gave up on that project (it's somewhere in this forum). I recently found a much better way from my local club, and I plan on trying it when summer comes around. It looks considerably easier and more stable.

http://ottawainverts.com/2008/12/13/bui ... ock-walls/

Enjoy!

Ive had the same issues working with cement

and I started to add some pond sealer type glueish material

and it kept the cement intact under water


maybe try mixing in that pond sealer stuff with your cement mix!!!

Did you put the sealer over or under the cement coat?

Paul, I read that project and it sounds like the best way to do it from all the projects i researched. thanks for the link.

Aye, I agree! I'm going to try a version of it, but for making caves/structures instead of a background. Hopefully it goes well.

When you do it, update us with your version please

Agnate wrote:Did you put the sealer over or under the cement coat?

I mixed it with cement, sand and colour (for cement rendering) all together with water

but I guess you can coat it on top pf the cement.. but if you miss a spot it will get in the concrete and start cracking it?!